This 6-week program is designed for beginner level girls and boys aged 5–12 years. Children under 10 years must have a parent in the water with them for the full duration of each session.
These classes will be run by female and male coaches
6-Week After School Surf Program
Our after school program offers personalised group lessons designed to suit each participant. Over the 6 weeks, we’ll teach your children how to stay safe in the surf, while developing correct surfing technique and building confidence in the water.
This program is perfect for complete beginners as well as surfers with some experience who are ready to take their skills to the next level.
Founder Jess Laing, has grown up on Phillip Island and has been surfing here for over 29 years, brings a wealth of local knowledge and experience. She understands that surfing is about more than just riding waves – it’s about reading the ocean, understanding conditions, and staying safe in ever-changing environments.
We meet once a week in a safe, supportive and FUN environment. Group numbers are kept small to ensure each participant gets plenty of one-on-one coaching and individual feedback.
Please note: To maintain small groups and smooth class flow, we are unable to offer fill-in or replacement sessions.
When: 4:30-6pm
Meet at the Girls on Board van at 4:30pm
Where: YCW Beach, Phillip Island. (At the end of Beachcomber Avenue, Smiths Beach)
Dates:
Mon 9th Nov
Mon 16th Nov
Mon 23rd Nov
Mon 30th Nov
Mon 7th Dec
Mon 24th Dec
*Tentative replacement session Mon 21st Dec
In the unlikely event that we (Girls on Board) need to postpone a session due to unsafe conditions it will be rescheduled for this date. Unfortunately, if you are unable to make this date you will forefeit your replacement session. If conditions are deemed unsafe on this date we will provide a credit to be used towards a lesson at a later date.
- Wetsuit - wetsuits can be hired from local surf shops. Please ask for more information.
- Towel
Included:
- 6 X 90 min surf sessions
- Rash shirt hire (can be worn instead of wetsuit in warmer months - personal preferance)
- Beginner surfboard (Optional) You may bring your own. Foam surfboards must be used due to safety reasons.
- FUN TIMES!
As a parent what am I expected to help with in the water?
Due to safety reasons you are responsible for your child in & out of the water for the full duration of every session and are required to stay with them at all times. You'll be required to help them handle their board, catch waves and get back out to the waves. This allows the coach to be able to work as efficiently as possible and to move between students. Prior to the lesson the coach will explain to parents the best way to help their children on to waves etc.
Although it helps, you are not required to have surfing experience yourself. However you are required to have ocean swimming ability. We will never go deeper than our own waist depth.
If you have any questions regarding the above, please send an email to jess@girlsonboard.com.au
🌊 Surf School Policies
Weather & Conditions
We surf in all weather — rain, hail, or shine — as long as it’s safe to do so!
If the surf is too big, completely flat, or unsafe due to things like strong winds or lightning, we’ll move your lesson to the tentative replacement session listed in the itinerary.
Program Cancellations
- If you need to cancel your spot in the program, we ask for at least 2 weeks’ notice before the start date.
- With this notice, you’ll receive a 50% refund of your total payment.
- Unfortunately, cancellations made with less than 2 weeks’ notice mean we can’t provide a refund
- However, If we’re able to fill your spot, we’ll happily give you a full refund.