Do I need prior surfing experience to join Ladies Dawn Attack?

No prior experience is necessary—this program supports all skill levels, from beginners to intermediate surfers.

What is the minimum age to participate?

Participants must be at least 18 years old to join the program.

Can I rent surf equipment on-site?

Yes, Muriwai Surf School provides boards and wetsuits if you don’t have your own gear.

How many lessons does the program include?

The Ladies Dawn Attack runs for five lessons over five consecutive Saturdays.

What if the weather conditions are unsafe for surfing?

Lessons are rescheduled or canceled in unsafe conditions, with notifications provided ahead of time.

Is surfing at dawn safer or more challenging?

Dawn conditions often provide cleaner waves and lighter winds, ideal for learning with reduced crowds, but early starts require preparation.

Ladies Dawn Attack Surf Sessions at Muriwai Surf School | Surf | Water Activities

Muriwai Beach, located on New Zealand’s rugged Auckland west coast, is a raw and captivating stretch of black sand coastline renowned for its powerful Pacific swells and sprawling ocean views. At the heart of this vibrant surf scene is Muriwai Surf School, offering an empowering program uniquely designed for women: the Ladies Dawn Attack. This dedicated surf course runs across five consecutive Saturdays, delivering two hours of focused coaching that hones both skill and confidence.

Muriwai Beach’s exposed shoreline means surfers encounter consistent surf breaks suitable for all levels—from challenging punchy waves near the famous gannet colony cliffs to mellower beach breaks closer to the village. The sea breeze, kettle-black volcanic sands, and the distant roar of breaking waves set an invigorating stage, making it a revered destination for local and visiting surfers alike.

The Ladies Dawn Attack stands out by fostering a supportive environment where female surfers can advance quickly without the usual pressure of crowded lineups. Instruction covers core surfing techniques—reading surf conditions, paddling out beyond the breakers, fine-tuning pop-ups, turns, and duck dives—while emphasizing surf etiquette and safety. The camaraderie that develops among participants further enriches the experience, turning weekly lessons into lasting friendships.

What makes Muriwai Surf School special is not just its prime coastal location but its commitment to creating a welcoming space for women to challenge themselves in the water. Surrounded by native coastal flora and the occasional sighting of New Zealand fur seals, the program encapsulates the blend of adventure and community. Whether you’re aiming to catch your first unbroken wave or refine your style, Ladies Dawn Attack offers a unique gateway into New Zealand’s dynamic surf culture.

About Muriwai Surf School

Muriwai Surf School is a surf school based at Muriwai, Auckland, offering a range of lessons and training programmes for beginners through to intermediate surfers. The school runs private lessons, group lessons, multi-week programmes and specialist sessions tailored to different ages and experience levels. Lesson formats include 1.5-hour private lessons, two-hour group introductions, five-week courses and after-school and holiday programmes for young learners.

Instructors at Muriwai Surf School provide professional tuition and use top-quality equipment supplied as part of most lessons. Safety and ocean knowledge are incorporated into course content, with specific focus on board control, pop-up technique, wave selection and surf etiquette. Several courses include video analysis and shaping-bay tours for technical feedback.

Programs listed by the school include Beginner Private Lesson, Intro to Surfing, Intermediate Private Lesson, After School Training, School Holiday Lessons, Advanced Beginner Programme, Ladies Dawn Attack and Intermediate Programme. The Advanced Beginner and Intermediate programmes run weekly over five weeks and are designed to build technique, confidence and ocean awareness. The Ladies Dawn Attack is a women-only session focused on skill development in a supportive group setting.

Muriwai Surf School accepts a wide age range; some sessions are expressly suitable for all ages while certain programmes specify adult participation (for example, some intermediate programmes are 18+). All lessons operate from Muriwai, giving participants direct access to local beach conditions and surf breaks.

Most lessons include equipment: surfboards and wetsuits are provided as listed in lesson descriptions. After School Training and School Holiday Lessons focus on skill-building for young surfers while offering a supervised, social learning environment where participants develop confidence and make new friends.