Private or Semi-Private Lessons

The BigFoot Surf Lessons Progression is based on the Gradual Release of Responsibility teaching model. GRR is a style of teaching which is a structured method of coaching framed around a process moving responsibility within the learning process from the teacher to the eventual independence of the student (You). This instructional model requires that the coach (Us), by design, transitions from assuming “all the responsibility for performing a task…to a situation in which the student or students assume all of the responsibility by the end of the surf lessons.” The Gradual Release of Responsibility model focuses on instruction that help guide students into becoming able thinkers and learners when handling the tasks with which they have not yet developed expertise (surfing). Bottom line – our surf lessons will guide you through each step to becoming an independent safe surfer.

Your preparation for surf lessons is vital for a good lesson experience – please see our ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ page for detailed information as to how best prepare for your Westport surfing adventure. HINT…we do not advise eating Cheetos and Chips-A-Hoy cookies for breakfast – it’s happened, not fun results.

Surfboard rentals – we recommend a 9’0 or 9’6 longboard surfboard, 8′ at the minimum, in the case of the beginner surfer bigger-is-better. Wetsuit rentals – A 5/4ml wetsuit (you will stay warm) is the best choice for surfing at Westport, with an average water temperature of 47 to 53 degrees Fahrenheit – at the least a 4/3ml wetsuit to stay comfortable. While taking a private or semi-private lesson with us we include surfboards for the duration of the lesson only. Our demo surfboards are stable and give us an advantage to delivering a desired outcome. Click Here – For List of Surfboard & Wetsuit Rental Shops. (reminder – we do not rent our gear) if you have special needs please feel free to contact us we are always willing to give it our best effort coming up with solutions to get you into the water and in one of our surf lessons.

Prior to your surf lesson please be sure to check and make sure all of your rental gear is functioning to ensure a safe and fun surf lesson/adventure; check the zippers on your wetsuit and booties, try on your wetsuit and booties, check the surfboard for dings or cracks on all the surfaces but pay close attention to the rails, nose and tail of the board, check the fins and fin boxes – make sure they don’t wiggle or feel loose, check the leash to make sure that it functions and is in good condition and doesn’t look worn especially the string that attaches the leash to the leash plug, make sure you buy some surfboard wax with your rental unless it has a soft-top or is made of foam. Please note that we will be making a visual and hands on inspection of all your gear before going on our surf lesson. Our goal is to provide a safe and secure experience for you. Support Your Local Surf Shops – Click Here – For List of Surfboard & Wetsuit Rental Shops. If you have questions about gear feel free to give us a call, we’re happy to make suggestions and answer any questions you may have about surf lessons. 360-515-7969.

Please note that WA State Parks and our insurance provider requires an Indemnity and Acknowledgement Agreement be either electronically signed and collected prior to accepting customers as students for surf lessons. Additionally no waiver can be signed, nor payments for surf lessons accepted in WA State Park boundaries. This may be accomplished using our on-line reservations system, or requesting via email a PDF form and pre-printing and signing the form for delivery to our staff prior to the lesson. Please call us for any questions you may have – we are happy to help! 360-515-7969
Information we must collect:
Student Name; Date; E-Mail; Mailing Address; City; State; Zip; Age; Male; Female; Emergency Contact/Name; Phone;
All students, and guardians of participating students, prior to enrollment and participation in the BigFoot Surf School*, (referred to herein and after in this document as BFSS) MUST first read, then complete (either by printed form or accepting the terms and conditions in our on-line reservations store) the following Indemnity and Acknowledgement Agreement.

BigFoot Surf Indemnity and Acknowledgement Agreement:
I, agree to assume all risks incidental to participation in: (Student Name) surfing, water sports, and related activities associated with the BFSS. I hereby grant permission for myself or my child (ages 7 – 13) to attend the BFSS. I hereby release BFSS from any and all liabilities, claims, actions, damages, costs, and/or expenses, arising from or in any way connected with my participation in all surf school related activities conducted by BFSS.

