YOU CAN FIND ALL ANSWERS HERE IF YOU NEED THEM
DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN EQUIPMENT?
The Surf School provides surfboards and wetsuits as part of the lesson at no extra cost. We have a wide range to choose from so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own.
DO YOU HAVE MY SIZE BOARD AND WETSUIT?
The Surf School has many types of surfboards and wetsuits to choose from. We cater for all shapes, ages and sizes.
WHEN SHOULD I BUY MY OWN EQUIPMENT?
We suggest that you first have some lessons before you fork out money on equipment. Although its nice to have your own gear, you may just buy the incorrect stuff. Rather try out ours first and get a feel for things. Boards and wetsuits are expensive and if you buy the wrong thing you could cost yourself a lot of money and time. After several lessons and rentals we will have a good idea of your skill level and what board would suit you best. We will help you purchase equipment that suits your ability and bank account.
DO I HAVE TO START ON ONE OF THOSE LONG BOARD THINGY’S?
The reason we start off beginner surfers on Longboards is because they are easier. The longer and wider a surfboard is, the more stable and forgiving it is. It will however be more tricky to carry and turn. As your skills improve you will be able to ride a smaller and smaller board.
HOW LONG BEFORE I CAN STAND?
After one lesson your feet should have touched the board for at least 2 seconds. Each person has their own skill level and depending on fitness, age, flexibility, mindset and what you ate for dinner the night before, will achieve different results. Most people will stand in their first lesson, others take two or three. Few people stand on their very first wave. The most important thing for us is that you have FUN and don’t hurt yourself. We will do our best to instruct, motivate and encourage you to surf your best from the very beginning.
IS THERE A DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A POINTY NOSE AND A LONG BOARD NOSE?
Pointy’s are for more advanced surfers who want to ride the face of waves and do manoeuvres. They are not recommended for learning how to surf. If your feet and weight is incorrectly distributed the board will easily stop or flip over. Many beginner surfers have given up because they started on a board that was too small and pointy. Wait until you can competent ride a longer board before getting a short pointy one.
A rounded nose board has more surface area than a pointy. It will be far easier to learn to surf on a rounded nose board. If your feet are in the wrong place it may keep riding. If your weight is too far back it may keep going too. They are far more forgiving to ride than short boards.
WHAT IS A MINIMAL SURFBOARD?
This is a shape or size of surfboard. It can also be known as a short-longboard. It has a rounded nose and has a fairly wide surface area. This is the type of board an adult should buy after they can stand on a longboard. They range from 6’8 – 7’5 in length. They are notoriously difficult to find second hand as they last for so long and can be used by the whole family. Kids can learn on them, Moms and Dad’s can progress on them. When the waves are small you can improve your wave count.
IS IT SAFE TO SURF IN JEFFREY’S BAY?
Yes. We have a great sand bottomed beach to surf at. The wave is not too powerful, so its perfect to begin on. There are no rocks or reef to hurt yourself on. There are no strong rips. When the wind blows, strong side currents do occur. So its always good to keep a beach marker and move back to that when veering off too far. Beach access is easy with lots of open parking.
AT WHAT AGE CAN YOU START SURFING?
This all depends on the particular child. We’ve done lessons with 5yr olds that loved it. Others were more interested in the shells. Their attention span is very short too. The most important thing is that they do it because they want to. Don’t force your young child to surf because you always wanted to be a surfer. From about 7 or 8 yrs old your average kid is more than capable of carrying their own board and surviving the shore break.
DO ALL SURFERS SMOKE DOPE?
No. In the past surfers were given a bad reputation as drop outs and drug addicts. Times have changed and the sport is a lot different and cleaner now. We are here to coach surfing but also to connect, befriend, mentor and serve the surfing community.