Meet the Johnstons

The Johnston family started surfing with Currumbin Alley Surf School over the summer school holidays and haven’t looked back. Each week they arrive rain, hail or shine full of energy and frothing to hit the waves.The kids have continued to improve in just a short time where they have now progressed to a point where they have there own boards and are learning about surfing out the back and catching unbroken waves.

Mick and Alex Tandem Surfing

They are a big part of our Saturday Morning Surf class with all the family pitching in to lend a hand and create a great vibe down on the beach for all of our students. Mum Gordina makes sure everyone has signed in. Kids Alex (18), Shinade (16), Bob (14) and Mini Mick (10) help take the boards out and help students wax up while Dad Mick, gets up at 4am every Saturday to bake cakes and cook sausage rolls and party pies for students to enjoy after the lesson.

Their tireless work and positive attitude is greatly appreciated by everyone at Currumbin Alley Surf School from both our staff and students alike. We thought we’d ask Mama Bear, Gordy, a few questions to find out a little bit more about them and what brings them down every Saturday.

What made you guys decide to give surfing a go?

Bob

Our oldest son Alex wanted to buy a surfboard so he could surf with his friends. My first thought was that he had very limited surf skills and it would be dangerous for him as he had minimal surf safety knowledge. I thought it would be best he take surfing lessons, not only to learn how to surf, but also how to read rips and currents. All my children wanted to try surfing, so I thought it would be a good physical and challenging , yet learning sport for the whole family to try.

What is it that you guys love about surfing?

All of our 4 kids, my husband and I love a challenge. We found surfing gave us:
* Fitness
* Enjoyment

* Knowledge about safety at our beaches
* A lot of self Confidence
* Meeting many new people of all ages from locals to overseas visitors.
* The whole family can join in and share the fun together, no matter what age you are or what level of surfing you have.
* We really enjoy the instructors and their support and professional guidance, as each day we attend we all learn something new.
* and the school offers progressive levels (beginner to Advanced) to meet our own personal goals.

What is it that brings you to the Saturday morning surf class each week?

We really enjoy coming on Saturday morning as it has become like a club, where we found more families joining in and becoming regulars to the surf school. Each Saturday we enjoy catching up with them and we get to understand their own personal reasons for coming along. It has become one big family,

Have you noticed any changes in your/your kids general attitude since you/they began surfing?

Since starting surfing with Currumbin Alley Surf School, we have noticed a considerable change in our kids self-confidence and willingness to give things a go and accept and understand other peoples reasons for being there. As middle aged parents, it has allowed us to participate in a sport where we can progress nicely at our own pace, yet improving our knowledge and skills in the surf and enjoying it at the same time. The instructors are always there to help.

What are your/your kids surfing goals?

As parents it is comforting to know that with the knowledge and skills that our kids have gained from taking part in the surf school, that it will alow them to make the right decisions as to whether or not it is safe to enter the surf. As a family we are enjoying our regular classes and learning something new each week. It has surely made a difference to us and we now highly recommend surfing to anyone.

Mini Mick

What are your/ the kids surfing goals?
As parents it is comforting to know that with the knowledge that our kids have gained from the surf school, that it will allow them to make the right decision whether it is safe to  enter the surf, or not. As a whole family we are enjoying our regular classes and will continue to do so. It has surely made a difference to us and we highly recommend surfing to anyone. We have the best beaches in the world so we encourage everyone to enjoy them and give surfing a go!!

Thank you Sam and all instructors for helping us enjoy surfing.

The Johnston Family
Gold Coast

The Johston Family

Breath Enhancement Training

Everyone knows that breathing is vital to life. It is the oxygen that we breath in that fuels our muscles and allows us to function. As surfers, our breathing, and more importantly our oxygen intake is especially important as many a time we are faced with the daunting prospect of being held down under water.

