Frequently Asked Questions
We have taught thousands of people to surf, from ages 4 to 75. We enjoy teaching people who think they are the “wrong” age, size or shape, and seeing the smiles on their faces during the lesson, the moment they realize they can do it!
Our surf lessons here in Mount Maunganui are specifically designed to provide you with fantastic instruction and value. Please read the descriptions on each lesson so that you know which lessons are suitable for your age and ability. If you have questions, feel free to get in touch with us.
If you're interested in kids lessons, we have kids surf camp during the holidays, and a weekly grom squad during term time!
Come learn to surf in NZ!
Yes, nearly every day! When you come for your first surf lesson with us, we’ll begin with 20 minutes of instruction on the sand, before entering the water. That way you learn the concepts in a safe and relaxed atmosphere and have time to ask any questions.
Once you’re comfortable, your instructor will select the best waves on the beach for your level. Your instructor will be next to you in the water the entire time, helping you onto waves, cheering you on and providing feedback.
Mount Maunganui is a great location to learn to surf in NZ! It is renowned for its beginner friendly waves, and is easily accessible from location across the North Island from Auckland, Waihi, Waipu, Whangarei and Papamoa.
Come learn to surf in NZ!
A medium fitness level is recommended. Bad balance is no worries at all!
Any injury that prohibits you from laying on your stomach, doing a pushup, or standing up, might be prohibitive for surfing. If that causes you pain, we recommend seeking medical advice before attending our surf lessons. We only want you to surf with us if it will be a good experience for you, not a painful one! Feel free to contact us if you’re unsure.
Come learn to surf in NZ!
Yes. We provide everything you need. You’ll have a selection of over 80 full length, comfortable wetsuits for every shape and size, from children’s size 6 to men’s and women’s XXL (and yes, we provide proper women’s suits, we won’t just hand you a baggy men’s suit). Wetsuits are cleaned after each use – no stinky wetsuits here!
Surfboards are quality beginner and intermediate surfboards specifically designed to help you learn faster. Boards sizes range from 6’6″ to 11′. When you arrive for your lesson, your instructor will select the correct surfboard for you tailored to your height, surfing experience, and conditions that day.
Having the correct equipment is important. If your board isn’t right for you or the conditions, there’s a good chance you won’t catch any waves. We want you to have fun, so we make sure to provide you with the right gear!
Some more info:
- Surfboard hire is available outside of lessons if you want to keep shredding!
- We provide lunch through the Wave Cafe for the kids surf camps during the holidays.
- We don't do surfboard repairs, but can recommend some local people who do surfboard repairs - we have hook ups from Papamoa, to Waihi, to Auckland.
- We sell zinc and surf wax at the trailer, but if you're looking for more equipment to buy you can head to local surf shops like Mount Surf Shop - they'll sort out all your surf needs!
- If we run out of surfboards to hire, there are lots of other surf schools in Mount Maunganui, NZ - Mount Surf Academy, South Pacific Surf, Mount Surf School - you can always grab a board off to surf!
Our Aloha Groups and Kids Summer Camps are fantastic value for beginners and some intermediate surfers, because we only allow 4 – 6 students per group. You’ll get personalised instruction for a group lesson rate. Join one of our small groups and have confidence that you’ll get proper instruction, which means you’ll catch waves and have more fun!
Private Lessons are best for those who learn better with one-on-one instruction, who want a surf lesson just for themselves or their family/friends, have time restrictions, are not strong swimmers, or who can already surf unbroken waves consistently (intermediate and advanced surfers).
No matter which you choose, you’ll have an instructor right there with you, making sure you’re learning correctly so that you have an enjoyable experience.
For the groms, our most popular surf lessons are the kids surf camp during the holidays - it's a great way to keep the kids entertained by surfing all day everyday!
Come learn to surf in the beautiful Mt Maunganui!
