Frequently Asked Questions

• There are so many surf schools to choose from, why choose Kool Katz?

Here are the TOP 5 reasons why ....

1. Kool Katz is owned and operated by Byron Bay's original and best surf tour operator, Terry Hannon. Tezza has 17 years of hands-on experience as a beginner surf instructor and surf tour operator.

2. Kool Katz delivers a world exclusive surfing guarantee: ``Stand and ride a wave for 40 metres or your money back!''

3. Kool Katz is $16 cheaper than other surf schools - we're just competitive at what we do!

4. Kool Katz has the biggest range of surfboard sizes of any other Byron surf school allowing us to match you more easily to the equipment that you require.

5. Kool Katz surfs in uncrowded waves south of the busy bustle of Byron Bay. With Kool Katz you enjoy privileged access to Lennox National Surfing Reserve, one of only 4 nationally declared surfing reserves in New South Wales. You also enjoy access to Shaw's Bay, Ballina, considered by many in the know as having some of the best and safest learning waves on the east coast of Australia.

• Do you operate daily?

Yes, twice daily starting from Byron Bay at 9.15am for the morning session and 2.15pm for the afternoon session.
How long approximately is the total tour including pick up and return?

Each tour is 4 hours in duration. This includes some travel time each way, 30 minutes instruction on the sand and 2 hours water time during which time the instructors work individually with you to ensure our surfing guarantee is met.

• What time do you drop back at accommodation at Byron Bay?

Morning session drops back at 1.15pm in Byron Bay and the afternoon session drops back at 6.15pm in Byron Bay. (Yes, we will pick up and drop off in Lennox Head by prior arrangement. Pick up times are 35 minutes later than stated for Byron Bay i.e. 9.50am and 2.50pm. The later pick up times mean that the class duration is only 3 hours.)

• What do you provide? What do we bring?

Kool Katz provide long and short wetsuits, rash vest and soft surfboards. You bring swimmers, towel, sunscreen and drinking water. Leave your valuables at home.

• What level of fitness or experience must I have to participate?

We cater for absolute beginners, people who have never surfed before. We work in waist deep water and surf in small waves of about 1ft. Minimal swimming fitness is required, but 50m swimming competency is recommended.

• Should beginner surfers expect to stand up on their first surf lesson?

Yes, yes, yes. At Kool Katz Learn to Surf in Byron Bay, we guarantee you will ride a wave over a distance of 40 metres. It's actually a world exclusive surfing guarantee that you'll be offered nowhere else, by no-one else. We are learn-to- surf experts and we say you CAN ride a wave over what is nearly the length of an Olympic sized swimming pool. Some of you will ride waves even longer! Lots of people don't expect to stand up and some will sign up for a surf lesson with the intent of ``having fun''. Some people tell us they stood up on a surf lesson before, but admit it was only for 2 seconds. That is a great feeling, but the amazing buzz you get from riding a wave comes from achieving measured success … 40 metres at least ... over and over on the first lesson … now that's ``having fun''.

• When is Kool Katz closed for business?

We operate all year round with the exceptions of Christmas Day, Boxing Day, New Year’s Days.

• What ages do you specify for children?

We take 6-year-olds and up. Children under 12 years must be accompanied by an adult (paying customer or non-paying customer with swimmers and be prepared to get wet). Children under 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver.

• Do you have kids' classes?

No, not specifically. Kids join our group surf lesson, but we assign kids under 12 with their own instructor, and surf them closer to shore, ensuring they get plenty of one-on-one attention in a safe surfing environment.

• What is the child or concession rate price?

No differentiation in pricing. One price for all.

• What is your cancellation policy?

100% cancellation fee will be charged for no shows or cancellations with less than 24 hours notice. Kool Katz does not cancel for inclement weather. In case of a tour being cancelled by the operator for extreme weather circumstances, the tour will be re-scheduled or a full refund will be given. Multi-day courses cancelled in whole or part by the client with less than 24 hours of the course start date will not be eligible for a refund in whole or part.