Go Ride A Wave Surf Progressive Course – Torquay

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A surf course in Torquay to help you surf independently, combining three 2-hour progressive surf lessons with 12 online surf theory modules.

Days

Three 2-hour lessons

Age

All ages; under 9s with a parent in the water

Group size

Small group

Start / finish

Torquay / Torquay

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

None needed — the beaches are a short walk from the Torquay store

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Go Ride A Wave Surf Progressive Course – Torquay

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Included experiences

Torquay beaches — three progressive surf lessons
Surf skills — paddling out, catching waves and popping up
Online — 12 surf theory modules

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

LESSON ONE: THE TORQUAY STORE TO THE SAND

Every lesson starts at the Go Ride A Wave store in Torquay, where you arrive 15 minutes early, sign in and get your wetsuit and soft board. The surf industry grew up in this town: Rip Curl and Quiksilver were both started here around 1969, and the Australian National Surfing Museum sits a few streets away. Torquay has two beaches for lessons, and the instructors pick the one that suits the conditions on the day, a short walk from the store. Your first session covers beach theory, then paddling, catching a wave and popping up to your feet in waist-deep water.

LESSONS TWO AND THREE: SURFING ON YOUR OWN

After booking the first lesson you get two voucher codes and choose the dates for the next two. Each session builds on the last, with more waves, feedback from your instructor and the skills to surf without one, from surf etiquette to reading the water. A few kilometres down the coast lies Bells Beach, which has hosted an Easter surf contest since the early 1960s, so you're learning in Australia's best-known surf town. Back at the store, hot showers wait after each lesson, which you'll be glad of in a Victorian spring.

BETWEEN SESSIONS: 12 ONLINE THEORY MODULES

The 12 online theory modules fill in what you can't learn in a two-hour session: how swell and tide shape the waves, how to spot a rip, where to paddle out and how to share the line-up. The course also counts towards a surf safety competency. Work through them between lessons and you'll finish ready to hire a board and surf Torquay's beaches with friends.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: The Go Ride A Wave store in Torquay. Please arrive 15 minutes before the lesson starts.
Suits: Beginners and intermediate surfers. Children under 9 need a parent or guardian to help in the water; the parent is given a free full-length wetsuit.
Please note: There is no set time limit for using the lesson vouchers, though completing the course within a short time is recommended. Access to the online theory modules is given after booking.

What to bring

Bathers and a towel

What is included

3 x 2-hour surf lessons that build on each other
12 online surf theory modules
Learn-to-surf equipment: soft beginner board, leg rope and full-length wetsuit
Surf instruction to suit your skill level

Not included

Photography

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

What immunisations do I need?

For the latest information on immunisations, we strongly recommend you or contact the Travellers Medical and Vaccination Centre (www.traveldoctor.com.au) to discuss health requirements for your trip. They will advise you about appropriate inoculations.

Do I need to take any medical supplies?

It is not necessary to bring any medical supplies other than any personal items you may require. Each tour carries a first aid box, and the tour guides are all certified in First Aid.

Do I need travel insurance?

Insurance is important in protecting visitors from loss or damange of goods, medical problems, cancelation by passengers or other casualties. Its highly recommended. Some tours on this website require you to have travel insurance. If you are Australian then it is not necessary.

Where can I get more information about this trip?

If you find that this tour page doesn't answer all your questions, then please get in contact with us! Our passionate team are always available to answer any queries you may have.

Will I be able to use my mobile whilst on tour?

You can use your mobile while touring in Australia or New Zealand, but coverage may be limited in remote areas. For best connectivity, consider purchasing a local SIM card or an international roaming plan.

How fit do I need to be?

These tours are designed to be fun, informative and active, and can be enjoyed by anyone with a moderate degree of fitness and agility. Travellers should be comfortable with hiking or walking up to 5km each day.

What should I pack?

Depending on where in Australia or New Zealand you decide to visit, your luggage will vary. For exact information please visit the "What to bring" section of each tour page.

Private tours and families

Is it possible to travel in a private group?

If you are looking for a private tour based on one of these trips, please contact us directly and we may be able to help. Over the years we have worked with families, groups of friends, schools, clubs and charities to put together the perfect trip.

Booking the trip

Does the tour price include flights?

No. Tour prices do not include any travel arrangements other than for the duration of the tour itself. If you need assistance with booking flights or buses our travel team and certainly help - Just ask!

How far in advance do I need to book my tour?

As a rule of thumb, try to book at least 2 weeks prior to departure, this will usually get you a seat on the date you want. That being said, we cannot guarantee that spaces will be available at the time of your booking so, if you can, book as soon as possible. Bookings can still be made right up until the departure date of the tour if seats are available. If you know when you'd like to travel, please contact us and we will let you know if you need to book soon or if you have time.

Do I have to book this tour online?

Definitely not. Our website is designed to make is easy and convenient for you to schedule your tour. However we understand sometimes its nice to talk to someone directly. So by all means give us a call and we can organise your trip over the phone.

If I book more than one tour can I get a discount?

Absolutely! If you are booking multiple tours then we may be able to offer you a discount. Send us an email at info@lostinaustralia.org and let us know what you thinking of doing and we can put together a price for you.Also, be sure to look out for monthly specials on tours. We often have some great bargains.

How do I know when a tour is available?

You can check the departure dates of tours by using our calendar on the top right hand corner of the tour page. This will tell you what days the tour departs. For availability of seats please contact us directly at info@lostinaustralia.org or call us.

If I make a deposit only, when will I need to pay the balance?

Balance on tours need to be paid at least 30 days prior to departure. Failure to do so could result is the cancellation of your seat with a fee charged. If you need more time to clear your balance then let us know ASAP and arrangements can be made.

Who travels with us

Is it ok to travel alone on one of these tours?

Plenty of travellers book these tours on their own. Solo travellers are very much welcomed and encouraged. During your outback adventure you'll meet new and interesting people and forge relationships that last a lifetime.Solo travellers will usually share a room with a travelling companion of the same sex, but even if you do get your own room you won't be charged extra. On camping tours there are generally enough tents available that you can have your own if you choose to.For more information please contact us directly.

Cost and Fees

Do I need to tip the guide?

If you had an amazing time on tour and wish to tip your guide, that is completely up to you. Tipping is not customary in Australia and is not at all expected.

Will I need additional money?

Travellers are advised to bring some cash, as ATMs and banks can be few and far between in the remote parts of the trip. It is handy to have some extra cash, as the tour does stop by local shops and cafes.

Are there any hidden fees I need to know about?

Our tour prices are completely transparent. There are no additional fees involved that are not included in the overall tour price shown. If you wish to do optional activities such as helicopter rides or wildlife safaris, then an extra cost may be needed. However, this will always be made clear at the time of your booking.

What does Paid Locally mean?

Some tours require you to pay national park fees directly, in cash, to the tour guide on the morning of departure. Rest assured this will be subtracted from the tour price when reserving your tour.

Whilst on tour

Can I book extra accommodation for the start and end of the tour?

We know our country inside and out and would be happy to give you good recommodations. Please contact us for recommendations.

Where do I meet the tour?

For pick-up times and locations, please check the "Start/Finish" section directly under the itinerary, which lists every pick-up point and its time.There is a lot of information there to help you plan your flights and arrival.Please review it carefully, as pick-ups can vary from tour to tour.