Go Ride A Wave Surf Experience – Ocean Grove

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A two hour group surf lesson at Ocean Grove on the Bellarine Peninsula, where long, gentle waves and waist-deep water make it easy to catch your first ones. Lifeguard-qualified instructors aim to have first-timers standing up in the first lesson.

Days

2 hours

Age

7 years and over; under 9 with a parent in the water

Group size

Group lesson

Start / finish

Ocean Grove surf beach / Ocean Grove

Return

See itinerary for details

Transport

Make your own way to Ocean Grove

Meals

No meals are listed as included

Route

Map of Go Ride A Wave Surf Experience – Ocean Grove

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Included experiences

On the sand — surf theory, ocean awareness and board control
Ocean Grove — paddling into long, gentle waves in waist-deep water
Standing up — step-by-step methods to get you up and riding

Pictures / Videos

Itinerary

Map

ON THE SAND: OCEAN GROVE SURF BEACH

Your lesson starts beside the boat ramp at Ocean Grove's surf beach, off Surf Beach Road on the Bellarine Peninsula. Come 15 minutes early to sign in and choose a full-length wetsuit and a soft board. Ocean Grove began in the 1880s as a Methodist temperance settlement, where the sale of alcohol was banned; these days it's a laid-back surf town. Before you get wet, your lifeguard-qualified instructor covers surf theory and ocean awareness: how the waves form, where the rips run and how to stay safe.

IN THE WATER: YOUR FIRST WAVES

Then it's into waist-deep water, where you learn to control the board, paddle into a wave and pop up to your feet. Ocean Grove's waves are long and gentle, which gives you more time to stand than a steep beach break would, and plenty of goes in two hours. The instructors use step-by-step methods to get first-timers up and riding, often in the first lesson. If you've surfed before, ask for feedback that pushes you towards intermediate skills.

BACK ON THE BEACH

After two hours you hand back the board and wetsuit where you started. Just to the south, the Barwon River meets the sea at Barwon Heads, a good spot for a walk or a coffee afterwards.

Map

Good to know

Meeting point: Next to the boat ramp down to the beach at Ocean Grove, on the beach side of the new toilet block, off Surf Beach Road and about 200 metres past the surf life saving club.
Departure time: Please arrive 15 minutes before your lesson starts. Your lesson time is set when you book.
Duration: 2 hours.
Minimum age: 7 years. Children under 9 need a parent or guardian with them in the water; the helper gets a free full-length wetsuit.
Fitness: Only minimal swimming ability is needed, as lessons are in waist-deep water.
Please note: Rain on its own doesn't stop a lesson. If the surf is dangerous or too small to teach in, the lesson is called off and you get a refund or credit.

What to bring

Swimwear and a towel

What is included

Two hour surf lesson
Safety briefing, surf theory and ocean awareness
Soft beginner board, leg rope and full-length wetsuit
Instruction to suit your skill level
Personal feedback from an experienced instructor

Not included

Transport to Ocean Grove

FAQ

Preparing for the trip

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.

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.

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.