What to expect from your lesson
CHOOSING THE SAFEST PLACE TO LEARN FROM
At WA SURF, we are licenced to teach from the Safety Bay sand bar, with the cross shore winds, and crystal clear waters this is definitely one of the safest spots worldwide to learn from.
WHEN TO BOOK YOUR LESSONS
The season runs from October to end of March, as this is when the heat from the air meets the cool from the sea, this attracts the seabreeze, hence the wind only picks up in the afternoon.
During a summer day, the land is heated by the sun, and this heat is absorbed by the surrounding air. Once this air meets a particular temperature, it begins to rise quite rapidly. As a result, a low pressure area is created at ground level. The sea doesnt heat up as quickly as the land, so the air temperature over the water is much less. As a result, this air is free to move sideways to occupy our new low pressure area. The result is a light to gale force wind which rushes in from the sea to fill the lower pressure area left by the hot air rising from the land. Seabreezes usually happen in spring and summer, when the difference in temperature between land and sea is greatest.
OPERATING HOURS
The school is open 7 days a week (weather dependent) from October to April from 11.30am to 7pm.
The shop, which is located at the Safety Bay Yacht Club, is open
Summer opening hours (September to May) 7 days a week
Monday to Saturday 10am -5pm
Sunday 12pm-3pm
Winter (June to August) Monday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 10am-5pm
TIME SLOTS FOR LESSONS
All lessons are 2 hours long, starting from 12pm, as this is when the sea breeze winds, starts blowing.
We have allocated the 12pm slot for beginners and then as you progress into intermediate/advanced you can book the 2.15pm and 4.30pm sessions.
HOW DO I BOOK?
1 choose the lessons that’s right for you
2 fill out the online waiver form
3 read and confirm terms and conditions
4 pay for the lessons - 20% deposit is required upon booking with the remainder being paid on the first day of your lesson by cash or card.
WHERE IS WA SURF ACADEMY BASED?
We are the only Kite, Wing & Foil Centre in this amazing spot. We are very fortunate to have a shop and school on the door step of the World Class location, known as 'The Pond', Safety Bay.
Based 40 mins south of Perth and easy to find at the Safety Bay Yacht Club. There is a public car park to the right of the Clubhouse (if facing the ocean), toilets and showers are in the blue building at the end of the carpark. Our Shop and Academy are infront of the Yacht Club building (entrance on the beach side).
There will be flags and tents out to welcome you.
https://goo.gl/maps/YQxyKNyNxbcG9Ydp8
WHAT SHOULD I BRING
We supply all equipment for the lesson, including wetsuits if needed (please bring your own wetsuit if you have one).
You need to bring a bottle of water, sunglasses and have sunscreen applied prior to your lesson.
It is a short walk to the beach with your instrucor, on very hot days, beach shoes are a good idea.
WA SURF, cannot take responsibilty for your valuables doing your lessons. Car keys can be left in the centre.
IS THIS SPORT FOR ME?
If you have experience of wakeboarding, windsurfing, skateboarding, snowboarding or surfing, you’ll find this expereince a great advantage and will definately help with your progression.
A state a general fitness will make it much easier to take up, you must be able to swim 200 metres, in case you get separated from your equipment.
If you are unfit or over 120kg, you may have reduced flexibly and require more time of rest between your lessons. If you are concerned please phone the shop, and we’ll give you honest advice.
WHEN TO ARRIVE FOR YOUR LESSON
Please arrive, 15 minutes before your start time, as we need to fit you out with wetsuit, helmet, harness and impact/ bouyancy vest.
CANCELLATION / REFUND POLICY
In compliance with the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), WA SURF is not required to offer students a refund if they change their mind, decide they do not like the purchase or have no use for it. However any unused lesson hours can be transferred to another person, used in the next summer season (for up to 1 year (12 months) from the date of purchase) or be used as a store credit for purchases in the WA SURF shop.
