Council crackdown on unlicensed surf schools

UNLICENSED surf schools are operating on Byron’s beaches, prompting renewed warnings from the council for beachgoers to choose accredited providers for safety and sustainability.

Byron Shire Council has received multiple complaints about unapproved operators running lessons on local beaches, raising concerns about safety, fairness, and environmental impact.

Council manager of open spaces Malcolm Robertson said surf school licences exist to ensure businesses meet safety and environmental standards.

“A surf school licence is a way of saying that a company has permission to use part of the public beach to run its business,” Mr Robertson said.

“The licensing system exists for everyone’s sake.

“It gives surf school customers confidence that an operator is safe rather than dodgy and gives businesses that do the right thing a competitive advantage.

Among the handful of surf schools operating with a council-approved licence is Rusty Miller Surf, a small, family-run business that has been teaching people to surf for decades.

Rusty Miller, a former professional surfer, has been based in Byron Bay since the 1970s and takes a personal, one-on-one approach to teaching.

“I like to teach surfing one-on-one because every individual learns differently,” he said.

More than just a lesson in catching waves, Miller’s sessions introduce students to surf culture, ocean awareness, and the philosophy behind the sport.

“The important thing is to surf safely and with principles you can use throughout your surfing life,” Miller said.

“It’s not just about standing up.

“There is so much to learn about the ocean. The wave is your companion.”

Rusty Miller Surfing is one of only two schools licensed to teach at Wategos Beach and The Pass, which Miller describes as “two of the best beaches in the world to teach surfing.”

His wife and business partner, author Tricia Shantz, says the licensing system is crucial for keeping Byron’s beaches safe and enjoyable for everyone.

“Byron’s beaches are its biggest drawcard, and it’s important to preserve them,” Shantz said.

“The number of unlicensed operators has grown in recent years, and that’s a problem.

“These businesses don’t pay council fees, fees and royalties to the National Parks and Wildlife Service, they don’t provide safety data, and they can take too many students out at once.

“That’s not good for learners, experienced surfers, or the beach itself.”

Robertson urged visitors to support businesses that follow the rules.

“In every industry, there’s always a temptation to cut corners to make money, but surf school customers can reduce this incentive by only using a licensed school.”

The full list of licensed surf schools in Byron Shire is available on the council website.