West Coast Surf (Tauranga Bay)

West Coast Surf is a surf school that has operated since 1998 at Tauranga Bay, near Westport on the South Island's West Coast. Its owner, Mark Perana, has coached surfing and snowboarding for more than thirty years. A former New Zealand team coach and national title holder, he teaches the lessons himself.

The beginner package lasts 2 hours with board and wetsuit included, covering the basics from standing up to choosing a wave. For surfers who have already had a lesson, there is a 60-minute tips session and a 90-minute personal training session. The school also welcomes groups, businesses and schools, with a half-day or full-day surf safety programme.

Boards and wetsuits can also be hired separately, including performance boards for a small extra fee, and board repairs are available. The meeting point is a large white trailer on Tauranga Bay Beach, in front of the houses.