Mount Surf School · Main Beach
Surf lessons in Mount Maunganui
New Zealand’s #1 surf school to learn to surf & improve
Daily surf lessons for all levels at Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach, with experienced, lifeguard trained surf coaches. Boards and wetsuits included.
Find your lesson
Who’s surfing?Surfing NZ approved
Board & wetsuit included
Runs rain or shine
Lifeguard & first aid trained coaches
Surf lessons
Surf lessons in Mount Maunganui
Every lesson runs for 1.5 hours on Main Beach, with surfboard and wetsuit included. Pick the one that suits you.
Group beginner surf lessons
Our beginner surf lessons are for absolute newcomers to surfing. You’ll learn beach safety, paddle technique, how to catch waves and, of course, how to get up to your feet on the board.
$79 PP
Private surf lessons
Private surf lessons do away with any strict structure, and instead focus on a completely bespoke coaching experience, with clear, actionable advice to improve.
FR $97.50 PP
Family group surf lessons
A fantastic way to bond, have fun and create lasting memories while learning an exciting new skill together, at discounted prices. Ages 10+.
$59 PP
Private family surf lessons
A personalised way for families to learn to surf together, tailored to your needs and skill levels, without any other members of the public present.
$69 PP
Weekend surf courses
Learn to surf in a weekend
Two days, 1:8 coach ratio, theory, in-water coaching and video breakdowns. The fastest way to make huge strides in your surfing.
Beginners surf course (level 1)
Learn to surf in a weekend. Everything you need to know to add rocket fuel to your progression, making huge strides in just two days.
$497 PP
Improver surf course (level 2)
For surfers through the early beginner stages who want to make a big leap and push their surfing to new levels.
$597 PP
Longboard foundations course
A two-day weekend course for longboarders: trim, flow and style, with video breakdowns of every session.
$597 PP
How it works
Your first surf lesson, sorted
1
Book online
Pick a lesson and a time. Takes two minutes, and you’ll get a confirmation email straight away.
2
Meet us at the tent
Main Beach, opposite 27 Marine Parade. Get there 15 minutes early and we’ll suit you up.
3
Get up and riding
Beach theory first, then into the water with your coach. Under our close instruction you’ll be up to your feet and riding waves in no time.
Kids
Kids surf lessons & programs
Holiday surf camp and daily kids lessons in the summer holidays, and Surf Groms after school during term, for ages 6 to 15.
Summer holidays · from 18 December
Kids holiday surf camp
Sun, sand & surf. Kids hang out with a crew of likeminded groms, learn ocean safety, surf skills and awareness, and play all day long.
$99 a day
or $395 a week · Mon–Fri 8.30am–1pm
Surf Groms (after school)
Giving kids a clear pathway to learn surfing while staying safe in the ocean. They’ll build confidence, master new techniques and gain essential ocean knowledge.
Kids group surf lessons
Daily 9am kids-only lessons through the summer holidays. Small groups, all gear included. $69 per kid.
Main Beach, Mount Maunganui
Opposite 27 Marine Parade
Why the Mount
Why learn to surf in Mount Maunganui?
Mount Maunganui is uniquely situated as a learn to surf destination, blessed with a cocktail of natural phenomena that make the waves perfect for learning to surf.
Unlike other beaches around the country with big, dangerous, powerful waves, the Mount is the complete opposite, offering up gentle, playful waves all year round.
Surf conditions & what to expect
Mount Maunganui has arguably the best beaches for learning to surf in the country. Forget Raglan, the Mount is where it’s at!
White sandy beaches, crystal clear water and soft rolling waves make it the ideal destination to learn to surf. Couple that with prevailing offshore winds in the summer months and small, clean conditions on a regular basis, and it’s no wonder people are coming to the Mount to learn to surf.
Keen to explore? Check out our guide to where to surf in Mount Maunganui.
About us
Mount Maunganui’s #1 surf school
As a surf school we take pride in doing things a little differently, being daring, and not being afraid to challenge the status quo.
It’s this same thinking that’s led us to become the fastest growing surf school in Mount Maunganui, with a roaring community hundreds strong, a great team, and some cutting edge teaching methods. More about us
Why choose Mount Surf School?
