A pair of Dee Why surf instructors are pushing to end a 30-year single-operator system at Bondi Beach, arguing that a lack of competition keeps lesson prices artificially high for the community.
A Local’s Long Drive for Safety
For some Eastern Suburbs families, learning to surf at Australia’s most famous beach is not an option. Resident Gloria Barton has sent her 14-year-old son to the northern beaches for lessons for the past five years. She said the hour-long trip to Dee Why is not by choice, as the instructors her son prefers are not allowed to teach at Bondi.
Barton explained it is important for kids’ safety to learn at their local beaches. This helps them understand the specific rips, rocks, and dangerous conditions unique to the waves they will surf most often.
Dee Why Duo Challenges Sole Operator
For the last three decades, Waverley Council’s licensing restrictions have meant that only one company, Let’s Go Surfing, is allowed to run a surf school at Bondi Beach.
This system is now being questioned by Dan O’Connell and Conrad Patterson, who run the Dee Why Salty Surf School. They are in a back-and-forth struggle with the council to open Bondi up to competition. Patterson described the situation as a “David and Goliath” battle, clarifying their issue is not with the other surf school, but with the system itself.
The duo argues that a second licence would create healthy competition and promote fairness. They believe this would also lead to cheaper lessons for families. Currently, a two-hour group lesson at Bondi costs $140. The same service at Maroubra, which is managed by Randwick Council, costs $100.
O’Connell and Patterson are not asking to flood the beach. They suggest the current cap of 20 students allowed on the beach at one time could simply be shared between two schools. O’Connell said this seems like an obvious solution to break up the monopoly and try things differently.
Council Decision Stays the Course
A confidential council report, obtained through freedom of information laws, noted that more competition could indeed make lessons cheaper and improve fair access to public land. However, the report also listed potential drawbacks. These included the risk of conflict between operators and extra pressure on the beach.
Waverley Council considered granting a second licence at its May 20 meeting. Less than two months later, councillors discussed the idea in a closed-door meeting and ultimately voted to maintain the single-operator model.
Waverley Council did not respond to requests for comment. A spokesperson for Let’s Go Surfing said the company is proud to have provided surf education at Bondi for nearly 30 years. They stated that the council has twice decided one licence is the best model for Bondi, and they respect that decision.
Published Date 06-November-2025
