Why Learn to Surf in Gisborne?
Located on New Zealand's legendary East Coast, Gisborne is one of the country's premier surfing destinations. With consistent waves, beautiful beaches, and beginner-friendly breaks, it's the perfect place to learn the sport that defines our coastline.
Gisborne offers consistent swell, uncrowded beaches, and waves to suit every skill level. From mellow beginner breaks to fun waves for progressing surfers, there's always somewhere to paddle out.
Surfing isn't just a holiday activity here—it's a way of life. Early morning surf checks, sandy feet, salty hair, and chasing the next perfect wave are all part of living on the East Coast.
Learn to Surf in Gisborne
Looking for the best surf lessons in Gisborne? You've come to the right place. Whether you're stepping onto a surfboard for the very first time or looking to improve your technique, our experienced instructors will help you build confidence in the water while having an unforgettable time.
Our learn to surf lessons cover everything you need to catch your first wave safely and confidently.
During your lesson you'll learn:
- Ocean and beach safety
- How to read waves and identify the safest conditions
- Correct paddling technique
- How to catch waves
- Standing up and riding your first wave
- Surf etiquette and lineup awareness
We provide quality surfboards, wetsuits, and expert instruction, so all you need to bring is your sense of adventure.
Surf Lessons for Everyone
- Complete beginners
- Families
- Kids and teenagers
- Couples
- Groups
- Travellers exploring the East Coast
- Intermediate surfers wanting to improve
Lessons are relaxed, fun, and tailored to your ability, so everyone gets the most out of their time in the water.
Book Your Gisborne Surf Lesson Today
Whether you're visiting Gisborne for a weekend or you're a local ready to give surfing a go, New Wave Surfboards is here to help you catch your first wave.
Come and experience why Gisborne is one of New Zealand's best places to learn to surf. We'll supply the equipment, the local knowledge, and plenty of encouragement—you just bring the enthusiasm.
Book your Surf Lesson in Gisborne today and discover why so many people fall in love with surfing on the East Coast. If you have any questions check out our FAQ section below:
How do I book?
You can get in touch via phone call, text, email or pop into our store @ 189 Awapuni road Gisborne.
Please note that we may not be able to instantly confirm your surf lesson booking. We try to allow 12 hours to confirm your lesson with our coaches. Often our coaches are surfing!
When do I pay?
Full payment is required upon confirmation of your booking. You can either pay instore or online
Where do we Meet?
Our surf lessons typically begin at our New Wave store 189 Awapuni rd Gisborne, where we fit you out with the best size wetsuit & surfboard, sign the safety waiver, then you meet the coach and travel to the best surf spot on the day. Usually town ‘Pipe’ or Roberts Rd but occasionally we travel over to the coast at Northern Makorori. Sometimes if you are staying in Wainui or Makorori and the lesson is over on the coast we arrange to meet you at the beach there. We will send you joining instructions on how to do this. Our lessons don't include transport, if you need a lift to the beach please let us know and we may be able to arrange this. Our coach transports all the surfboards and wetsuits.
What time should I arrive for the lesson?
We ask that you show up 10 - 15 minutes before the surf lesson start time. This is to fit you with the wetsuit, sign waivers and meet your instructor. This time allows you to get the routine stuff out of the way, so we can get you in the water shredding sooner!
What do I bring?
All the equipment you need for surfing is provided! We suggest you bring casual swimwear to wear under your wetsuit, a towel, and plenty of water and sunscreen. Not all surf spots having changing facilities, we suggest a surf towel/ poncho for easy changing. We sell sunscreen and surf towels/ ponchos at our store. * Tip put your sunscreen on at home before you leave.
Is the equipment hire included in my lesson?
Yes. We provide the surfboard & wetsuit. We have a large selection of 3/2mm full length, comfortable wetsuits for every shape and size, from children’s to men’s and women’s. We mostly use soft top surfboards in our beginner lessons, we have sizes suitable for younger groms up to high volume surf school boards for surfers upto 120kgs. Our coaches are experts at recommending the right size surfboard if you've got the surfing bug and want to buy your own.
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What if there is bad weather?
Surfing in the rain is super fun! However, in the unlikely event it’s too windy or the waves aren’t good for learning, we will reschedule as soon as we make the call. If you can’t reschedule with us, we will offer a full refund and hope to see you another day.
It’s important to us to only teach when we can provide a quality lesson for our customers. Gisborne is known for it’s sunshine and beginner friendly waves.We only surf at breaks that are safe. Lucky for us, most days are great
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What is your cancelation policy?
While we do endeavour to cater to everyone’s needs, we require at least 48 hours notice for cancellations for a full refund. Within the 48 hour window of your booked lesson, we have already scheduled instructors and coordinated locations, etc. and do not guarantee a refund.
If we cancel a surf lesson due to conditions or safety concerns, we will do our best to reschedule and if that’s not possible, provide you with a full refund.
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Do you have surfboards & wetsuits I can hire without a lesson?
Yes, we do! If you want to do your own thing we offer surfboard, SUP (stand up paddle board) body board & wetsuit hire. We have a variety of surfboards and wetsuits to hire for ages 5+ from our surf shop which is located just 400M from Midway (Town) beach. We have a wide range of foamie's (soft top surfboards) and hardboard shortboards to longboards. Our staff are happy to recommend the right size board for you and suggest the best surf spot from our many awesome surf beaches.
Please note day rental duration runs between our business operation hours (9.00am - 5.00pm weekdays 9 - 1 Saturday) not 24 hours, unless arranged otherwise. Contact us for long term rentals for a better deal.
We also offer secure storage of your valuables for a stress free surf!
All rentals require a credit or debit card pre authorization as security in case of damage or loss of equipment.
See here for more info
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Do you sell surfboards/ second hand surfboards and wetsuits?
Yes. We sell a wide range of surfboards from fun foam boards to fibreglass boards & higher volume beginner boards. Also checkout our second hand board rack for some great deals on used surfboards.
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What else is there to do in Gisborne?
Discover why visitors come to Gisborne for its sunshine and famous beaches but stay for its sense of community, amazing beaches and ties with its Māori heritage. See here for what else to do in Gisborne
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