Riding the Waves

Year 12 Surfing Experience

Duration: 240 minutes (4 hours)
Class size: 25 students
Subject: Physical Education (Health and Physical Education learning area, aligned with New Zealand Curriculum)

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Overview

This immersive 4-hour lesson introduces Year 12 students to surfing, embedding key Physical Education and Outdoor Education curriculum requirements from the New Zealand Curriculum. The lesson blends theory and practice, ensuring deep understanding of surfing basics, safety, equipment handling, and applied skill development in a safe and supportive environment.

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Learning Objectives

Aligned with the Health and Physical Education learning area and key competencies from the New Zealand Curriculum, students will:

1. Develop knowledge and understanding of surfing basics, including surfing terminology, wave types, and ocean conditions.
2. Understand and apply safety protocols relevant to surfing, including beach and ocean safety, risk management, and emergency procedures.
3. Gain practical skills in handling surfing equipment safely and effectively.
4. Demonstrate basic surfing movements through simulated exercises.
5. Reflect on learning progress and personal performance, setting goals for further development.

These objectives reflect curriculum principles such as “Learning to learn,” “Community engagement,” and “Future focus,” emphasising safe participation in physical activities within environmental contexts and supporting students’ self-management and critical thinking skills.

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Curriculum Links

• Learning Area: Health and Physical Education (HPE)
• Achievement Objectives (Level 7-8 relevant to Year 12):
  • Movement concepts and motor skills — Performing specialised movement skills (e.g., surfing techniques).
  • Healthy communities and environments — Understanding and managing personal safety in outdoor settings.
  • Making healthy and safe choices — Considering risks and safety strategies when engaging in physical activity.
• Key Competencies:
  • Managing self (goal setting, safety awareness).
  • Relating to others (collaboration during group discussions and practical tasks).
  • Thinking (analyzing environmental factors and personal performance).
  • Using language, symbols, and texts (interpreting instructional videos and safety information).
  • Participating and contributing (active involvement in practical activities).

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Lesson Schedule

Time	Activity	Description	Curriculum Connection	Resources
0:00 – 0:30 (30 mins)	Introduction and Surfing Theory	Welcome, learning intentions, and overview.
Watch a curated instructional video on surfing basics covering ocean awareness, surfing terms, and wave types. Follow with a facilitated group discussion to reinforce understanding.	AO: Movement concepts; Key competencies: Using language, Relating to others, Thinking	Surfing instructional video; whiteboard/flipchart for notes
0:30 – 1:00 (30 mins)	Ocean Safety and Risk Management	Group discussion on ocean safety protocols (rip currents, tides, weather). Role-play scenarios and decision-making activities on recognising hazards and safe surfing behaviour.	AO: Healthy communities and environments; Managing self; Participating and contributing	Safety pamphlets; scenario cards; protective gear examples
1:00 – 1:20 (20 mins)	Equipment Knowledge and Handling	Hands-on session introducing surfboards, wetsuits, leashes, and wax. Demonstrate correct handling, care, and fitting of equipment. Students practice handling in pairs.	AO: Movement concepts; Managing self; Participating and contributing	Surfboards, wax, wetsuits, leashes
1:20 – 1:30 (10 mins)	Break & Transition
1:30 – 2:00 (30 mins)	Warm-up and Simulated Surfing Skills	Dynamic warm-up emphasising balance, coordination, and core strength relevant to surfing.
Simulated surfing exercises on mats replicating paddling, pop-up, and stance techniques.	AO: Movement concepts and motor skills; Managing self	Mats for simulation; audio for warm-up music
2:00 – 2:45 (45 mins)	Practical Surfing Skills – Water Session / Pool or Suitable Location	If a water body or pool is accessible: supervised practise of basic paddling, wave catching techniques, board control, and safe fall procedures under instructor guidance. Alternatively, enhanced simulated exercises on land focusing on timing and balance.	AO: Movement concepts and motor skills; Healthy and safe choices	Surfboards, life jackets, qualified instructor or assistant
2:45 – 3:00 (15 mins)	Cool Down and Reflection	Guided cool down and stretching. Group reflection circle discussing experiences, challenges, what was learned, and personal progress. Students complete a brief self-reflection sheet on skills gained and safety confidence.	Key Competencies: Managing self, Thinking	Reflection worksheets; pens
3:00 – 3:30 (30 mins)	Assessment and Goal Setting	Formative assessment by observation during practical and simulation activities using clear criteria linked to curriculum objectives. Students complete a self and peer assessment focusing on knowledge, skills, and safety awareness. Teacher facilitates goal setting for next steps in surfing or related physical activities.	Assessment aligned with HPE standards and key competencies; Managing self	Assessment rubrics; goal setting templates

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Assessment Opportunities

• Formative Observations: Teacher assesses students’ movement skills during simulation and water sessions, focusing on posture, balance, and safety procedures.
• Group and Individual Discussions: Evaluating understanding of ocean safety and equipment knowledge through responses and role-play scenarios.
• Reflection Worksheets: Insight into students’ self-assessment of confidence and areas for improvement.
• Peer Assessment: Collaborative critique to build relating to others competency.
• Goal Setting: Students set SMART goals referencing the achievement objectives for continued learning beyond this lesson.

These assessments are non-threatening and encourage student agency in the learning process, directly supporting The New Zealand Curriculum's emphasis on learner self-monitoring and collaborative evaluation.

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Differentiation and Inclusion

• Use flexible grouping during discussions and practical tasks.
• Provide physical aids or support for students with diverse movement abilities.
• Ensure all safety information is clearly communicated, with visual, verbal, and written supports.
• Offer extension challenges (e.g., advanced surfing terminology) for more able students.
• Cultural responsiveness by referencing Māori perspectives on water safety and respect for the ocean where possible, supporting the Treaty of Waitangi principles in the curriculum .

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Teacher Preparation

• Secure appropriate facility (pool or beach) and ensure qualified lifeguards or assistants are present.
• Prepare videos, safety materials, and simulated surfing equipment.
• Familiarise with surfing terminology and safety protocols.
• Prepare assessment rubrics and reflection sheets aligned with curriculum standards.

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This lesson plan delivers an engaging, comprehensive surf education experience fulfilling New Zealand Curriculum goals, promoting physical literacy, safety awareness, and personal growth within a culturally responsive and inclusive framework.

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If you want, I can also help draft student worksheets, assessment rubrics, and safety checklists tailored to this plan.