Most lessons include 2 hours of instruction and surfing (except kids and paddle board lessons, which are usually 1.5 hours). Please arrive 15 minutes early to sign in and change into your wetsuit. If you have enough energy you can hire a surfboard after your lesson so you can keep surfing and practice what you learned! (Conditions permitting).
Hibiscus operates out of one main location at Mount Maunganui Main Beach, opposite Leisure Island / Moturiki, right by Mt Drury. We are easily located on Google Maps, and you can meet us at the Hibiscus Surf School trailer 15 mins before the start time of your surf lesson!
Surfing with us is only a 15mins drive from Papamoa, 1 hour from Waihi, 2.5hours from Auckland and 5 hours from Whangarei!
There are lots of surf schools in Mount Maunganui, NZ - Mount Surf Academy, South Pacific Surf, Mount Surf School - so make sure you check the right location before you come to your surf 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!
We will only take you in conditions that are safe for learning to surf. Most of our beginner surf lessons start in chest deep water. We will monitor the waves before and during your lesson and if at any time we see that it’s approaching too big, we will get everyone out of the water and reschedule.
Safety and fun are our highest priorities, if at any time you do not feel safe or are not having fun, we will stop and see what we can do!
Mount Maungnaui is a great plan to learn to surf, and often has friendly waves.
Come learn to surf in NZ!
All the equipment you need for surfing is provided! Some suggestions include casual swimwear to wear under your wetsuit, a towel, and plenty of water and sunscreen (we have both if you forget). There are food trucks right next to us for snacks and food if you’re hungry after your lesson.
We sell zinc and surf wax at the trailer, but if you're looking for more equipment to buy you can head to local surf shops like Mount Surf Shop - they'll sort out all your surf needs!
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. Mount Maunganui is known for it’s sunshine and fun waves. Lucky for us, most days are great.
When the conditions are firing, surfing in Papamoa can be quieter, but Mount Maunganui gives you lots more options for different breaks.
Come learn to surf in NZ!
We have found that about 90% of people stand up and ride waves in their first lesson with us. With our fantastic, experienced instructors by your side, offering advice and sharing their love of surfing with you, we will give you the best opportunity to stand up and ride waves as soon as you are able.
It's easier to learn to surf during a surf lesson in Mount Maunganui, than the wild west coast of Auckland!
Our group surf lessons generally have 1 instructor per 4 – 6 people. Hibiscus Surf School groups are small so that we can provide quality, personalised instruction. Our goal is for you to learn how to ride waves fast so that you can enjoy surfing. Based on our 14 years of experience, we believe keeping the group to 4 – 6 students is the best way to offer quality, value and most importantly, fun!
Our kids surf camps during the holidays can be big groups, but we'll always ensure we have enough instructors to make it safe and fun!
Come learn to surf in NZ!
Let’s just say that a lot of good surfers don’t make good instructors. Experienced surfers often don’t understand what it’s like to be a beginner, and how to teach the basic skills they already know how to do.
That’s why 100% of our instructors are professionally qualified and hand selected based on Hibiscus’s specific criteria. Our instructors have a keen eye and a fantastic personality. We will make sure we are teaching you correctly, and that you’re having fun instead of being frustrated. We are so confident in the value and fun we provide, that we will offer a full refund if a customer isn’t satisfied (we haven’t ever needed to do this!).
Come learn to surf in NZ!
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 the Hibiscus Team cancels 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.
Yes, we do! You can rent all kinds of surf boards from us: long boards, short boards, soft tops, hard boards, and paddleboards. You can Book Here or swing by our location at the Hibiscus Surf School trailer, Mount Maunganui main beach.
We hire out surfboards for 2 hours, with the last rental at 4pm (we usually close at 6pm). You can also hire wetsuits, rash tops and bodyboards.
Come learn to surf in NZ!
If we run out of surfboards to hire, there are lots of other surf schools in Mount Maunganui, NZ - Mount Surf Academy, South Pacific Surf, Mount Surf School - you can always grab a board off to surf!
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