Raglan: 2 Day Surf Lesson Package

Raglan’s two-day surf package gives beginners something a single lesson cannot: time to try a skill, sleep on it, and return for another round of coaching. You meet at the red truck and surf trailer in the Ngarunui Beach car park, then work through theory and guided practice in the water.

I like the small six-person limit, which should give you more room to ask questions and receive useful tips. I also like that the board and wetsuit are included, so you can arrive with swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen instead of arranging equipment yourself.

The main thing to check is the timing. The package includes two consecutive days, while the booking details list the activity duration as two hours. Confirm how the two sessions are scheduled when you book, especially if you have a tight Raglan itinerary.

Key points at a glance

• Two consecutive lessons: Practice on day one, then return on day two to reinforce the basics.
• Small groups of six: A limited group size should make instructor support easier to access.
• Equipment included: Your surfboard and wetsuit are supplied for both lessons.
• Ngarunui Beach meeting point: Find the red truck and surf trailer in the beach car park.
• English instruction: Theory and in-water coaching are provided in English.
• Beginner-friendly age limit: The activity is for participants aged 12 and over.

Why two days makes sense for a first surf lesson

Surfing is not a skill most people pick up in one neat attempt. You need to understand the board, paddle into the right position, stand at the right moment, and keep your balance while the water is moving beneath you. That is a lot to process in two hours.

This package spreads the learning across two consecutive days. The first lesson introduces the key ideas and gives you time to practise. The second lesson lets you return with the basics still fresh, then work on the parts that felt awkward.

That repeat practice is the real value. A single lesson can leave you excited but unsure about what to do next. Two sessions give you a better chance to turn instructions into muscle memory, even if you are still at the early stage of learning.

The school describes the second day as a chance to solidify your learning with continued tips and support. In plain terms, you should expect the same broad focus on beginner skills, but with more attention on correcting mistakes and building confidence.

Do not expect to become an expert surfer in two days. The useful goal is more modest and more realistic: understand the basic process, feel safer in the water, and leave with enough confidence to continue practising.

Meeting at Ngarunui Beach

Your starting point is the red truck and surf trailer in the Ngarunui Beach car park. This is worth noting because the meeting point is specific, but no transport to the beach is included in the information provided.

Plan to arrive ready to find the surf trailer. You will need swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen. The school supplies the wetsuit and surfboard, so you do not need to bring those items yourself.

The meeting point also keeps the beginning simple. You are not being sent to a separate office or asked to collect equipment elsewhere. Once you locate the red truck and trailer, you have reached the place where the activity begins.

The booking information says lessons are usually available in the morning and afternoon. That gives you some control over your day, though the exact session time depends on the date and availability. Morning or afternoon can also affect how you plan other activities around Raglan, so check the offered time before committing.

What happens during the first lesson

The first day covers the material you need to start surfing. Expect a mix of theory on the beach and instructor support in the water.

The theory matters more than it may sound. Before you try to stand on a board, you need a basic understanding of how to handle it and what to do when a wave approaches. Good instruction at this stage can prevent confusion once you are wet, moving, and trying to remember several steps at once.

The supplied information does not give a minute-by-minute lesson plan or name individual instructors, so you should not expect a fixed script described in advance. The stated focus is clear, though: learn the fundamentals, practise them, and receive help from an experienced instructor.

The water portion is where the lesson becomes practical. You will use the supplied surfboard and wetsuit while the instructor offers support. The aim is not just to hear what to do, but to try it with help close by.

The strongest detail about the instruction is its practical nature. One January 2025 participant specifically praised the quality of the instructions, and the overall score is 4.8 out of 5 from six ratings. That is a small sample, so I would not treat it as final proof of every lesson, but it does point to clear teaching as a major strength.

Returning for day two

The second lesson is the part that makes this package more useful than a one-off introduction. You return the next day and continue from the foundation built in the first session.

That short gap gives you time to remember what felt natural and what did not. You may arrive knowing that standing up was easy but paddling position was confusing, or that you understood the theory but needed more help in the water. The second lesson gives the instructor a chance to offer further tips and support.

The phrase continued tips and support is important here. This is not simply two unrelated beginner lessons. The package is designed as a progression, with the second day reinforcing the first.

You should still keep your expectations grounded. The activity promises a stronger start to your surfing journey, not guaranteed perfect rides. Conditions, confidence, balance, and natural ability all affect how quickly you progress. The benefit is that you get another guided attempt rather than having to work everything out alone.

The consecutive format also suits people who are spending a short break in Raglan and want a focused introduction. If you have more time and want extra practice, a three-day package is also listed as a related option. If you would rather have personal attention, a private lesson is another alternative. Those choices may suit you better if you want a longer progression or one-on-one coaching.

