THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Sawtell Beach’s gentle waves and sandy shores create the perfect setting for Solitary Islands Surf School’s SurfGroms program. Tailored for kids ages 5-12, this six-week course blends surfing skills with vital ocean safety and beach awareness.
Sawtell Beach’s gentle waves and sandy shores create the perfect setting for Solitary Islands Surf School’s SurfGroms program. Tailored for kids ages 5-12, this six-week course blends surfing skills with vital ocean safety and beach awareness.
Book with Solitary Islands Surf School - SurfGroms
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Solitary Islands Surf School - SurfGroms · Woolgoolga, New South Wales
Sawtell Beach, located along the picturesque Mid North Coast of New South Wales, offers a vibrant coastal playground ideal for young water enthusiasts. Here, Solitary Islands Surf School’s SurfGroms program brings surfing and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) lessons tailored specifically for children aged 5 to 12. This six-week term program goes beyond teaching wave-riding basics, embedding a foundation of ocean safety, surf survival, and first aid—a rare combination that equips kids with essential skills for both fun and safety on the water.
Known for its gentle beach breaks and consistent swell, Sawtell Beach provides an ideal learning environment without the intimidating conditions often found at bigger breaks nearby. The beach’s sheltered bay, sandy bottom, and moderate wave size make it perfect for beginners to build confidence. Solitary Islands Surf School leverages this natural advantage, delivering group lessons that mix structured instruction with engaging games that encourage teamwork and a love of the sea.
What sets the SurfGroms program apart is its holistic approach. Each session prioritizes not only technical skills, such as paddling, popping up, and balancing, but also encourages ocean awareness, understanding currents, rips, and tides, which are crucial for long-term safety. Lessons emphasize respectful stewardship of the coastal environment, fostering young stewards of Sawtell’s fragile marine ecosystem. Taught by experienced instructors, the program ensures each child receives personalized attention in a supportive, fun setting.
Solitary Islands Surf School is a cornerstone of Sawtell’s community outdoor offerings, nurturing the next generation of ocean-goers with passion and care. Whether a child’s goal is just to ride the whitewash or progress towards independent surfing, this program delivers a comprehensive, encouraging experience that connects kids deeply with the water. For families in the area or visiting the Mid North Coast, enrolling kids in SurfGroms means access to expert guidance, safety education, and unforgettable moments in one of Australia’s most accessible coastal gems.
easy.
1–1.5 hours per lesson.
Suitable for children with average fitness and a willingness to be active outdoors
The program targets children aged 5 to 12, with lessons tailored to different skill levels within this range.
No prior experience is necessary; the program starts with foundational skills and builds from there.
Yes, every lesson incorporates beach safety, surf survival, and even basic first aid training.
Classes are kept small to ensure personalized attention and a supportive learning environment.
The surf school provides all necessary boards and safety gear, but kids should bring appropriate swimwear and sun protection.
Each lesson runs approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, balancing skill development with play and rest.
Sawtell Beach has been a recreational hub since the early 20th century and hosts indigenous cultural significance tied to the Gumbaynggirr people.
Local programs emphasize protecting the native dune vegetation and reducing plastic waste on beaches to sustain Sawtell's natural character.
Solitary Islands Surf School - SurfGroms delivers Woolworths SurfGroms surf and stand-up paddleboarding programs for children aged 5–12 at Sawtell Beach and Woolgoolga Beach. The school runs holiday surf programs and school term surf programs tailored for young learners, combining structured skill development with supervised group play. Lessons focus on core ocean skills, beach safety, surf awareness and practical rescue techniques so children build confidence in and out of the water. Each SurfGroms session blends surfing and SUP instruction with fun group games to keep learners engaged while reinforcing water safety. Programs teach basic surf techniques, wave selection, paddling and board handling alongside beach safety, surf survival and age-appropriate first aid awareness. The lessons emphasise a supportive environment where instructors guide small groups to develop competence and a lasting appreciation for the ocean. Solitary Islands Surf School - SurfGroms operates clear program formats: Holiday Surf Program at Sawtell Beach and Woolgoolga Beach, plus School Term Surf Programs at both locations. All programs are designed for ages five to twelve and prioritise safety, supervised skill progression and memorable learning experiences. Families looking for organised kids’ surf lessons and junior SUP coaching at Sawtell or Woolgoolga can reference the SurfGroms program structure and curriculum to understand what to expect. With a consistent focus on ocean awareness, beach safety and rescue principles, Solitary Islands Surf School - SurfGroms provides accessible, school-aged surf education delivered through age-appropriate activities and games.
Book with Solitary Islands Surf School - SurfGroms