You may modify/reschedule your booking free of charge if you allow 48 hours or more notice so we have enough time to find a replacement for you.
You cannot make changes or cancel your lesson less than 48 hours before your lesson start. If you do not show up to your lesson (no show) or if you cancel it less than 48 hours before the start (last minute cancellation), you will forfeit your entire lesson and will not be able to re-book that lesson.
We will not refund any lessons, that are not given 48 hours notice.
EXPIRY DATE
All lessons and gift vouchers must be used within 1 year (12 months) from the
initial date of purchase.
WHAT HAPPENS IF THE LESSON(S) GET CANCELLED DUE TO UNSUITABLE WIND CONDITIONS?
Kitesurfing and wing foiling is a weather dependent sport. We only teach if and when the wind conditions are safe and suitable for learning. As such, you must be prepared to have some of your lessons cancelled and rescheduled if the conditions are unfavourable.
As a responsible and safe operator with permits and insurance, we do NOT operate during the months of May, June, July or August due to the winds being primarily generated by storm fronts and the lack of safe sea breeze winds.
WHEN WILL WA SURF CONFIRM MY LESSON IS ON?
WA SURF will contact you by SMS in the morning (in most cases between 9AM and 10AM) of the day of your lesson to confirm the wind conditions are appropriate. In case your lesson(s) get cancelled due to unsuitable wind conditions, we will reschedule to a later date. We will advise the next available day and time depending on the weather.
In case you are unable to finish your lesson(s) before the season ends (end of March), you can book in the following season (starting October).
HOW MANY LESSONS SHOULD I BOOK
If you just want to see if the sport is for you, the 2 hour taster lesson will give you a great introduction to the sport. However, if you want to get into the sport, the 3 x 2 hr package (our most popular), is great for this, yet depending on your experience and skills you may need one or two more after this.
The Zero to Hero package is the perfect course to get you up and riding and for most to an independant level. It is best to book this at the beginning of the season, to ensure you can get some practice in after your lessons and enjoy the whole season on your new gear!
At WA SURF we offer our students great discounts on gear when purchasing in the shop and your instructor can advise the right set up for you.
WHY BUY FROM THE WA SURF SHOP?
The school and instructors, give excellent and honest advice on the gear that’s right for your level of kiting and suitable products to fit in your budget. We give massive discounts to students who have had lessons in the Academy so please contact us during or after your lessons for packages from the most reputable brands on the market.
Although it may seem attractive to save a few bob buying used gear off a mate please remember YOUR LIFE DEPENDS ON YOUR EQUIPMENT. As with everything quality has a price, so we recommended you save up around $3000- $4000 to get into the sport with up to date gear.
WHY NOT TO BUY SECONDHAND GEAR ONLINE
When purchasing gear online, or from a mate, you are not aware of its history and this could lead to you spending money on repairs and risking your safety. At WA SURF we check over all secondhand gear thoroughly prior to selling to our students.
HOW CLOSE TOGETHER SHOULD I HAVE MY LESSONS
Most students will opt for 3 days straight of the 2 hour sessions. If you feel you may be physically or mentally tired, you can allow days off in between for recovery.
HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE LESSONS
Don’t arrive physically or mentally stressed.
If you can get your hands on a trainer kite, any experience will help you gain control of the kite.
If you can get access to a balance board, a few minutes on this will help your core muscles.
Try to avoid strenuous sport the same day as your lesson.
If your arriving from overseas, allow yourself a day to recover.
WHY BOOK WITH WA SURF
Kitesurfing can be a dangerous sport if not taught correctly, therefore, come to WA SURF for experienced and qualified instructors, we’ll make your lessons fun, while keeping you safe.
The location is key, we teach from the safest beach with onshore breezes, in crystal clear waters.
Our Centre has a shop on hand, to support the school, so we can grab another kite if the wind changes at a moments notice. Also we can help you out with buying your equipment.
Most of all we want people to get into this eco friendly sport and enjoy the buzz!