LEARN TO SURF AT THE HOME OF ENDLESS SUMMER
Raglan, on the north island of New ZeaLand, is a surfing hotspot as well as a stunningly beautiful stretch of black sand shoreline. Many people consider Manu Bay on this coast to be the world's longest, most accessible, and consistent left-hand break. Manu Bay (also known as The Point) was depicted in the cult surfing film Endless Summer, which was released in 1966.
Photo by Tim Marshall
Where to surf Raglan?
Manu Bay
The wave itself spans from two to ten feet and is perhaps the most well-known and appreciated surf spot in the Raglan area. The wave loops across the bay and around beyond the boat ramp, and it's a long left-hand point break on a boulder beach. The wave begins with a hollow drop into a barrel part before transitioning to a long wally phase. The lower the tide, the hollower and faster it becomes.
Ngarunui Beach
This huge length of beach, located 5 kilometres west of Raglan, has a lot of wave riding possibilities. This is a nice spot for less experienced and novice surfers in an area known for its punishing, rocky breaking. One thing you'll hear in Raglan is that Indicators, Manu Bay, and Whale Bay will push you to your boundaries, whereas Ngarunui Beach is more laid-back and ideal for surfers looking for the consistent conditions that Raglan is known for without having to deal with waves that are beyond their ability level. During high season, lifeguards patrol the beach, providing added security if the waves pick up while any amateur surfers are out.
Ruapuke
The rule of thumb for this break is that if the surf off Raglan is one foot, the surf at Ruapuke will be three to four feet. This is the most flexible break in the area, as it caters to all levels of surfers and is exposed to a lot of swell. There are various peaks along the beach to choose from, including right and left handers, and the waves are strong, with barrels available. As you might expect, it gets fairly crowded here, so make sure you're familiar with the local surfing etiquette before hitting the waves.
LEARN TO SURF at RAGLAN Surf School
Photo by Tim Marshall
Raglan Surf School's friendly and skilled surf teachers will teach you how to surf in New Zealand's surf capital.
Surfing is at the heart of Raglan's alternative lifestyle, which includes environmental responsibility and community diversity. They are honoured to be the country's first surf school, having opened in 1999 in New Zealand's surfing capital.
Surf Lessons
Group Lesson
The group class begins at the Ngarunui Beach car park (red fire truck), which is about 5 minutes outside of Raglan. They chose a maximum student-to-teacher ratio of 6 students to 1 instructor, which means they can provide you with plenty of personalised advice. This course requires a minimum age of ten years old to participate.
First, you'll master the fundamentals of surfing and surfboard jargon, as well as stance, posture, and water and beach safety.
Before you tackle the waves, you'll be totally prepared! At their Red fire-truck and wooden trailer, located at Ngarunui Beach car lot, you will get custom fitted for a wetsuit and surfboard.
After a little regrouping on the sand, your teacher will be waiting for you in the surf, ready to assist you with choosing waves, lining up your board, and even pushing you into waves. By the end of the lesson, they want you to be able to paddle into waves on your own.
Private Lessons
Their customised surf lessons will assist you in improving your surfing skills. A private session is ideal if you've already surfed a little and want to take it to the next level, perhaps by venturing further out the back to catch green waves.
They'll gain a better understanding of your needs during these courses, allowing them to tailor their teaching techniques to your personality, style, and level.
You'll be able to interpret the waves and comprehend the location.
Family Surf Lessons
Rather than being included in a bigger group, the Family surf class is meant to provide one teacher particularly for your family. The lesson plan is adaptable to various ages and skill levels. Their knowledgeable and trustworthy teachers are courteous, energetic, and eager to share their knowledge of surfing with both parents and children. Definitely a day to remember for the whole family!
All wetsuits and boards are supplied for both kids and adults at the Ngarunui beach car lot (red fire truck).
Note: a minimum of 3 people and a maximum of 6 people are required.