Dawn Surf Co.
Details
Welcome to Dawn Surf Co., an affiliated surf school with Surfing Victoria and a licensed tour operator with
Parks Victoria. Based on Victoria’s iconic Surf Coast, we specialise in adult-only surf lessons (18+) in small,
personalised groups.
Our mission is to create an uplifting, safe, and inspiring environment where adults can learn to surf with
confidence. We teach you not only how to ride waves but how to read the ocean: studying wave patterns,
surf conditions, safety, and technique in a way that helps you progress faster and enjoy the experience more
deeply.
We run lessons across the beautiful beaches of Anglesea, Torquay, and Lorne, selecting the best conditions
each day to ensure calm, crowd-free sessions. Anglesea’s natural surroundings and gentle surf make it the
ideal place for learners to begin, while nearby Torquay offers a taste of Australia’s legendary surf culture and
breaks.
Our experienced and accredited surf coaches guide you through surf theory, pop-up technique, ocean
awareness, and in-water coaching, ensuring you build skills and confidence from your first lesson. With
smaller groups, you’ll enjoy detailed feedback and one-on-one attention, which is something larger schools
often miss.
Each session includes premium surf gear (boards and wetsuits) and is designed with care, safety, and a
focus on fun. We offer a range of surf programs, from one-off taster lessons to multi-day intensives and
private coaching, all structured to help you progress quickly and confidently.
Whether you’re looking to tick “learn to surf” off your bucket list or commit to becoming a confident surfer,
Dawn Surf Co. provides a supportive, high-quality experience on the Great Ocean Road that balances
learning, exploration, and connection with the ocean.
Join us and discover why the Surf Coast is one of the best places in Australia to learn to surf.
Map & Directions
Whites Beach carpark, Torquay VIC 3228 Australia
Cancellation Policy
Terms & Conditions
Dawn Surf Co. Terms
Terms & Conditions
These Terms & Conditions govern your participation in any surf lesson, program, or course (“the Program”) offered by Dawn Surf Co. (“the Organisers”).
By enrolling in a Program, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agree to the following:
1. Definitions
“Organisers” means Dawn Surf Co., its instructors and employees, Surfing Australia Ltd (“SA”), SA-affiliated state surfing associations, and their respective directors, officers, members, servants or agents.
2. Assumption of Risk
Participating in the Program carries inherent risks. Surfing can be dangerous, and serious accidents may occur, including injury or death. Risks include, but are not limited to, drowning, contact with boards, rocks, or other participants, and conditions such as surfer’s myelopathy (a rare condition causing paralysis due to hyperextension of the spine). By participating, you voluntarily assume these risks.
3. Physical Fitness & Medical Conditions
You declare that you are physically and medically fit to participate. You agree not to participate if you have any illness, injury, or condition that may affect your safety unless disclosed to and approved by the Organisers. You agree to notify us immediately of any changes to your health status.
4. Swimming Competency
All participants must be able to swim at least 50 metres in open water unassisted and without touching the bottom. You acknowledge that failure to meet this requirement increases the risk of harm and may result in exclusion from the Program without refund.
5. Instructions & Conduct
You agree to follow all instructions, safety briefings, and beach protocols provided by the Organisers. Disruptive or unsafe behaviour may result in immediate removal from the Program without refund.
Participants who arrive under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted to join the lesson and will not be entitled to a refund. This is to ensure your safety, the safety of others, and the quality of instruction provided.
6. Theft & Personal Belongings
The Organisers will provide a lock box for personal valuables, which will be stored securely inside the instructor’s vehicle and kept out of sight. The vehicle key will remain on the instructor’s person in a waterproof pouch at all times.
In some instances, key lock boxes may be provided to clients to enable self-transport to designated surf spots. While these are provided for convenience, Dawn Surf Co. accepts no responsibility for the loss, theft, or damage of any personal property, including but not limited to belongings left in lock boxes, vehicles, or on the beach. Clients are encouraged to bring only essential items and take all reasonable precautions to protect their valuables.
7. Medical Treatment
You authorise the Organisers to seek emergency medical or hospital treatment (including ambulance services) if necessary and agree to cover all associated costs.
8. Release & Indemnity
Your participation is at your own risk. To the maximum extent permitted by law:
You release and forever discharge the Organisers from all liability and claims arising from your participation; and
You indemnify and hold harmless the Organisers from any claims made by third parties arising from your actions.
“Claims” includes all actions, suits, proceedings, demands, damages, costs, and expenses (including for negligence and breach of statutory duty).
9. Photographic Consent
You consent to the use of any photographic or video images taken of you during the Program for the purposes of promoting Dawn Surf Co.
10. Privacy
The personal information you provide will be used solely for the operation of the Program and related communications. Your data will not be shared with third parties and may be accessed upon request.
11. Reporting
You have the right to report any unsafe practices or negligence by the Coach or Organisers to Surfing Australia or relevant authorities.
12. Cancellation Policy
We run small-group sessions with limited spots to ensure the best possible experience. Because of this, cancellations impact our ability to operate fairly and sustainably. Please review the policy for your type of booking:
5-Day Weekday Intensives
Due to the time commitment and limited capacity of our week-long courses:
60+ days before course start: Full refund
30–59 days before course start: 50% refund
Less than 30 days before course start: No refund
No-shows or partial attendance: No refund
Weekend Intensives
30+ days before course start: Full refund
14–29 days before course start: 50% refund
Less than 14 days before course start: No refund
Private Lessons
More than 7 days before lesson: Full refund
48 hours to 7 days before: 50% refund
Less than 48 hours before lesson: No refund
13. Weather Policy
Lessons go ahead in light rain and mild conditions, as this does not affect the quality of the surf. However, if conditions are deemed unsafe (e.g. lightning, severe storms, dangerous surf, poor visibility), we will cancel or reschedule your lesson. You will be notified by text or email on the day if there are any changes.
14. Damage to Equipment
You are responsible for using all provided equipment (surfboards, wetsuits, etc.) with care. You agree to cover the cost of any intentional or negligent damage caused to equipment during the Program.
15. Agreement
By booking and participating in a lesson or course, you confirm that:
You have read and understood these Terms & Conditions
You accept all associated risks
You agree to abide by the Code of Conduct and Cancellation Policy
16. Complaints & Feedback
We take your safety, comfort, and satisfaction seriously. If you have a concern, complaint, or private feedback, you may submit it at any time using the confidential reporting form included in your booking confirmation email.
Reports may be submitted anonymously or with your contact details if you’d like a follow-up. All submissions are reviewed confidentially.
2 Hour Taster Surf Lesson in Torquay / Anglesea - Learn to Surf for Adults Terms
Ages 18+ Only
All Participants must sign the waiver and be able to swim at least 50m in open water without touching the bottom or requiring assistance