Will I be able to stand up on the board in my first lesson?

Most students will get to stand up on their first lesson especially with the help of our qualified instructors. It may take a few lessons to ride an unbroken wave, this process will greatly be speed up by taking lessons regularly. This will assist with timing, understanding the ocean and patterns of waves.

Where do we surf during the surfing safari?

Our lessons will always be held in the hidden gem outer bays of the banks peninsula. These beaches are always quiet , peaceful and have great beginner waves.

Do your surf safaris run everyday?

We operate every day of the summer season from November through to April . This is our peak season but we will be extending into winter in the future! Please contact us for daily Safari times.

Where does the lesson start from?

  • We do a pick up from our meeting point in Akaroa township, on the grass outside The Ratatouille Restaurant, or the General Peninsula Store which is by Jubille Park ( the cricket pitch)
  • When is check-in for the surfing lesson?
  • Students should aim to be at the meeting point 10 minutes before start time to allow enough time to get signed in

What is your instructor: student ratio?

  • Our maximum ratio is 1:7 but generally groups will be about 1:4

Do I need to book in advance for a surfing safari?

  • Yes!  We offer intimate small group lessons and we only have 7~14 spaces per trip so pre-booking is essential.
  • What payment facilities do you have?
  • We accept cash on arrival if you have reserved your booking via credit card on the phone, or you can pay via credit card through our BOOKIT booking system on our website.

What times do the safaris operate each day?

  •  Please contact us for bookings as times vary due to tides and conditions. We operate a morning and afternoon session daily.

Do you still go surfing in bad weather?

  • We do as generally the waves are good then!! We are one of the only activities in Akaroa that can operate in windy or adverse weather conditions.
  • As long as ocean conditions are suitable we are surfing every day! Our Surf Safaris are the only water sports in Akaroa that operate in bad weather as this is often when the waves are great! Our Safaris are great wet weather option if you are looking for a great way to spend a few hours!

Are there age restrictions on joining the surf safari?

  • Children must be a minimum of 10 years to join a safari. If you have young children you can contact us for a private family lesson

Do you need to know how to swim?

  • Yes it is important to be able to swim.
  • If you are not a strong swimmer you should ideally look for a private lesson one on one with our Instructor. Contact us for rates.

How warm is the water ?

  • Summer and Autumn are the warmest months but you will be provided with a new Quiksilver winter wetsuit to keep you warm anyway!. The water temperature is around 15 degrees calcius.

What do I need to bring?

  • You need to bring a Positive attitude, lots of energy, drinking water, warm clothes, a towel, and sunscreen.

Do you offer hire of equipment every day?

  • No we don’t, it is not safe to surf unsupervised if you are not familiar with the local conditions.

What is your Cancellation Policy?

  • A cancellation or no show with less than 24 hours will not receive a refund.

Will we see dolphins?

  • There is always a possibility  as we share the oceans around this area with the beautiful Hector dolphins which are only found in NZ.
  • We also surf with seals and occasionally see penguins from time to time!
  • Not to mention lots of fascinating sea birds diving and swooping around us!