Luckily for us there are ways in which we can train and develop our lungs, just as we would our muscles, to increase our oxygen consumption in order to be more prepared and confident to deal with challenging conditions. Nam Baldwin from the Equalize Training Company has developed a training program specifically for surfers, know as ‘Breath Enhancement Training‘ or B.E.T. The pool based training drills in B.E.T are designed to not only challenge you physically but also to calm your mental state by allowing breathing to become rhythmic and controlled so as to allow greater oxygen uptake. Nam works with surfers of all levels from beginner surfers looking to improve their confidence in the ocean to some of the worlds best professional and big wave surfers such as Mick Fanning, Ryan Hipwood and Dan Ross.

I have just started training with Nam over the past 3 weeks and by incorporating the breathing techniques I have learnt, I have already noted a significant difference in my energy levels and state of mind in the ocean. The pool based training techniques are specific to surfing situations, so whether your goals are to become confident in 2 foot waves or 50 foot waves, B.E.T will have you pushing your limits and noticing a big affect in your preparedness the deal with whatever the ocean throws at you.

For more information on B.E.T click on the link to their website here

Easter Holiday Kids Surfing Program

Currumbin Alley Surf School will be running their Easter Holiday Kids Surfing Program from Monday 1st April – Fri 5th April & Monday 8th April – Friday 12th April.

The five day programs run from 730-9am. Cost for the 5 day program is $110 which includes a goody bag containing a T-shirt, certificate, stickers, magazine and more!!

For more information please click here or phone Sam on 0411 080 112

Worlds Greatest Shave

On Saturday 17th March, we took part in the Leukemia Foundations ‘Shave for a Cure’ with Mitch, Josh and myself all shedding the hair for a great cause. Leukemia is a disease that affects thousands of people each year and it was great to see how much support we received from all of our amazing students! We made a short little clip of what went down on the day so check it out below. To see photos from the day on our facebook page click here

Thanks again to all who supported us and if anyone would like to make any last minute donations please click on the following link:http://my.leukaemiafoundation.org.au/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=437416

Bleach Surfing Festival…..

The inaugural Bleach Surfing festival kicks of this week with a range of different activities and events happening around the southern gold coast.

Theres been alot of hype around the Bleach festival and it is sure not to dissapoint with a multitude of different artist exhibitions, galleries, concerts, performances and events being held over 16 days in between some major surfing competitions including the Burleigh Breaka Pro, Kirra teams challenge and the Quiksilver Pro. Whats even better is that all events held over the duration of the Bleach festival are all focused around surf culture and lifestyle.

As a supporter of the event, Currumbin Alley Surf School are offering discounted lessons over the entire first weekend (11th & 12th Feb) with special adult group lessons only $25 and childrens lessons only $20. So come down and get amongst the festive atmosphere this weekend and embrace what this beautiful part of the world is all about…….sunshine, surf and good times!!

To Book in for a surfing lesson, phone Sam on 0411 080 112 or for more info on the Bleach festival click here

Early morning surfing sessions

Keen to get your day off to a great start? Rather than heading off to work feeling tired and lazy, why not try our Gold Coast sunrise surfing sessions and get a kickstart into the day.

These are happening every Wednesday morning from 6 -7am. Not only is surfing great for your fitness as well as your soul, you will also find that there are far less surfers around at this time of the morning which means you will have far more peace of mind knowing there is not a mass of people to dodge every time you catch a wave.

Whats even better is that our sunrise surfing sessions are only $20 each if you pay for 5 sessions upfront ($100), so come down and give it a go and see for yourself how an early morning play in the waves can get your day off to a brilliant start.

To sign up for our early morning learn to surf class, phone Sam on 0411 080 112 today.

Gold Coast After School Surfing Squads

We will be kicking off our Gold Coast after school surfing squads starting this Wednesday 8th Feb until the end of term (8weeks). All children aged 6 – 16 are welcome to come down and join in although kids under 8 must be accompanied by an adult.

We will have separate beginner and intermediate squads in our after school surfing program with beginners starting off riding waves in the safety of waist depth water and intermediate kids working on getting out there in the bigger stuff and riding the unbroken waves!! We supply safe soft surfboards and rashies although kids in the intermediate group can use their own board if they have one.

All of our coaches are fully qualified surfing instructors who have years of surfing experience so you can rest assured that your child will be in safe hands and there is no better way for kids to learn to surf than in a fun and safe environment alongside others of similar ages and ability levels.

