Kia ora, I’m Dave
I live to surf and have fun, and nothing beats seeing someone catch their first wave! I’m the owner and head coach at Kiwi Surf Experience, Kaikōura’s only surf and SUP school, right on Kiwa Road across from the Mangamaunu surf break. As an NZQA SNZ Level 2 international surf coach, I’ll keep you safe, warm and having a blast, with quality boards and wetsuits.
My sons help out at the surf school too. They’re both experienced competitive surfers, so you’re in great hands in the water.
Come share my piece of paradise
From first-timer group lessons and one-on-one coaching to SUP sessions, board hire and stays in our surf cabins, I’d love to stoke you out and share the magic of Mangamaunu, where the mountains meet the sea.
Kiwi Surf Experience is located just north of Kaikōura on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, literally where the mountains meet the sea – no wonder Kaikōura is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most epic holiday and surfing destinations!
WHAT YOU CAN DO…
It’s all about having the time of your life at one of the most beautiful spots in New Zealand.
SURFING LESSONS
GROUP LESSONS
PRIVATE LESSONS
sup (paddleboard)
THE KIWI SURF EXPERIENCE
Kia Ora From Kaikōura
From the moment you start your Kiwi Surf Experience, you’ll see the passion & enthusiasm we have for the unique NZ surf & beach culture. You’ll soak up the beautiful remote locations, super-cool local characters & of course, the surfing & stand up paddle boarding. Your Kiwi Surf Experience is sure to be the highlight of your time in New Zealand. We look forward to going surfing with you!
EPIC LOCATION
Remote, uncrowded beaches with snow-capped mountains as your backdrop – this is surfing the way it should be, right here at Mangamaunu.
LEARN TO SURF WITH DAVE
Small groups, quality gear and a coach who lives for the stoke – here’s what you get.
NO EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Never surfed before? No worries – I’ll take you step by step from your very first pop-up to riding green waves, whatever your level.
COACHES
Fully qualified coaches with Level 1 Beginner & Level 2 Advanced coaching qualifications, so you learn the right way from day one.
LOCATION
Right on the doorstep of the Mangamaunu break, with mellow, uncrowded waves to learn on and fun peaks for every level.
EQUIPMENT
Quality boards and warm wetsuits in all sizes, so you’re comfy in the water and set up to catch more waves.
SAFETY
Surf safety and ocean awareness come first – you’ll learn to read the conditions and stay safe while having a blast.
FUN
I’ll put you where the waves are, so you have the most fun and share the stoke we live for. Pure bliss!
What our surfers say
Real reviews from people who’ve surfed with us in Kaikōura.
BOOK YOUR FIRST LESSON TODAY
Learn to surf or stand up paddleboard on the best waves the South Island has to offer with
professional surf coach Dave Lyons.
Lessons are for ages 14+. Under 14? Flick me an email or WhatsApp first so we can chat about safety and ability in the water.
