Bondi Beach Surf Lesson Monopoly Forces Families to Travel
For the past five years, Eastern suburbs resident Gloria Barton has enrolled her son, Cale, in surf lessons. However, instead of learning at the iconic Bondi Beach, or a nearby beach, Cale, 14, must travel an hour to Dee Why on the northern beaches for instruction. This is due to limited surf school operators permitted at Bondi Beach.
The Frustration of Local Families
The decision to travel so far for surf lessons isn't Gloria Barton's preference. She has spoken with her son's instructors, requesting they teach at a beach closer to their home, but their requests have been denied. She's frustrated by the difficulty of accessing surf lessons at her local beach.
“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.
Demand for More Surf School Operators at Bondi Beach
Gloria Barton, along with her son Cale, advocate for allowing more than one operator to conduct surfing lessons at Bondi Beach. The limited access to surf schools at the famous beach is creating inconvenience for local families who wish to learn to surf at their local beach.
The Impact of Limited Surf School Access
The current situation impacts families like the Bartons, forcing them to seek surf lessons far from their homes. This not only adds travel time but also prevents children from learning to surf at the beach in their own community. The exclusivity also restricts access to potential surf instructors who might otherwise be able to provide lessons at Bondi Beach.