To enrol your child into our afterschool surfing program call Sam on 0411 080 112 today.

When: 4 – 5pm every Wednesday of term 1

Where: Currumbin Alley (Duringan st Currumbin)

Who: Kids aged between 6 – 16

Cost: $120 for 8 week program if prepaid or $20/session

Christmas Gift Cerificates

Yep, its that time of the year again, but what to get your loved one this Christmas? You could go down the old socks and undies route…….. OR you could shake things up and give them something they will remember for a lifetime!!

We offer gift certificates for all types of surfing levels so whether your loved one has never seen the ocean before or maybe needs that extra kick-start, whether it be private or group lessons, beginner or intermediate, we can cater to all.

If Santa can do it, anyone can!!

Call Sam today on 0411 080 112 or email sam@currumbinalleysurfschool.com.au to arrange postage or pickup of a gift certificate, we guarantee they won’t be dissapointed!!

Kids School Holiday Surfing Program

Summer has officially arrived and with school holidays just around the corner what better activity to get the kids involved in than a week long kids surfing program at Currumbin Alley. These will be starting on Mon 12th Dec and running every mon – fri of the school holiday period. We have intermediate and begginner levels so if your child has previous surf experience, they will have a seperate instructor who will work with them providing more challenging tasks.

Positions are filling fast so book your child in today and help give them a summer they will never forget.

**And parents don’t think we’ve forgotten about you!! This year we are also offering separate parents lessons at the same time so why let the kids have all the fun?? If surfing is something you have always wanted to try, this is the perfect opportunity for you to stop procrastinating and give it a go!!**

For more info on the kids program click here or take a read of the flyer below. For additional info or to book a spot, phone Sam on 0411 080 112.

Our new website

Here it is, our new website!! It’s taken a few months of designing, organizing, re-arranging and more re-arranging but we have finally put together what we believe to be a slick and exciting new site. We will be keeping things fresh by continually updating news posts, photo galleries and content so stay tuned and keep checking in for all the latest news and developments.

Big thanks to our friend Laurie from Creative Arm for all the creative input and support throughout the re-designing process.

KE11Y SLATER

How good is Kelly Slater!!! 39 Years Old and still schooling everone on the world tour. I hope I can still move when I’m 39 years old let alone be able to ride 20 foot barrels and pull 360 airs like he can. I remember seeing him surf the Alley earlier in the year just after the Quiksilver pro contest at snapper. The waves were pumping and I watched him pull into an absolute freight train barrel from behind the rock at the Alley and pop out at Laceys (which, if you don’t know is about 300 metres down the point!!!) Apparently he was saying it was one of the best surfs he’s ever had on the Gold Coast!!

This clip is pretty amazing and sums up what a freak he is! So congrats Kelly you’ve inspired thousands of people around the world and taken our sport to a whole new level!!

KE11Y SLATER

SEPTEMBER HOLIDAY KIDS SURFING PROGRAM

We will again be running our successful school holiday kids surfing program these September holidays starting on Mon 19th Sep. As the water begins to warm up, our kids surfing program provides a great way for kids to get ready for the summer while at the same time developing new skills and learning with others of a similar age.

All kids aged 6-16 are welcome to come along and enjoy the beautiful waves at Currumbin Alley. Specialised coaching and feedback is given to all students throughout the week and there is no doubt that by the end of the week all students will have improved out of sight and had a great time.

Where: Currumbin Alley – Meet at north carpark opposite Volunteer Marine Rescue Building.

When: 8.00 – 9.30am Monday 27th September - Friday 9th Jul1st October

Who: Boys and girls aged 7 – 16 years old

How much: one session – $25

Full Week – $110

For more info or to book your child in, contact Sam on 0411 080 112

Kids having a blast

KIDS SUMMER SURF PROGRAM – WEEK ONE

Currumbin Alley Surf School kicked off its second annual ‘Kids School Holiday Surfing Program’ last week with about 18 kids joining in for the 5 day program. 3 instructors were on hand to guide the kids through the learning stages with all kids improving out of sight after 5 day program, while also having a load of fun.

