Lazy Lizard Surf School 1770 will offer group lessons for first time since pandemic as tourism boom nears

After a difficult two years for tourism operators everywhere, this Central Queensland surf school will begin offering group lessons once again encouraging visitors to ride the waves with new mates. See what’s on offer for the upcoming Easter break.

Tourism operators in Central Queensland are returning to business-as-usual, offering additional services as they anticipate an influx of visitors from abroad.

Hidden treasures of coastal Queensland, such as Agnes Water and nearby Seventeen Seventy, are secret no more, with closed borders prompting Australians to check out their backyard and operators adjusting services normally tailored to backpackers.

Lazy Lizard Surf School 1770 has returned to its popular group sessions for the first time since March 2020 signalling a shift in how businesses and tourists are navigating the pandemic.

A Lazy Lizard Surf School group session hosted by co-owner Nathan "Squali" down at Agnes Water Main Beach. Picture: Murray Cornish

Lazy Lizard owner Angie Parker said 2021 was the busiest the surf school had ever been with Queensland families supplanting the ban on international travel by visiting the secluded beach town, most for the very first time.

“We lost our typical market of backpackers and it is very different teaching a family often with the focus being on younger kids surfing for the first time so we had to be flexible and adjust,” Ms Parker said.

“Now we are welcoming travellers back, they aren’t just here to learn to surf, they’re here to meet people and it’s very social and relaxed, which is why we will start doing those group lessons again.”

Lazy Lizard Surf School's owner Angie Parker said the business would begin offering group classes as visitors are returning to Agnes and 1770 in droves. Picture: Nilsson Jones

Agnes Water is the perfect beach to learn to surf, according to Angie and partner Nathan, because of the long small waves and calm year-round conditions.

In fact, Nathan purchased the business five years ago while in Western Australia because he remembered the surf from when he visited the coastal town in his van as a fresh-faced 18 year old.

Agnes Water is Queensland’s northernmost Surf Beach and the vibe is noticeably different from its southern counterparts, with local kids dropping-in to use the office phone throughout our visit to the surf school.

The iconic Agnes Water Longboard Classic competition was held over the weekend with perfect conditions and a massive turnout from locals and visitors alike. Picture: Nilsson Jones

Angie told us that learning to surf went far beyond a holiday-snap while wobbling on a board.

“It is an incredibly rewarding experience which builds confidence, allows people to reconnect with nature, and improves your ocean awareness,” she said.

The small business is extremely responsive to the holiday season and often relies on downtimes to balance out the crazy peak season, however, the owners say now the secret is out there are far fewer quiet days around town.

The surf school doubles as a board hire company which supplements income during the quiet times. Picture: Nilsson Jones

Lazy Lizard Surf School 1770 will now run group sessions at 11am every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday for anyone over 14 years old, which can be booked online.

They will also offer school holiday kids beach activities and a learn to surf three-day package.

Over the Easter school holidays, they will run two three-day packages from 9-11.30am Tuesday-Thursday in week one and two.

Originally published as Lazy Lizard Surf School 1770 will offer group lessons for first time since pandemic as tourism boom nears