What should I do if I want to start surfing?
At AWSM SURF we have
a service especially for beginners. From general knowledge about the ocean to how to catch waves, we have a licensed instructor who can guide you through all the basics. Please
click here for the basics on surfing.
I don't know which surfboard would be suitable for me?
At AWSM SURF, we take everything into consideration when helping to choose a board for you, skill, height, weight, riding style, budget.
Please talk with our experienced staff who will help find the perfect board for you.
What are the differences between all of the boards?
Please check out the differences between Al Merrick, JS and the other boards we carry in store or
board information.
I don't know what size wetsuit to buy?
We stock
VISSLA wetsuits which are of high quality yet a great price. Please check the sizing chart below and you are also welcome to try them on in store.
|
Mens
|
S
|
MS
|
M
|
MT
|
L
|
XL
|
|
Height(cm)
|
175
|
176
|
178
|
183
|
181
|
184
|
|
Weight(kg)
|
61 – 68
|
70 – 77
|
70 – 77
|
75 – 82
|
77 – 86
|
86 – 93
|
|
Chest(cm)
|
95
|
100
|
100
|
100
|
105
|
110
|
|
Waist(cm)
|
76
|
80
|
80
|
80
|
85
|
90
|
|
Ladies – Children
|
8
|
10
|
12
|
14
|
16
|
|
Height(cm)
|
133.35 – 140.97
|
139.7 – 147.32
|
147.32 – 154.94
|
154.94 – 162.56
|
162.56 – 170.18
|
|
Weight(kg)
|
27.22 – 34.02
|
34.02 – 40.82
|
40.82 – 47.63
|
47.63 – 54.43
|
54.43 – 61.23
|
|
Chest(cm)
|
66.04 – 71.12
|
71.12 – 76.20
|
73.66 – 78.74
|
78.74 – 83.82
|
83.82 – 88.9
|
|
Waist(cm)
|
55.88 – 60.96
|
60.96 – 66.04
|
63.5 – 68.58
|
66.04 – 71.12
|
68.58 – 73.66
|
Can I rent a board?
Yes, you can! At AWSM SURF we have surfboards for all day rental (10:30 – 18:00) for $20. We also have wetsuits ($10) and Sharkbandz ($10) available for
rental.
Can my surfboard be packaged for sending?
For customers who have bought their surfboards at AWSM SURF, we can package your surfboard free of charge, to protect your board on the way home or on your travels. Please check your airline for details on pricing for oversize packaging.
Jetstar Airlines – Oversized Baggage
What season has the best waves on the Gold Coast?
Around the Gold Coast there are
numerous places to surf and you can enjoy surfing all year round. Cyclones and low pressure systems usually occur from around the middle of December to June. In the other seasons, Stradbroke Island’s Northern Beach, which is not far from Surfers Paradise, has nice , small breaks.
There are also
other points where there are small waves where beginners and kids can also have fun. Please check here for more surf information and also come in and ask in store.
Do I need a wetsuit on the Gold Coast?
Australia is in the Southern Hemisphere and the seasons are the opposite to Japan. It is said that the Gold Coast is sunny 300 days of the year and the water temperature is above 20 degrees celsius. It is much warmer than Japan, but between March and October,
a wetsuit is recommended.
What is Australia’s weather like?
Local Surf Reports (Great website for local information on surf conditions, what wetsuit or board to use, wind direction and a live camera)
What is the time difference between Japan and Australia?
The Gold Coast is one hour ahead of Japan. You can get out in the surf on the day you arrive on the Gold Coast.
Are there direct flights to the Gold Coast?
Yes, there are flights directly to the Gold Coast that take around 8.5 hours that arrive at the Gold Coast Airport.
From the airport to Surfers Paradise, there is
a bus and a tram that can get you there. If you wish to use these, please go outside to the Gold Coast Airport Domestic Arrivals and catch the Surfside Bus. Catch No. 777 going to Surfers Paradise. At Broadbeach, you will need to change to the tram and get off at Surfers Paradise.
If you use a taxi, the fare will be approximately $60 and take around 40 minutes. Outside Domestic Arrivals, near the rental car counter, you will find the taxi area.