We were lucky enough to have a range of different conditions through the week with tuesday and wednesday offering some great waves through the middle section of the Alley perfect for the intermediate kids to practise turning across the wave and working on new skills such as duckdiving and cutbacks and ‘kiddies corner’ offering some great long whitewater rides for the begginner kids. The swell dissapeared by Thursday which gave the kids a chance to have fun tandem surfing on the new 10’6 board and also mucking around practising tricks such as the ‘switchfoot’, ‘coffin rides’, and ‘dieing cockroach’  while the intermediate crew headed to ‘Currumbin Beachfront’ to practise their takeoffs in faster beachbreak waves and practising ‘floaters’

All in all it was a great week had by all with all kids having a blast and showing huge smiles throughout the 5 days. There are still spots left for the coming weeks of school holidays, so if you would like to book your child in for a week of fun and excitement, call Sam on 0411 080 112.

To see more, click here to check out our youtube clip or follow this link to see photos of the kids in action

GIFT CERTIFICATES

Stuck trying to think of that perfect Christmas or Birthday present?? Why not give them something that they will remember for a lifetime. Gift Certificates for surfing lessons are now available and are a perfect way to introduce your loved one to what we believe is the best and funnest activity you can do.

So this Christmas, instead of buying socks and undies, hook your Mum, Dad, Brother, Sister, Girlfriend, Boyfriend, Husband, Wife, Mate, Cousin or Grandma up with a surfing lesson with Currumbin Alley Surf School. They wont be dissapointed!!

Contact Sam on 0411 080 112 or via email at sam@currumbinalleysurfschool.com.au to arrange pick up or postage of a gift certificate or for any further enquiries.

KIDS SUMMER SURF PROGRAM

Currumbin Alley Surf School will again be hosting this years annual Kids Summer Surfing Program. These will be happening every Mon-Fri of the school holidays starting from Mon 6th Dec 2010.

During the week kids will learn about ocean safety, stand-up techniques, surf-specific stretching, surfing etiquette and how to control and manoeuvre the surfboard.

For those at a more intermediate level, we will introduce you to more advanced skills such as riding along the wave, turning and duckdiving.

You can enrol your child for a chosen day or the full week program. Kids enrolled for the full week will recieve a goody bag on completion containing a certificate, T-shirt, poster, stickers, magazine and more!!

WHERE: Currumbin Alley (meet at north carpark opposite Volunteer Marine Rescue building)

WHO: Boys and Girls aged 8-16 (Children aged under 8 years old are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult at all times)

WHEN:

Mon 6th Dec – Fri 10th Dec

Mon 13th Dec – Fri 17th Dec

Mon 20th Dec – Fri 24th Dec

Mon 27th Dec – Fri 31st Dec

Mon 3rd Jan – Fri 7th Jan

Mon 10th Jan – Fri 14th Jan

Mon 17th Jan – Fri 21st Jan

Mon 24th Jan – Fri 28th Jan

COST: $110 full week (incl. Goody Bag) or $25/one session

For more info or to book your child in, please phone Sam on 0411 080 112

WINTER HOLIDAY KIDS SURFING PROGRAM

Currumbin Alley Surf School will again be putting on a kids surfing program these school holidays for kids aged 7-16, starting Monday 5th July . Kids of all abilities are welcome to come along and have fun surfing with others their own age with groups split into begginer and intermediate levels. Those in the ‘begginer’ category will learn the basics of surfing including how to paddle, stand up, and manoeuvre the surfboard, surf safety, how to spot and avoid rips/currents, as well as surf fitness. Those in the ‘intermediate’ group will learn more advanced topics such as manoeuvering across the wave, turning and cutbacks, duck-diving, wave selection and surf-specific stretching and fitness.

Even though the weather has cooled down slightly, the waves are still rolling in and have been perfect for begginers lately with less crowds in the water than the summer months. We also have a range of wetsuits in kids sizes to give them that extra warmth!!

You can enrol your child for a chosen day or a full week program. Kids enrolled for the full week will receive a goody bag containing a certificate, stickers and other surprises!!! For more information, call Sam on 0411 080 112.

yeeeewww

Where: Currumbin Alley – Meet at north carpark opposite Volunteer Marine Rescue Building.

