New Zealand Youth Surf Camp: 4 Nights of Coaching at Te Arai

A typical day starts with breakfast at the camp, then a morning surf lesson at one of the local breaks. Which beach depends on the forecast, and reading that forecast is part of the programme. After lunch there is a second surf session, then video analysis back at camp where the group watches footage of their own surfing and works through what to change. Late afternoon is yoga, fitness work or beach volleyball, followed by dinner and an evening activity such as a campfire, movie night or the waterslide.

What separates this from a standard surf school week is the setup. Aotearoa Surf runs the camp at its own property, Aotearoa Surf Eco Pods & Glamping, so campers sleep where they surf rather than being bussed in each day. The camp is capped small, and sleeping quarters are grouped by gender and similar age, with campers able to request to share with friends. Surfing is split by level, so beginners and intermediates are not in the same lesson.

The coaching team has been operating since 2002 and holds Surfing NZ and Water Safety approval for surfing and paddle boarding. Instructors are ISA qualified, first aid certified and surf lifesaving awarded. The camp runs a target ratio of one instructor to six campers, adjusted for age and ability, and staff stay on site with 24/7 supervision.

Te Arai sits on the Mangawhai coast north of Auckland, about 90 minutes from the city. The camp surfs Te Arai, Forestry, Mangawhai and Langs, all within a short drive of the property. The site has subtropical gardens, panoramic ocean views, outdoor dining areas, modern showers and toilets, a kitchen, a stage with a yoga deck and training equipment, a BBQ, a waterslide and a campfire area.

What's included

- 4 nights accommodation in a shared Eco Pod or Glamping teepee - Breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks daily - Unlimited fruit - Twice-daily surf lessons - Surfboards and wetsuits - Video analysis coaching - Yoga sessions - Fitness exercises - Beach volleyball - Surf forecast analysis - Water safety education - Evening activities including campfires, movie nights and waterslide - Transport to, from and during camp - 24/7 supervision by qualified staff

What's not included

- Personal travel to pickup points - Travel insurance - Personal effects and toiletries - Sleeping bag or duvet and pillow - Medication (handed to camp staff on arrival) - Optional extras not listed in the package