Water Activities · Piha

Piha Surf Academy

4.541 Google reviews

Older kids (9+)Outdoors

How muchTe utu: $80–$340
Their siteHe pārongo atu anō: pihasurfacademy.com
Last checkedI tirohia: Last checked 9 Aug 2026

Get directions

LocationTe wāhi

Piha

Directions Website

What it is

Piha Surf Academy runs lessons and structured programmes out of South Piha Beach, where instructors work with beginners who have never stood on a board right through to more advanced surfers looking to sharpen competitive skills. The coaching style is described as fun and innovative, and the team's focus is on keeping sessions safe and engaging for everyone on the water.

For families, the dedicated kids' lessons are the draw — available as one-off sessions, progressive lesson series, and school holiday and term programmes that let children build on each visit rather than starting from scratch each time. Adult group and one-on-one options run alongside, so parents can get in the water too.

The academy operates from the South Piha Beach carpark, meeting at the blue surf trailer on Marine Parade — a straightforward gathering point that keeps the focus on getting into the surf rather than finding each other on the beach.

What other parents say

Matthew Lacasse5 months ago

I had a great experience renting a surf board for the day! Even though I wasn’t taking a lesson the owner took the time to point out where it would be safe for me to surf. She even went so far to say she’d keep an eye out for me. She was incredibly friendly and was kind enough to give me a discount on the rash guard as well.

Thomas Gosling5 months ago

Really good service! I was able to get booked into a group lesson last minute and had an amazing experience. The teaching was top-notch the instructions were clear and the safety briefing was excellent, which made me feel totally comfortable in the water. I was even able to stand up on the board for the first time! All around great experience. Thank you, Piha Surf Academy!

Read 3 more reviews ↓

Hariata Tai Rakena5 months ago

Low quality equipment and bad vibes! I rented gear from this company and my soft top board had parts of the rubber peeling off and an air bubble the size of my hand on the nose. The instructor/gear manager said they wouldn't have a wetsuit to fit me and I would just have to deal with it. This was fine and not a make or break to enjoying the day, but half way through my rental time this same person rudely reprimanded me and several other surfers about surf etiquette. This interaction left me feeling belittled so I just returned the gear immediately to avoid interacting with them any longer. If you can choose the other Piha surf company for your lesson or rental, you should. Everyone with respect for the ocean can share space and good times, surf companies do not own the waves.

Sarah Blyde5 years ago

We had a great surf lesson with Felipe at Piha Surf Academy. There was just the three of us in the lesson and all of us caught the first wave we tried to catch! We even got some green waves in our first lesson. I really enjoyed the whole experience and the coaching from Felipe was fantastic. We were given a clear safety briefing on the shore and easy-to-remember instructions for how to catch our first wave. Can't wait for the next lesson! 🤙

Theo Woodyer4 months ago