Are the UV Rays in Australia strong? What should I do to protect myself?
UV Rays are strongest between 10:00 and 15:00 and sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses are important to protect yourself. At AWSM SURF we stock sunscreen used by pro-surfers and pro-golfers, also the organic skincare range,
KORA, by Miranda Kerr.
UV Index Gold Coast
Can you tell us some good surf points on the Gold Coast?
There are great places for beginner surfers all the way through to spots where World Championships are held.
Please click here for information on various surf points and access there. You can also come and see
our veteran surf guide or even join
a surf tour to Byron Bay. See instore for more information.
Are there sharks in Australia?
Sharks are wild creatures found all over the world. At AWSM Surf you can either
rent or
buy a sharkbandz to assist in protecting you while surfing.
Can I buy from AWSM SURF from overseas?
Yes, BANKS, TCSS, VISSLA, Captain Fin, KORA ORGANIC, MAHIYA and Mermaid Collective are all available for purchase.
Please click here for more information.
How much is postage?
It depends on the country which the goods will be sent to.
Please check here for more information.
How long does it take for my purchases to arrive?
After we receive your order, about 10 – 14 days. Except for the Christmas season and the end and beginning of the year, which will take longer.
Can I use credit card for purchases on-line?
Yes, you can.
In our on-line store you can use debit and credit card and also PayPal.
Can I exchange or return purchases?
Unfortunately at our store we can not return or exchange purchases. If the product has not been used, yet is faulty, you may be able to exchange or return goods if you contact us within 3 days of purchase. Any return shipping costs will be incurred by the purchaser.
I am going on a holiday to Australia, is it possible to order a board to use while I am there?
Yes, it is. Depending on the order and stock held at the factory, it will usually take about 6-12 weeks to make. During the Christmas season, the beginning and end of the year and also March during championship times, it will take longer to complete the order. We also ask for payment upon order of the board.
For those wishing to order a custom order a board, please print out
this form, complete the details and attach it in an email to
info@awsmsurf.com
Am I able to purchase tax-free?
Yes, you can. It is 10% of the price. If you spend $300 or more at our shop in one purchase, when leaving Australia, you can get the GST (10%) at the airport. This will only apply for purchases made 60 days before leaving Australia.
Please check here for more information. However, you are unable to purchase tax-free from our
online store. Orders made online will incur an import duty tax according to the destination.
Are the prices in US Dollars?
No, they are in Australian Dollars.
Can I do partial payments?
If you pay by credit card, it will be charged as one payment. As the payment will be in Australian Dollars, you will be charged the exchange rate used by your bank at the time of the transaction.
What happens if the weather is bad on the day I have booked a surf experience and surf guide?
Depending on the severity of the weather, the service will either go ahead, be postponed or cancelled. If your booking is cancelled, you will be refunded.
What are the opening hours of AWSM SURF?
Australian Local Time is 10:30 – 20:00.
Japanese time 9:30 – 19:00.
To call from Australia: 07 55384544
To call from Japan: +61 7 5538 4544
My board broke, what should I do?
We have
a repair service at AWSM SURF, please bring it in for us to have a look at.
Do you buy used surfboards?
A. It depends on the condition, but please bring it in for us to have a look at.
I want to send my surfboard to Japan.
We offer this service in-store, depending on the size and destination, the price will differ. Please come and see us for pricing.
What happens if my board is damaged during shipping?
While we take all care to package new surfboards so as to not incur any damage, if something does happen, any repairs will be covered by insurance.
Do you have a storage service for surfboards?
Yes, we do. We can store your surfboard for $5 a day. You can pick it up anytime during business hours. (10:30 – 20:00)
I want to buy a surfboard, can I layby it?
Yes, you can. You will need to pay a 20% deposit, please take note that if you cancel your purchase you will lose any monies paid.
Can you store my belongings while I am surfing?
What happens about cancellations?
We don’t refund for cancellations due to change of mind for
board rentals,
surf experience or surf guide services. However, if you do need to change the date of your booking, this is possible up to two days before your booking.
Do you have any positions available at AWSM SURF?
Yes, we are currently looking for staff. If you are interested, please bring your resume into store between 11:00 and 18:00.