I hereby agree that BFSS, employees, and affiliates (WA State Parks), are not responsible or liable for any injuries or damage resulting from my participation in any BFSS activities. I understand and acknowledge that surfing and other water sports and related activities are inherently dangerous activities. I acknowledge and assume any and all risk associated with the presence of any and all sea life that may be in the water or on the beach.

I assume the entire responsibility of the performance of the activities associated with this agreement. I further expressly agree to indemnify and hold harmless BFSS, and Digital Tide Media LLC., their directors, officers, employees, affiliate companies, and WA State Parks for any and all claims for injury to persons or damage to property or any other damages or losses by anyone, all of the foregoing to include all expenses and charges including attorney’s fees, which may arise out of, or in connection with, the activities associated with this agreement, or which are alleged to have arisen out of activity associated with this agreement.

Right To Photograph: By signing this agreement I hereby give my consent and approval to the BFSS & WA State Parks that they shall have the rights, without obtaining my further approval, to photograph, take motion pictures of, televise, or reproduce in any manner or through any media, images of myself, my child, and my legal guardians. BFSS & WA State Parks shall have the right to, display, use, sell or license any such pictures or other reproductions for any purposes commercial or otherwise without monetary compensation to myself, my child or my legal guardian.

I hereby authorize any BFSS personnel to conduct any minor Medical First Aid that may be required for my child or myself. I hereby authorize any Physician, Nurses or Emergency Medical Technicians selected by BFSS or WA State Parks personnel to order and conduct medical or surgical procedures deemed necessary for myself or my child in an emergency situation. I understand that I will be responsible for all Medical, Emergency Services, Hospital, Laboratory, and Doctor Fees.

I verify that I am in good health and am fully capable of participating in any and all strenuous activities associated with any BFSS activities. I fully understand that each participant must be a competent swimmer and acknowledge that I am a competent swimmer. I also hereby agree that by signing this form, that all parts of the Registration and Indemnity Agreement are valid and binding from the date of signature to any and all future dates in which I participate in any and all activities at the BigFoot Surf School in Westhaven State Park, Westport WA.

Student’s signature; Date; I, as the parent or legal guardian of (Students name) give my permission for my child or Ward to participate in BFSS activities. I do understand and acknowledge the above stated risks associated with my child or Ward’s participation in surfing related activities with the BFSS. Parent or Legal Guardian; Date;

Used under license from BigFoot Surf School & Digital Tide Media LLC.

Surf Lessons Canceled by Student:
Lesson must be canceled 5 days in advance to receive a refund. Cancellations made at least 5 days prior to the start of the lesson will result in a $20 refund fee. The $20 refund fee can go towards a future lesson. Any lesson canceled with fewer than 5 days until the start of the lesson is not able to be refunded, and will result in the full charge of the lesson fee.
Surf Lessons Rebooking:
No charges for lessons rebooked 5 days in advance. Rebookings made at least 5 days prior to the start of the lesson will result in a $20 rebooking fee.

Surf Lessons Canceled by BigFoot Surf:
If Big Foot Surf cancels a lesson for any reason that does not fall under the “Big Foot Surf Weather and Drug Use Policy”, the cost of the lesson will be refunded. Big Foot Surf Weather Policy: Westport is in the PNW, which means that from time-to-time we have been known to get some rain. Frankly, this is fine by us since some of the best surfing conditions happen with some liquid sunshine. But remember, our main priority is to make sure that we all stay safe on the water. It is with this in mind that we retain the right to cancel a lesson if the conditions are too dangerous, or if there is lightening. If a lesson is canceled by Big Foot Surf based on weather, we will reschedule your lesson for a future date. To wrap it up, if it’s just rain, the lesson’s going out–since you were planning on getting wet anyways. Drug Use Policy: If it is deemed that a student may be inhibited or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the student will not be able to attend the lesson and will not receive a refund. Due to the nature of surfing and the physical and mental demands we do not advise surfing under the influence of drugs or alcohol.