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.

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 of the beach to steer clear of in certain conditions.”

Waverley Council’s licensing restrictions mean Let’s Go Surfing has been the only surf school allow

See Full Page