Council Issues ‘Buyer Beware’ Notice: Choose a Licensed and Insured Surf School
Byron Shire Council is warning locals and visitors to be cautious when booking surf lessons due to the presence of unlicensed surf schools operating in the area. Council has received complaints about some unapproved operators running surf schools without proper licensing.
Malcolm Robertson, Council’s Acting Director of Infrastructure Services, emphasised the importance of choosing a licensed surf school:
“Council and the NSW Government oversee what happens on the beach and in the water. Our role is to manage beach activities, including licensing surf schools that use public beaches for their business. A licence is a way of assuring customers that an operator is both approved and safe.”
The licensing system benefits the community by ensuring surf schools follow safety guidelines, operate ethically, and provide quality services. Licensed operators also help manage beach space, ensuring there’s enough room for both businesses and the public. The fees paid by licensed surf schools are reinvested by the Council into public services for the community.
Mr. Robertson encourages customers to only book lessons with licensed schools to help maintain the integrity of the system:
“Using a school that does the right thing supports the community and helps protect our beautiful beaches.”
To ensure you’re booking with a licensed operator, refer to the list of surf schools approved by Byron Shire Council:
- Byron Bay Surf School Pty Ltd.
- Let’s Go Surfing
- Blackdog Surfing Pty Ltd.
- Style Surfing School Byron Bay
- Rusty Miller Personalised Surfing Byron Bay
- Soul Surfing School Pty Ltd.
For more information or to verify a surf school’s licence, contact Byron Shire Council directly.