Why the six-person group matters

The group is limited to six participants, which is a useful middle ground. You still get the energy of learning alongside other beginners, but the group is small enough that instructor contact should be more practical than in a large class.

A small group can help in several ways. You can watch how the instructor explains a movement to someone else, learn from common mistakes, and ask questions without needing to compete with a crowd. It can also make the lesson feel less exposed if you are nervous about trying a new sport.

There is one tradeoff. A group lesson cannot be tailored as closely as a private session. If your main concern is a particular physical limitation, a very specific goal, or the need for constant individual correction, compare this package with Raglan’s private surf lesson.

For a first attempt, though, six people is a sensible limit. It supports the school’s promise of instructor assistance while keeping the price below a private lesson.

Equipment, comfort, and what to bring

The package includes a surfboard and wetsuit. That makes the $98 price easier to assess because you are not paying for lessons and then adding basic gear hire on top.

Bring your own swimwear to wear under the wetsuit. You will also need a towel and sunscreen. These are easy items to overlook when you focus on the board and the lesson, so pack them before heading to Ngarunui Beach.

No other equipment is listed as necessary. Since the supplied information does not specify the board type, wetsuit thickness, changing facilities, or storage arrangements, avoid assuming those details. If one of them matters to you, ask Raglan Surf School before booking.

The wetsuit is especially useful for a beginner because it removes one practical barrier. You do not need to own surf gear or know what equipment to choose. The school supplies the main items and puts the attention on learning.

Is $98 good value?

At $98 per person, the price covers two consecutive surf lessons, a board, a wetsuit, theory, and in-water instruction. For someone starting from scratch, that is a clear bundle rather than a lesson-only fee.

The best value comes from the second day. If you only want to try surfing once, a standard group lesson may be cheaper and more suitable. If you want a real start and plan to keep surfing after Raglan, the extra practice is likely to matter more than a lower one-day price.

The package also saves you from arranging a board and wetsuit separately. That is convenient, and it reduces the chance of choosing equipment that is not suited to a beginner.

I would judge the value by your plans. The package is worthwhile if you can attend both sessions and want structured support. It is less attractive if your schedule may force you to miss the second day, since the central benefit is repeated practice.

Who should book this package?

This is aimed at beginners aged 12 and over. You do not need to bring your own surfboard or wetsuit, and instruction is provided in English.

It suits you if you want a guided start rather than trying to teach yourself from a rental board. It also works well if you learn best by repeating a skill soon after the first attempt.

The package may be a good fit for:

• First-time surfers who want two lessons instead of one
• Visitors staying in Raglan for at least two consecutive days
• Couples or friends who want to learn together in a small group
• People who do not own surf equipment
• Beginners who value clear instruction and in-water support

It may not suit you if you are under 12, cannot attend both consecutive days, or want a private lesson. Experienced surfers looking for advanced coaching should also look elsewhere, since the stated purpose is to begin, step up, and hone basic surfing skills.

The activity is not described as suitable for children under 12. No other restrictions are provided, so if you have a health or mobility concern, contact the provider before booking rather than guessing.

Booking details that affect your day

Each lesson is described as lasting two hours, with sessions usually offered in the morning and afternoon. At the same time, the package is described as two consecutive days. Because those details can be read in different ways, confirm whether the two-hour duration refers to each lesson or the overall booking.

The instructor language is English. The group size is limited to six people, and the provider is Raglan Surf School, a local whanau business described as New Zealand’s first surf school.

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. That is helpful if your Raglan plans are not yet firm, but it does not remove the need to check the exact cancellation deadline shown at booking.

My call: book it if you can commit to both days

I would book this package if you want a proper first step into surfing and can attend both consecutive lessons. The small group, included equipment, and repeat coaching give you more useful practice than a single introductory session.

The strongest reason to choose it is not the promise of standing perfectly on a board. It is the chance to return the next day, ask better questions, and work with the basics while they are still fresh.

Choose a regular group lesson if you only have one free session. Choose a private lesson if individual attention matters most. But if you have two days in Raglan, are aged 12 or older, and want clear support without buying gear, this $98 package is a practical way to begin.

FAQ

How much does the two-day Raglan surf package cost?

The price is $98 per person. This includes the two consecutive surf lessons, surfboard, wetsuit, instruction, and support.

How long does each surf lesson last?

The activity information lists a duration of two hours. Because the package includes lessons on two consecutive days, confirm the exact schedule when booking.

Are the lessons held on consecutive days?

Yes. The package is designed for two consecutive days of surf lessons.

Where do I meet the surf school?

Meet at the red truck and surf trailer in the Ngarunui Beach car park.

Is a surfboard included?

Yes. A surfboard is included in the package.

Is a wetsuit included?

Yes. The school provides a wetsuit for the lessons.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and sunscreen.

What language is the instruction in?

The instruction is provided in English.

Can children take this activity?

The activity is not suitable for children under 12 years old.