Making Waves: A School Surf and Water Safety Day with Avila College

For many teachers, planning a surf or water-safety program means juggling risk documents, logistics, supervision ratios, lesson outcomes and few nervous students (or teachers). But when Avila College booked a Sporting Schools program with URBNSURF, the experience became something quite different: organised, educational and memorable. 

This is their story, and a look at how other schools might use Sporting Schools to create a similar experience. 

Planning the day 

The planning began early in the school year with a straightforward enquiry around which dates were available, which sessions suited a big year level, and how many students the program could support. 

URBNSURF came back quickly with options, clear session descriptions, capacities, and a structure that matched teachers learning outcomes for students, including water safety, on-land fundamental skills like reading the water, and a gentle progression into beginner surfing (including how to throw the perfect shaka 🤙) 

Teachers also received a detailed outline of the day with a safety briefing, on-land skills, small-group rotations and the in-water lesson. Staff later said this alone made a noticeable difference, noting that “everything was clear. We could talk to students and parents with confidence because we knew exactly what the day would look like.” 

Making the lead-up easy (even for busy teachers) 

Risk assessments, supervision ratios and emergency procedures were provided early, quickly supporting school staff to meet child safe requirements. Regular emails followed in the weeks leading up to the program with weather notes, equipment reminders and final numbers, making the prep work smooth and stress free. 

A day structured around confidence, safety and fun 

On the day itself, the year 8 students were split into two groups, rotating between land activities, surfing sessions and rest zones so no one was left waiting around or feeling overwhelmed. 

The small-group coaching setup was something students raved about: “Being in smaller groups meant we got more turns and more feedback.”  

As the day progressed, many students spoke about how their nerves gradually shifted to confidence. One said: “Even though I was nervous at first, the mix of instructions, demonstrations and support helped me feel confident.” 

Another student shared: “I felt scared going into the rip at first, but the instructor helped me understand what to do — that made a big difference.” 

Others simply loved the thrill of trying something new: “Standing up for the first time felt so good.” 

Where learning and fun meet 

Alongside the surfing was a water safety session aligned with the National Swimming and Water Safety Framework. Students learned how to spot rips, understand tides and currents, and what to do to keep themselves safe. 

Confidence was a common theme in the feedback: “It helped me feel confident in the water.” 

Surfing may have been the hook, but water safety was the part many students kept talking about afterward. 

A smooth finish  

Transport timed neatly with session blocks, and the drop-off points at were easy to navigate. At the end of the day, tired and happy students climbed onto the bus full of stories. 

One student simply summed up the day by saying “it was really fun, definitely a highlight of the year.” 

What other schools can take from this experience

Sporting Schools programs might look a little different depending on your location, but Avila College’s experience shows what’s possible in the surf and water safety space. 

And if the feedback from Avila College is anything to go by, your students won’t forget the experience and learnings anytime soon. 

------ 

A huge thanks to Matt Roberts, Curriculum Leader and Sporting Schools Coordinator from Avila College, who shared his schools experience and helped bring this story to life to share with other schools.