Blackdog Surfing Ultimate Package

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A five day surf course in Byron Bay built to take a beginner to intermediate: four three hour group lessons plus a two hour private lesson in which you move from a soft board to a hard board and learn to surf on your own.

Days

5 days, five lessons

Age

12 years and over

Group size

Up to 7 students per instructor

Start / finish

Blackdog shop, Byron Street / Byron Bay beach / Byron Street

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Transfer from the shop to the beach and back

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Blackdog Surfing Ultimate Package

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Included experiences

Byron Bay — four group surf lessons on the day's best beach
Private lesson — two hours one-on-one, moving to a hard board
Independent surfing — technique to keep surfing after the course

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

DAY 1: THE BASICS

Meet at the Blackdog Surfing shop on Byron Street in the middle of Byron Bay, 15 minutes before your start time, and on the first day pick up a wetsuit for the season and a soft learner board. Lesson times move with the tides and swell, so yours is confirmed with you before the day. The school has been family run here since 2001, its instructors are qualified lifeguards, and there is one instructor for every seven students. From the shop the crew drives you to whichever beach has the best learner waves that morning. Byron's beaches face north, tucked behind Cape Byron, the most easterly point of mainland Australia, which shelters them from the southerly swells.

The first lesson starts on the sand with how waves break, where to lie on the board, paddling and the pop-up, then moves into the white water to catch and ride your first waves. Lessons run inside Walgun Cape Byron State Conservation Area, which protects the cape and its beaches, and the park fee is covered.

DAYS 2 TO 4: GROUP LESSONS THAT BUILD

Three more group lessons follow, about three hours each, on whichever Byron beach suits that day's waves. Start times follow the tides, so they may change from day to day, and each one is confirmed with you. With one instructor for every seven students, each session is mostly time in the water with someone watching your technique. Day by day you catch more waves, stand up sooner and ride further, and your confidence in the surf grows with it. The aim of the whole course is to take you from beginner to intermediate. Bottlenose dolphins live in Byron's bay all year, so you may share a wave.

PRIVATE LESSON: ONTO A HARD BOARD

One lesson is yours alone: two hours with your own instructor, tailored to how you're surfing. This is where you move from the soft learner board to a hard board, which is faster and more responsive but less forgiving. Your instructor also covers what you need to keep surfing on your own after the course: reading the beach and the conditions, choosing where to paddle out, and surf etiquette in the line-up. At the end the crew drives you back to the shop in Byron Street.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Blackdog Surfing shop, Shop 4/5, 11 Byron Street, Byron Bay. Arrive 15 minutes before your lesson; the school takes you to the beach and back.
Departure time: Lesson times follow the tides and surf, so your start time is confirmed when you book and can shift if conditions change. In winter the time is set with you after booking.
Duration: Five lessons over five days: four of about 3 hours and one of about 2 hours.
Minimum age: 12 years for group lessons. Younger children can learn in a private lesson.
Fitness: You must be able to swim at least 50 metres on your own.
Suits: Beginners who want to finish able to surf on their own.
Please note: Not suitable for wheelchair users. Wetsuits suit the season: a rash vest or spring suit in summer, a full steamer in winter.

What to bring

Swimmers
Towel

What is included

Four group surf lessons of about 3 hours each
One private lesson of about 2 hours
Surfboard and all surf gear
Wetsuit to suit the season
Transport from the shop to the beach and back
Coaching from qualified lifeguard instructors
National park entry where lessons are held

Not included

Hotel pick-up (lessons start from the shop in Byron Street)
Food and drinks

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.