Labour Weekend Beginner Surf Program

More Than a Surf Lesson — Three Days to Build Skills, Confidence & Ocean Awareness

Location: Williamson Park, Whangamatā, New Zealand
Dates: Saturday 24 – Monday 26 October 2026
Session times: 10:00am–12:00pm and 1:00pm–3:00pm
Age: 8 years and up

Growing the Next Generation of Surfers

Looking for an exciting Labour Weekend experience that gets the kids outdoors, active and learning something new?

The Labour Weekend Beginner Surf Program is a special collaboration between Surf N Stay New Zealand and Kirsty Delport, bringing together a passion for surfing, technical coaching and a shared commitment to developing young surfers.

More than just a surf lesson, this three-day program is designed to help kids build strong surfing foundations, develop ocean awareness and discover the confidence that comes from learning a new skill. Through progressive coaching, practical surf theory and plenty of time in the water, participants will learn not only how to catch waves, but also how to understand the ocean and become more capable, independent surfers.

Our goal is simple: to help young surfers develop the right skills, respect the ocean, enjoy the learning process and build a lifelong connection with surfing.

Three Days of Surf Skills & Progression

Each day includes two sessions, combining practical learning and time in the water to help participants put their new skills into action.

SATURDAY — DAY 1: Surfing Foundations

Every great surfer starts with the basics. Participants will explore ocean awareness, surf safety, equipment, balance and the fundamentals of riding a wave. We'll focus on building a solid foundation and helping young surfers feel more comfortable and confident in the water.

SUNDAY — DAY 2: Surfing Technique

Time to fine-tune those skills! Participants will work on paddling techniques, the pop-up, stance and balance, learning how body positioning and technique influence their ability to catch and ride waves. The focus is on developing good habits from the beginning.

MONDAY — DAY 3: Surf Progression

Time to bring it all together! Young surfers will learn about positioning, wave selection, timing and the fundamentals of turning. They'll develop a better understanding of how to read the ocean, make smarter decisions in the water and continue progressing towards their surfing goals.

Meet Your Coach — Kirsty Delport

Kirsty Delport brings her surfing career and practical coaching experience to the program, combining a passion for the sport with a strong focus on technical development, ocean knowledge and water safety. Her approach helps young surfers understand not just how to catch a wave, but why positioning, timing, technique and ocean awareness are essential to becoming a better surfer. Through supportive, progressive coaching, Kirsty aims to build strong fundamentals, encourage confidence and help every participant enjoy their own surfing journey.

Surf N Stay x Kirsty Delport — Developing Young Surfers Together

At Surf N Stay New Zealand, we believe surfing is about much more than standing on a board. It's about spending time in nature, challenging yourself, building friendships and learning to respect the ocean.

Our collaboration with Kirsty reflects a shared vision: to give young surfers the coaching, knowledge and confidence they need to progress and develop a lasting love for the sport.

By combining technical surf development with a fun, supportive learning environment, we want every participant to leave with more than new skills. We want them to feel proud of their progress, understand the ocean a little better and feel inspired to keep surfing.

Throughout the program, participants will be encouraged to challenge themselves, support one another and celebrate every achievement, from mastering their pop-up to catching that next wave.

Three days. Six sessions. A stronger foundation for a lifetime of surfing.

What to Pack in Your Surf Bag

Help your young surfer arrive ready for a fun day at the beach.

• Food and hydration: Packed lunch, snacks and a refillable drink bottle. Pocket money is optional.

• Sun protection: SPF 30–50+ sunscreen and zinc. Apply before arriving and bring enough for reapplication throughout the day.

• Surf equipment: Wetsuit and surfboard. Bring your own or arrange to use supplied equipment.

• Beach essentials: Hat and towel.

• Surfboard care: Surf wax and a wax comb if bringing your own board.

Ready to Make This Labour Weekend One to Remember?

Give your young surfer the opportunity to learn, progress and experience the stoke of surfing through a program built around skill development, confidence and fun.

Join Surf N Stay New Zealand and Kirsty Delport in Whangamatā for three days dedicated to growing the next generation of surfers.

Learn the skills. Build the confidence. Catch the stoke.