SURFING AT PIHA
INFORMATION, RENTALS AND LESSONS
Piha is a great base for surfing the local Auckland area.
There are waves here at Piha every day and the North East Coast, Coromandel Peninsula and Raglan are all within 1.5 - 2.5 hrs drive.
SURFING AT PIHA AND NEARBY
Piha Beach consists of two distinct beaches - South Piha and North Piha with the huge 'Lion Rock' dividing them.
Best surfed between 3-6 foot (1- 2.5m) in easterly winds on all tides, and is good for surfers of all levels.
South Piha
Most popular area of the beach and features quality left and right beach-breaks. Generally smaller than anywhere on the West Coast due to North-facing direction. Great beginners area mid to high tides in "the cove" at the very south end of the beach.
North Piha
More exposed length of beach, often too big to be surfed so best on a smaller swell 3-4 ft with offshore winds, all tides.
Features a multitude of beach breaks...You can find good peaks from the north side of Lion rock further up the beach at Helipad, Rivermouth, United and at Caves at the very north end of the beach- which has good shelter from strong NE winds.
NEARBY SURF SPOTS
Other recommended surfing beaches nearby are Karekare, Anawhata and Whites beaches..
Further afield among others are Te Arai. Forestry, Raglan and Whangamata which are possible as day trips all within 1.5 - 2.5 hours drive from here.
PIHA SURFBOARD RENTALS AND REPAIRS
Piha Beachstay has a variety of surfboards and wetsuits for hire to guests.
Surfboards $25 1/2 day $35 full day and wetsuits $10. We have mini-mals and longboards.
Surfboards are also available for hire from the two Surf Shops in Piha:
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Piha Surf Shop
PIHA SURFING LESSONS
There are several surf schools at Piha offering surf lessons for Adults and Children including surfboard and wetsuit. Please contact the surf schools directly. They can pre-arrange lessons for your stay. (Prices subject to change)
Piha Surf School www.pihasurfschool.com
Phil and Zen Wallis - Piha surf lessons 1.5 hr (Beginner to advanced and children)
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Adult one-on-one lesson ; $ 120.00
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Adult group lesson (max. 4 persons) ; $ 80.00 per person
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Group; 8 adults or more ; $ 70.00 per person
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Students; - $ 225.00 per term
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Adult; multiple lessons (10 lessons) $ 70.00 per lesson
Lion Rock Surf School www.lionrocksurfshop.com
2hr one-on-one and group Piha surf lessons (Beginner to advanced and children)
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Adult - one-on-one $120
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Adult - group lesson $80
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Kids - $40
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Surfboard hire $20-$40; Bodyboards $10 - $30; Wetsuits $10-$20
SURFING IN NZ. WHAT TO BRING?
Surfboards:
A shortboard and a longboard/mini-mal for the smaller days will get you by.
Wetsuits:
North Island:
Jan -March: Boardies or 3/2 short arm/legs and 3/2 full suit for spring and autumn.
April- Dec: A 3/2 will do in Northland but the further south the colder it gets and you'll enjoy a 4/3 full-suit.
South Island
Summer: 3/2 full-suit Winter: 4/3 full suit plus hood, gloves and booties.
SURF SHOPS, DING-REPAIRS SURFBOARD SALES AND SHAPERS
LOCAL SURF SHOPS
There are two local surf shops that rent and sell surfboards and accessories
Lion Rock Surf Shop: Ian Ratso Buchanen is a local surfer and shaper. They sell new and used surfboards, clothing, wetsuits, wax, legropes and have rental boards and wetsuits. $30-$40 per day and wetsuits $15-$20 per day. Located next to the Piha Store in the centre of town. Seasonal hours during summer 10am - 4pm daily.
Piha Surf Shop: Mike Jolly is a local surfer and shaper and sells new and used boards, clothing, wetsuits, wax, legropes and have rental boards and wetsuits. $25 -$35 per day and wetsuits $10. Located 122 Seaview Road on the way down the hill to Piha. Open year-round when Mike isn't surfing! Ph: (09) 812-8723
AUCKLAND SURF SHOPS
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Ultimate Surf Shop- Albany (North) - out of business
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Backdoor Surfshop- Westgate (West)
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Freeride - Henderson (West)
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Hyperide - Penrose Auckland
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The Boardshop - Takapuna (North)
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Primal Surf - Takapuna (North) and Kumeu (West)
SURFBOARD DING REPAIRS
Dingfixers- Surfboard Repairs. Green Bay- West Auckland. Jon 021 782 787 dingfixers@gmail.com