Question 1

I've never surfed before, is that okay?

Accepted Answer

You've come to the right place! Most of our students are brand new. We teach people from ages 5 - 65 on a regular basis. Our surfing lessons are usually taught in shallow water with slower/gentle waves that are suited for newer surfers. We won't push you outside of your comfort level and you can take your progress as slowly as you'd like.

Our soft top surfboards are also the safest boards in the market and they're easy to use.

Question 2

How can I book a lesson?

Accepted Answer

The easiest and fastest way is to book online: HERE

If that does not work for you:

Call or text: 1-902-789-4045
Email: info@halifaxsurfschool.com

Question 3

What time do the lessons start?

Accepted Answer

Lessons times vary a little bit depending upon season but they are available daily between May and October. We typically have 2-5 time slots per day. You can see the options HERE.

Question 4

Do I have to make a reservation in advance?

Accepted Answer

We highly recommend booking in advance online. We often sell out on busy days in peak summer season. However, if you don't have a reservation, we will try our best to accommodate for you. Please text 902-789-5483.

Rentals can also be booked in advance to guarantee availability. You're welcome to show up without pre-bookings but we don't guarantee availability.

Question 5

What sort of payment is accepted?

Accepted Answer

Most of our lessons and rentals are pre-booked online using credit cards. If you're showing up without a reservation, we accept cash, debit and credit cards.

Question 6

How early do I have to show up?

Accepted Answer

15 minutes prior to your lesson start time is fine. If it's a busy summer day with good weather, you should allow extra time to find parking.

Our aim to have you suited up in your wetsuit and ready to go for your lesson start time, so that the day runs as smoothly as possible.

If you're running late, please text 902-789-5483 and we will try to accommodate based on how busy we are that day.

Question 7

What should I bring?

Accepted Answer

1. Men typically wear shorts under their wetsuit. Women usually prefer to wear bathing suits under theirs.
2. A towel and sunscreen.
3. Bug spray just in case.
4. Bring food and drinks as they aren't available on site.
5. Weather can be cooler at the beach so it's wise to bring pants and a sweater.
6. Our instructors love tips when they've done an excellent job.

Question 8

Where can I find you at Martinique Beach?

Accepted Answer

Martinique Beach is located in the village of East Petpeswick, which is located about 45-50 minutes east of Halifax. When you enter the Provincial Park, you will see us on the right hand side in the first parking lot. We also have a surf shop 400 meters before the beach on the left at 2315 East Petpeswick Road.

Question 9

How big are the waves?

Accepted Answer

The size of the surf depends upon storm and wind activity out to sea. Typically during summer, the surf is 2-3 feet high, which is the ideal size for learning. That sized surf is powerful enough to push you along, but not overpowering while you're trying to catch waves.

If the waves are big at our main location of Martinique Beach on the day of your lesson, we have an excellent backup venue at Clam Harbour Beach that will have smaller and more manageable wave size.

Question 10

What size boards do you have?

Accepted Answer

When you're learning to surf, your best friends is a big board! A large board will give you better glide when you paddle and offer much more stability while you learn how to balance.

We have boards from 6'-9' long based on your size and the wave conditions.

Question 11

Does bad weather cancel my lesson?

Accepted Answer

We don't have to cancel our surfing lessons very often. However, it does happen and we can't control the weather. Some things that cause cancellations are strong storms, very large surf, or not surf at all.

Rain or fog doesn't mean that the surf isn't fun and you're going to be wet anyway. As a learning surfer, you can have a great time surfing in lots of types of conditions.

In rare cases when we do cancel lessons we will give you notice the day before and of course we will offer a full refund or rebook you for free.

Question 12

Will I need a wetsuit?

Accepted Answer

For sure. There is the odd day in late July or August that you can get away without a suit for a few hours but those days are rare. Not only do wetsuits keep you warm, but they offer sun protection, help you float and reduce rash from your skin rubbing on the surfboard.

Wetsuits are included in all of our lesson packages. W also rent them for $20 per day. We have a large wetsuit fleet from children's size 4 all the way up to adult XXXL.

Question 13

What happens in a typical lesson?

Accepted Answer

You should arrive 15 minutes before your lesson start time to get sized for a wetsuit and to collect your board.
 
Your first 15 minutes  will be spent on the beach learning:
- Basic ocean safety
- About your surfboard
- Paddling technique
- General surfing theory
​
Next, you'll hop in the ocean with your instructor and he/she will stay in the water for the remaining 45 minutes giving you effective advice and helping to push you into waves if necessary.
​
After your 1-hour lesson time, you're able to keep using your wetsuit and surfboard FREE for the rest of the day. Surf until you're tired!

Question 14

Do you teach kids? Older adults? Families?

Accepted Answer

We offer lessons for kids as young as 5 (suitable age may vary with each child). Our teaching spot is usually very shallow. That being said, we do offer recommendations for days with very small surf that are most suitable for young ones. If you're looking for advice on choosing an ideal day, please email: info@halifaxsurfschool.com

For big kids, we've had students well into their 60's.

Another good idea is to hire a private instructor for 1:1 or 2:1 lessons to guarantee a customized lesson experience.
 
Family surfing days are our speciality and we're well equipped for surfers of all ages and sizes.

Question 15

How well do I need to be able to swim?

Accepted Answer

Often, we are able to teach in water shallow enough that you can touch the bottom. However, there certainly may be times when you can't touch the bottom. The wetsuits offer a lot of buoyancy but they are not certified as life jackets. It is suggested that you're comfortable in water when you can't touch the bottom and are able to swim a short distance while remaining calm.

Question 16

What days and times are lessons offered?

Accepted Answer

Lessons are offered 7 days per week from May - October. There are multiple lesson times available each day. You can see what's available online HERE.

Question 17

What is the cancellation policy?

Accepted Answer

12 hours or more before lesson: FULL REFUND​
​Less than 12 hours of notice or no show: NO REFUND​

Question 18

Hotels? Air BnB's? Campgrounds?

Accepted Answer

AirBnB: 
Lots of great options around. Check the website or mobile app.
 
Campgrounds:
Porter's Lake Provincial Park.
Murphy's Camping on the Ocean.
E&F Webber Lakeside Park.
 
Hotels / Inns:
Salmon River Country Inn - 20 minutes drive
Worthington Place - 10 minutes
Webber's Lake Charlotte Motel - 25 minutes drive

Halifax Surf School

Martinique Beach, Nova Scotia

902-789-4045

info@halifaxsurfschool.com