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A one-day January holiday program on the Kapiti Coast where kids ages 7–16 learn to surf and skate with expert instructors. All equipment is provided; the day emphasizes safety, skills, and fun.
A one-day January holiday program on the Kapiti Coast where kids ages 7–16 learn to surf and skate with expert instructors. All equipment is provided; the day emphasizes safety, skills, and fun.
Book with Wellington Surf Lessons
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Wellington Surf Lessons · Wellington, Wellington
Bright mornings on the Kapiti Coast begin with the slap of small waves across a broad stretch of sand — the setting for the Kids Surf & Skate Holiday Program at Paekakariki Beach, a hands-on summer camp north of Wellington, New Zealand. Designed for ages 7–16, this one-day program during the January school holidays pairs ocean time with skate coaching to teach safety, board skills, and teamwork. Instructors supply all surf and skate gear, so kids step directly into warm, learner-friendly beach breaks and sheltered skate areas under experienced supervision. The scene is coastal and rugged: open sand, low dunes edged by native sand sedges like pingao, and a shore that often produces soft, rolling waves ideal for first pop-ups. For young skaters the program moves to flat, controlled asphalt zones where balance drills, push techniques, and confidence-building progressions mirror the pedagogy used in the water. The combination of both disciplines accelerates board sense—the transferable instinct to read motion, manage fall zones, and ride with control. Safety is the program’s backbone. Certified instructors focus on ocean awareness, etiquette in the line-up, helmeted skate practice, and basic first-aid readiness while keeping sessions playful. Small group ratios and staged progressions mean beginners get repeated, coached reps and more advanced kids receive skill-specific challenges. Parents can expect clear briefings at pick-up and drop-off and a structure that emphasizes fun alongside measurable learning. This camp stands out on the Kapiti Coast because it anchors land and sea teaching in one day: surf technique informs skateboard posture and vice versa. The local flora of coastal dunes and the frequent presence of coastal birds give the beach a distinctly New Zealand signature. A short cultural note: the Kapiti Coast carries both Māori and colonial histories tied to fishing and coastal travel, which adds context to any visit. Practical notes: wear a rash guard or layers, bring a water bottle, and arrive early for registration. Because sessions run outdoors, conditions can vary; instructors adapt lesson plans to wind and swell. The program is an ideal introduction for kids to gain real skills, meet peers, and build confidence on two boards. Whether a first-time surfer or a beginner skater, participants leave with new competence, big smiles, and memories of a salty, sunlit day on Paekakariki Beach. Staff emphasize progressive milestones—standing to riding, turning to small cutbacks, celebrating small wins with photos and certificates that boost momentum. Groups are often mixed-ability so older kids mentor newcomers, creating a low-pressure culture. Families traveling to Wellington can plan a day trip to Kapiti Coast and pair camp with a picnic or beachcombing. Spaces often fill in January; early booking through the referral is recommended. Reserve spots early to avoid disappointment.
The program accepts children aged 7–16, with groupings tailored by age and skill to keep progression appropriate.
Yes—surfboards, skateboards, helmets, and wetsuits or rash guards are supplied by instructors.
Experienced, certified instructors lead sessions and emphasize ocean safety, helmet use, and first-aid basics.
Parents are typically welcome to observe from designated areas; check check-in notes for the exact meeting point.
Lessons are adjusted to conditions; instructors will communicate updates and rescheduling or refund policies through the booking contact.
Sessions use Paekakariki Beach and nearby controlled skate zones on the Kapiti Coast north of Wellington; check booking details for the precise meeting location.
Wellington Surf Lessons is a surf school in Wellington, New Zealand that runs surf programs at Lyall Bay and on the Kapiti Coast. The business offers a mix of lessons designed for families, kids, women, and individuals seeking private instruction. Offerings include a Kids Surf & Skate Holiday Program at Lyall Bay and Kapiti Coast, regular kids' lessons and calendars, a women's lesson calendar, private surf lessons at Lyall Bay, and an online booking calendar for scheduling. The curriculum focuses on water safety, ocean awareness, paddling technique, pop-up mechanics and wave selection. Sessions use progressive coaching methods so beginners build skills reliably and intermediate surfers refine technique. Classes are weather- and surf-dependent to ensure safe, appropriate conditions. Equipment is provided appropriate to participants’ age and ability, with soft-top boards for learners and suitable wetsuits where required. Wellington Surf Lessons emphasizes a supportive learning environment, small group formats for scheduled lessons, and personalized attention in private sessions. The kids' Surf & Skate Holiday Program combines skate coaching with surf lessons to develop balance and board control while creating a social experience for participants. Women's lessons are structured to be encouraging and communal, with flexible scheduling from mid-October. Booking is managed through a calendar system that lists available dates for Lyall Bay lessons. The business provides reliable, local surf instruction focused on skill development, safety and fun.
Book with Wellington Surf Lessons