When: 7.30 – 9am Monday 5th July - Friday 9th July
7.30 – 9am Monday 12th July – Friday 16th July

Who: Boys and girls aged 7 – 16 years old

How much: one session – $25

Full Week – $100

September Holiday Kids Squads

Currumbin Alley Surf School will again be putting on a kids surfing program these school holidays for kids aged 7-16, starting Monday 27th September until Friday 1st October . Kids of all abilities are welcome to come along with specialised coaching and personal feedback given to begginer and intermediate level surfers. Those in the ‘begginer’ category will learn the basics of surfing including how to paddle, stand up, and manoeuvre the surfboard, surf safety, how to spot and avoid rips/currents, as well as surf fitness. Those in the ‘intermediate’ group will learn more advanced topics such as manoeuvering across the wave, turning and cutbacks, duck-diving, wave selection and surf-specific stretching and fitness.

As the water is beggining to warm up, these squads provide a great way for kids to get ready for summer and have fun learning with others of similar ages.

You can enrol your child for a chosen day or a full week program. Kids enrolled for the full week will receive a goody bag containing a certificate, stickers and other surprises!!! For more information, call Sam on 0411 080 112.

Go Red for Women Charity Surfing Day

Currumbin Alley Surf School is proud to announce its support of the upcoming ‘Go Red for Women Charity Surfing Day’. The event will be happening this Sunday 30th May, with ALL proceeds going towards the heart foundations continuing research and development into the very serious problem of cardiovascular disease amongst women. So girls, what better time to give surfing a go while at the same time supporting a great cause. For more information, please contact event organiser Jade Trueman on 0428 137 842 or follow the link to donate money 

http://www.everydayhero.com.au/jade_truman

Private Surfing Lesson

With crowds dropping off and the waves becoming more consistant in the autumn and winter months, now is the perfect time to get yourself out there and get into some private lessons. Whether you are a first timer or just looking to recieve some pointers or that little bit of feedback, we provide personalised private lessons for surfers of all abilities and levels. With our schedule being more flexible over the next few months, we will work with you to arrange a time that suits and also to ensure that the waves and conditions will be suitable for your particular ability level.

The water temp still remains fairly warm, even through the winter season, but for those who feel the cold a bit more we have wetsuits you can use as well. For private lesson prices, please refer to our ‘lessons/prices’ page or for more info please call Sam on 0411 080 112.

The Alley Fish Fry 2010

The 4th Annual ‘Alley Fish Fry’ is coming up on the 14th of March.

The Fish Fry is held in the park opposite the Alley car park where each year a bunch of ol’ sea dogs and surfboard shapers from around Australia and even Internationally gather to showcase and present a bunch of different and unique surfboards – both old and new. The Fish Fry is open to anyone and is definately worth checking out – you will be amazed at the inventions that some shapers have come up with.

It will be interesting to see what kind of weird and wacky creations show up this year.

New Wetshirts

Last week we unveiled a new look for Currumbin Alley Surf School with new  wetshirts from Aleeda Wetsuits.
We decided on black wetshirts with logos printed in white.
We are really stoked with how they came out and have received some good feedback so far.
Big thanks to STOMP surfwax and the BEACH SHACK CAFE for helping out with printing costs.

After School Kids Squads

Currumbin Alley Surf School ‘After School Kids Squads’ will be starting this Tuesday 9th February from 4 – 5.30pm. These squads will be running every Tuesday throughout the school term and will provide kids with a great opportunity to learn and continually develop surfing skills.

Groups will be divided into ‘begginer’ and ‘intermediate’ squads. Begginner squads will be focused on learning the basics including surf safety, ocean awareness, stand – up technique, paddling, wave selection and maintaining balance while the intermediate squad will be for kids who have passed the begginner stage and are looking for more of a challenge. Those in the intermediate squad  will be working on developing and improving surfing skills such as turning, duck-diving, getting out the back and riding unbroken waves.

‘Begginners’ are advised to use our safe, soft learn to surf boards, while those in the ‘intermediate’ squad may use their own board if they have one.