Location
We’re one of the few operators located at Mount Maunganui’s Main Beach area. This is the place to be if you want to learn to surf.
Experienced coaches
Our coaches come from a solid background of surfing, having spent years mastering the sport themselves, and they’re here to share everything they know.
All equipment included
For all our surf lessons, women’s surf programs, kids term surfing and camps, all equipment is provided free of charge.
100% inclusive
We welcome everyone. Wherever you’re from, whatever your ability, size or age, we welcome you all with open arms.
We take things at your pace
We know first hand how daunting it can be learning to surf. We’re here to guide you each step of the way. We’re not here to be heroes, we’re here to make sure you have the best time ever.
Safety first
Main Beach is one of the safest beaches to learn to surf in the country, and we go above and beyond with strict safety guidelines at all times.
Learn from the best
5.0 stars from 644 Google reviews
Our coaches are some of the most experienced, qualified coaches you can get. But don’t take our word for it.
Read all our Google reviews → · Had a lesson? Leave us a review →
★★★★★
First time surfing and it was a blast! Our instructor was fantastic, super friendly, encouraging, and made the whole experience feel easy. I went from nervous to confident in no time. Highly recommend these guys, we’ll be back for round two
DV N · First lesson · Google review
★★★★★
Dom was really amazing with my kids who are 7 and 9. He kept the lesson fun but really helped them focus on the correct technique for progressing with their surfing. They can’t wait to go back and have more lessons with him.
Mary Copeman · Kids lesson · Google review
★★★★★
My husband and I had a surfing lesson with the guys here. Jason was our instructor and he was just perfect… My husband’s done it before so Jason really worked on his base level skills… Where as I was just up for some fun in the water, but he actually got me standing by the end of the session.
Kirsty Ulyatt · Couple’s lesson · Google review
★★★★★
My friend and I had the best time doing the 2 day improver surf course with Dean! He was super encouraging, we learnt heaps and were really able to see our progress. Such a fun weekend!
Sophie · Improver course · Google review
★★★★★
Had such a great experience the first time, I booked another lesson with my son two days later. We were both up standing. Instructors were friendly and helpful. Would absolutely recommend the Mount Surf School. Best surf school at the Mount
Natalie Martin · Parent & kid · Google review
★★★★★
My daughter and I had a surf lesson while in New Zealand. Our instructor Dean was fantastic in not only explaining the safety aspects of surfing but also in ensuring my 13 year old had as many opportunities to pop up on the board as the waves allowed.
Mona Gusan · Private lesson · Google review
Schools
Surfing for schools
A leading EOTC provider for primary, intermediate, high school and international groups. Big groups handled with ease.
Already surf?
Surfboard & wetsuit hire
We’ve got a huge selection of surfboards and wetsuits to hire, right on Mount Maunganui’s best learn to surf beach. Find our tent on Main Beach, or check out our surfboard hire rates for more details.
FR $25
What do I need to bring?
Togs, a towel, a hat, sunscreen and some water. We supply the board and wetsuit. Get to the tent about 15 minutes early.
How old do you need to be?
Group beginner lessons are 7+. Kids under 10 need a non-surfing adult with them (free wetsuit for the adult). Private and family lessons suit all ages, kids programmes are 6 to 15, and weekend courses are 15+.
What happens in bad weather?
Bad weather doesn’t affect us in any way. We’re on the beach getting wet anyway, so we embrace it all. If conditions aren’t safe for surfing, we’ll reschedule the lesson where possible.
Where do we meet?
At our trailer, flags and tent on Main Beach, opposite 27 Marine Parade.
When are you open?
All year round, 7 days a week. Lessons run daily, with times listed on each lesson page.
Find us
Find our surf school on Main Beach
Look for our trailer, flags and tent on the sand at Main Beach. Lessons start and finish right there.
Opposite 27 Marine Parade, Mount Maunganui 3116
0274 137 259
hello@mountsurfschool.co.nz
Open 7 days, all year round
Buy a gift voucher
A gift you know they’ll love. Valid for 3 years on any lesson, program or surfboard hire.