Bondi surf lessons: Waverley Council rejects calls to break up ‘monopoly’

Eastern suburbs resident Gloria Barton has enrolled her son in surf lessons for the past five years.

But, instead of learning at Bondi, or at a neighbouring beach, her 14-year-old travels for an hour to Dee Why on the northern beaches.

Gloria Barton and her son, Cale, would like to see more than one operator allowed to run surfing lessons at Bondi Beach. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong

It’s not by choice. Barton has pleaded with her son’s instructors to teach at a local beach, but they say their hands are tied.

“It’s not the end of the world, but from a parent’s perspective, you want your kids to learn at the beaches they live at,” Barton said.

“It’s important for kids from a safety perspective to learn at their own local beaches – where are the common rips, rocks to avoid, or parts