To Book your child in or more more info on our after school kids squads, please phone Sam on 0411 080 112

WHERE: Currumbin Alley or Currumbin Beachfront (Meet at van at Currumbin Alley Carpark)

WHEN: Every Tuesday during the school term 4 – 5.30pm

WHO: Kids aged  6 and over

HOW MUCH: $20

Kids Summer Squads 09/10

Currumbin Alley Surf School ‘Summer Kids Squads’ are in full swing and have been a huge sucess so far this summer. Despite the unusual gloomy weather, the waves at ‘The Alley’ have been perfect for beginners lately with some kids getting rides of up to 100 metres along the perfectly formed sandbank currently in place. This is the first year that we have introduced the kids squads, running from Monday to Friday throughout the school holidays. All of our kids have seen vast improvements in their surfing over the course of the 5 day squad, with many having never surfed before and  by the end of the week finding themselves catching long rides all the way to shore, turning across the wave and becoming far more confident in the ocean. We still have spots left for the coming weeks of school holidays, so if you would like to book your child in for a week of fun and excitement, call Sam on 0411 080 112 – They will not be dissapointed!!

Gift Certificates Now Available

Stuck trying to think of that perfect chrissy present for a loved one?? Why not give them something that they will remember for a long time. Gift Certificates for surfing lessons are now available and are a perfect way to introduce your loved one to the greatest and funnest sport on planet earth!! So this Christmas, instead of buying socks and undies, hook your mum, dad, brother, sister, girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, wife, mate, cousin or granny up with a surfing lesson with Currumbin Alley Surf School. They wont be dissapointed.

Contact Sam on 0411 080 112 or via email at sam@currumbinalleysurfschool.com.au to arrange pick up or postage of a gift certificate.

Easter Holiday Kids Surfing Program

Easter School Holidays are fast approaching and what better thing to do than get your kids involved in a week long surfing program with Currumbin Alley Surf School.

In our weekly program, kids will learn about ocean safety, stand – up techniques, how to manouvre the surfboard and avoid collisions, while at the same time building confidence in the ocean and most importantly having a tonne of fun!!

Those kids with previous surf experience will be in a seperate group where they will work with their instructor on more advanced skills such as riding along the wave, turning and duck diving.

You can enrol your child for a specific day or the full week program. Kids enrolled for the full week will recieve a goody bag containing a certificate, T-shirt, stickers, magazine, key-ring and other surprises!! For more information, call Sam on 0411 080 112.

To check out what the kids will be getting up to, follow this link to see our youtube clip of the kids in action!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13tFWzgcBa4

Where: Currumbin Alley – Meet at north carpark opposite shower (see map under ‘about’ tab)

When: Mon 12th April – Fri 15th April

Mon 18th April – Fri 24th April

* 7:30 – 9:00 am daily

Who: Boys and girls aged 8 – 16 years old

What:

• Ocean safety (rips, currents, how to avoid collisions etc)
• Stand – up procedures (most effective way to get up and ride a wave depending on individual’s fitness, body type and flexibility
• Surf Specific Stretching (We will give you a set of stretches specific for surfing related movements to help you loosen up before a surf and most importantly help avoid injury!!)
• Improvement – as you progress through the week we will provide you with different skills to work on and provide the instruction and experience necessary to help you achieve all your goals.
• And most importantly…………..FUN!!!!!

Cost:

Full week – $110 (incl. goody bag containing T-shirt, Cerificate, Magazine, Stickers, Keyring and More!!)

Single Session – $25

Welcome to Currumbin Alley Surf School

– The original surf school at the Alley since 93.

We are based at Currumbin Alley, the Gold Coasts most learner – friendly location and we offer year – round surfing lessons on the Gold Coast for people of all ages, sizes and ability levels.

We are dedicated to providing the best learn to surf Instruction at the best learn to surf location on the Gold Coast. We provide personalised instruction and feedback so rather than standing on the shore watching you struggle, our instructors get right amongst it with you, doing all we can to make sure your surfing experience is something you will never forget. We pride ourselves on this , which is why so many of our customers continue to return week after week.

Please take a look around the site and check out what we offer and please don’t hesitate to give Sam a buzz on 0411 080 112 for any further information, enquiries and/or to book a lesson!!