a new wave of missions
PART ONE: LECTURES
Our Surf elective is for those who want Christ to be experienced and known naturally wherever we go. We seek to be missional in both our local surf region of Northland, and as we move out into New Zealand’s coastal communities.
In addition to completing the DTS with the other electives, surfers will head to the coast for surfing, camping, cafes, and more. All with the intention of connecting with Jesus as we go and seeing others encounter Him too.
We accept people of all surf levels, so whether you’re experienced or have never surfed before, that’s all good! For our beginner and Intermediate surfers we run lessons through Tutukaka Surf School, so you can improve in surfing while growing in your faith.
In addition to completing the DTS with the other electives, surfers will head to the coast for surfing, camping, cafes, and more. All with the intention of connecting with Jesus as we go and seeing others encounter Him too.
We accept people of all surf levels, so whether you’re experienced or have never surfed before, that’s all good! For our beginner and Intermediate surfers we run lessons through Tutukaka Surf School, so you can improve in surfing while growing in your faith.
PART TWO: OUTREACH
Your love for adventure is a tool for the gospel going out to everyone, everywhere.
For 8-9 weeks you will be immersed in cross-cultural settings that see you put to practice all you have learned in part one of DTS. Be prepared to encounter God in new places amongst new people, and press-in for his name to be praised from the coast lines of isolated Pacific Islands to remote villages in Southeast Asia.
Humility, cross-cultural competency, and a willingness to be used by God are essential on these trips as we seek to love God wholeheartedly and love people deeply wherever we are.
For 8-9 weeks you will be immersed in cross-cultural settings that see you put to practice all you have learned in part one of DTS. Be prepared to encounter God in new places amongst new people, and press-in for his name to be praised from the coast lines of isolated Pacific Islands to remote villages in Southeast Asia.
Humility, cross-cultural competency, and a willingness to be used by God are essential on these trips as we seek to love God wholeheartedly and love people deeply wherever we are.
“Suddenly I was looking at a map of the world, only the map was alive and moving! I could see all the continents, and waves were crashing onto their shores. Each wave went onto a continent, then receded, then came up further until it covered the continent completely. The waves become young people – kids my age and even younger – covering all the continents of the globe...
Includes
Lecture Phase:
Meals, Accommodation, Tuition, School Outings, Stream Activities
Outreach Phase:
Flights, Transport, Accommodation, Meals, Visas
Activity Fee:
Surf lesson, surfboards, wetsuits, 2-3 Weekend surf trips, Friday afternoon surf trips.
What to do
1. Apply for your Course
Fill out the application
2. Get connected
A member of the team will reach out to get more connected!
3. Get ready to go!
Return signed paperwork and follow admin instructions
Costs
Lecture Phase
$5,500
Outreach Phase
est $6000
Activity Fee
$1100
Dates
Arrival Day
31st January 2027
Departure Day
3rd July 2027
Costs
Lecture Phase
$5500
Outreach Phase
est. $6000
Stream Activity
$1100
Dates
31st January 2027
3rd July 2027
...They were talking to people on street corners and outside bars. They were going from house to house and preaching the Gospel. They came from everywhere and went everywhere, caring for people. Then just as suddenly as it had come the scene was gone.” - Loren Cunningham (YWAM founder)
What surf lessons and coaching are included?
All participants take part in an initial lesson with Tutukaka Surf School, overseen by dedicated, qualified, and experienced coaches. The lesson covers beach awareness, ocean and tide knowledge, safety at the beach, correct sea entry, surfboard handling, catching waves with proper body and hand positioning, learning the pop-up to stand, standing position, and riding waves for as long as possible.
The coaching also focuses on paddling techniques, getting out past breaking waves, reading waves, understanding what to catch and when, timing take-offs, and other techniques specifically tailored to each surfer.
Asides from this initial lesson, you'll be surfing regularly as a group with point-staff for your specific elective. These staff and your peers aren't dedicated to coaching and ongoing lessons, but we ensure you have the initial input you need to get things started and then practice, practice, practice!
The coaching also focuses on paddling techniques, getting out past breaking waves, reading waves, understanding what to catch and when, timing take-offs, and other techniques specifically tailored to each surfer.
Asides from this initial lesson, you'll be surfing regularly as a group with point-staff for your specific elective. These staff and your peers aren't dedicated to coaching and ongoing lessons, but we ensure you have the initial input you need to get things started and then practice, practice, practice!
besides getting in the ocean, What else does this elective do?
The Surfers DTS elective is at least once a week over the 12 lecture weeks, including 3 weekends out of town. During the elective's time-slots, the surfers will go out to local beaches, predominantly on the east coast of New Zealand*. There are also spontaneous surf trips throughout the week and the occasional weekends spent out of town at other surf spots around the region.
*Due to surf being swell and weather-dependent, there are other activities the stream may take part in if surfing is not ideal. This might look like joining Outdoor Pursuits in paintball, bowling and laser tag if weather is really bad, movies and meals out.
*Due to surf being swell and weather-dependent, there are other activities the stream may take part in if surfing is not ideal. This might look like joining Outdoor Pursuits in paintball, bowling and laser tag if weather is really bad, movies and meals out.
what should i pack for this elective specifically?
Surfboards (both foamies and fiberglass) and wetsuits are provided for all students; however, if students have personal boards and wetties we encourage you to bring them. Nothing beats your own gear!
Upon acceptance, students receive a packing list at the back of their booklet which covers the necessities for your time with us, as well as makes a few suggestions on additional but not essential items some attendees find helpful.
Upon acceptance, students receive a packing list at the back of their booklet which covers the necessities for your time with us, as well as makes a few suggestions on additional but not essential items some attendees find helpful.
