Learn to Surf Sumner

Learn to Surf is a surf school in Sumner, twenty minutes from central Christchurch. It is run by Aaron and his team, who can be found at the vans along the Esplanade on Sumner beach. Most lessons take place at Scarborough Beach, where the gentle rolling waves suit beginners; if conditions are unsuitable, the school moves to Sumner Beach or Taylors Mistake Bay.

The programme covers adult and family group lessons, private lessons, Surf Kids classes for ages 8 to 16, after-school lessons for 13 to 18 year-olds, and several school programmes (one-off days, a surf safety programme and PE groups). The school also runs a surf trip to Sumatra in 2026.

The hire fleet includes more than fifty boards: soft G Boards for beginners and about ten epoxy boards for more experienced surfers (NSP and Torq brands), plus wetsuits. Outside opening hours, an automated self-service locker, the Surf Locker, lets surfers rent a board and wetsuit online.

Board hire 10 am to 6 pm, September to May; after-hours hire via the Surf Locker. Spring schedule: adult and family group lessons Saturday and Sunday at 1 pm, then daily from 14 December; kids lessons Sunday at 10 am, then daily from 14 December. Private lessons by booking.