Pw70

I grew up on the Central Coast, surfing its golden beaches and drinking at its many pubs. I can provide information with places to stay, things to see and do, getting around and surfing.

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Q: For someone who has never surfed before, can you suggest an economical place for lessons/board rental? How much should one expect to pay to get the gist of it and enjoy a day of surfing? Submitted By: ariannepetersen on the 7th January 2007 A: Having grown up on the Central Coast and without reference to any existing Central Coast surf school, I would expect to pay an hourly rate for lessons which is no greater than the national average wage - $27 per hour. Why? Before the last housing property boom started, house prices on the Central Coast were priced relatively cheap. And owners of surf schools on the Central Coast are typically middle-aged long-term residents (true locals). Simply, they just about own their own homes and are asset rich. Further, surf school instructors are teachers and not trainers. They will provide you with only an introduction to surfing and will end their relationship with you once the lesson is over. Getting the most out of a 1 or 2 hour lesson and the majority of your learning will come by ‘getting out-the-back’ by yourself and regularly. It is all about getting value for money in the 1 lesson (recommended) you pay for. How do you get value for money? 1.There are 2 types of surf schools. Firstly, there is the Traditional Surf School setup by 1 or 2 partners as small businesses that supplement their incomes on their weekends. Secondly, there are the surf schools that are run out of Surf Shops as a means of diversifying their retail operation. Why know this? It all depends on your needs. If you feel you are a quick learner then the Traditional Surf School may suite you. They offer a very limited range of boards and wetsuits and will try and organize sessions with as many people as they can accommodate. If you are on a weekend trip up the Coast from Sydney and a little disorganized then Surf Shops could be for you. They are able to conduct many sessions with little advance notice. They are typically located across the road from the beach, have a larger range of boards and wetsuits and will be able to sell you products that you forgot to bring from home, such as, sunscreen. If you feel you will need close personal 1-on-1 attention then either Traditional Surf Schools or Surf Shops can assist. You will only need to book in advance. Expect to pay a much higher rate though. 2. Season of the Year Surf is better in the winter than the summer but as a learner you only want the waves to be large enough to be ridden. As it is summer you only need to hope there will be surf on the day you plan to take your lesson. I would book a lesson after you have seen the surf conditions on the day, you do not want the surf to be too big, too small or unsafe. Something else to consider here, Surf Schools will most of the time advertises their rate for the lesson only. There may be additional cost to hire a wetsuit or a special board. The water is warm enough in January to not need even a spring suite. I would suggest you buy a rash vest for yourself (and only yourself as they mold to your body shape) as you need to know the true feeling of surfing without a wetsuit impeding your movement. 3. Day of Week In summer, expect weekends to be busy for Surf Schools. Weekdays will have less people if they are offered at all. 4. Time of the Day Most people get up later on weekends so it is wise to go to the first lesson on a Saturday. Avoid the summer sun by not being at the beach between the hours of 10:00 and 15:30 during the hot months of the year. Go home to eat and drink! 5. The Teacher This is often forgotten about and is very important. Can the teacher surf themselves? Or are they just talk? 6. The Equipment Hire boards are much larger and more buoyant than what is ideal for an intermediate or advance surfer. So the experience of hire boards will not exactly be the real McCoy. If you are lucky enough to have a friend give you an old dinged up board for free (that is slightly larger than what is ideal for your height and weight) ask the teacher if you can use it for your lesson as that is what you will be teaching yourself on. Do not go out and buy a ‘custom made’ or ‘stock board’ as you will be damaging the board as you learn. 7. The Beach Does not really matter. Only make sure the lesson is done away from other swimmers and surfers as you need as much space as possible. 8. Your Goal After all that has been discussed above the only goal you should set for yourself is - on several waves be able to stand up and turn once. ***Recommendation*** There is nothing more valuable than just getting out the back and teaching yourself. Learn by your mistakes. Surf with people better than you so you can observe them. Surf regularly so you can build up your strength (at least 3 times a week for 2 hours a session). The rest is up to you which include choosing the surf school. Here is a list of Central Coast Surf Schools that I found: * Terry McDermott Surf Coaching (Sandy English), Soldiers Beach. * Central Coast Surf School, Umina Beach. * Pines Surfing Academy, Avoca Beach. * John Schmidenberg's Surfing Academy, Killarney Vale. * Peninsula Surf School, Umina Beach. * Shark Tower Surf Centre, Avoca Beach. * Yvonne's Learn to Surf, Terrigal Good luck, Surfer Pat

Q: What is your favourite bar/club in Central Coast, New South Wales? Submitted By: Hostelworld Moderator on the 12th March 2006 A: My favourite drinking hole is the Terrigal Pub whilst watching the rugby league with friends. But for the tourist I recommend the Florida Beach Bar on the beach in the centre of Terrigal.

Q: Is it easy to get around Central Coast, New South Wales? Submitted By: Hostelworld Moderator on the 12th March 2006 A: Without your own car it can be difficult getting around on public transport.

Q: What is your ‘insider tip’ for Central Coast, New South Wales? Submitted By: Hostelworld Moderator on the 12th March 2006 A: There are many places great for surfing. The locals will tell you otherwise because they want it for themselves. Be prepared to go off the beaten track a liitle to find them.

Q: In your opinion, what is Central Coast, New South Wales’s number one attraction? Submitted By: Hostelworld Moderator on the 12th March 2006 A: The Central Coast's number one attraction is its laid back beach lifestyle that is just an hour north of Sydney.

Q: What else shouldn’t be missed? Submitted By: Hostelworld Moderator on the 12th March 2006 A: You shouldn't miss its many cafés and restaurants after enjoying a walk along its clean long beaches.

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