New Brighton Surf

New Brighton Surf is a small surf school in South New Brighton, on the east coast of Christchurch. It is run by Justyn Shaw, a lifelong Australian surfer based locally, who teaches the lessons himself.

Lessons are private: one booking at a time, no group, with coaching tailored to each surfer's level. The school has foam learner boards, longboards, mini mals and funboards, plus wetsuits. Children aged 7 to 12 are welcome if accompanied by an adult.

Gear can also be rented without a lesson: soft boards or hard boards (shortboards, mid-lengths, longboards), boogie boards and wetsuits, with multi-day discounts and 15 percent off for Christchurch students. Self-contained campers can park beside the beach, and a holiday park is nearby.

Lessons daily from 1 October to 30 April, 2-hour sessions. Open weekends 8 am to 6 pm, or by appointment.