For surf coaching the coach-to-student ratio is the whole product. One-to-one or one-to-two in the water is coaching; one-to-six is supervision. Beginner sessions run ninety minutes to two hours including the beach briefing, and board and rash vest are normally included.

Diving is the one category where credentials are checkable and should be checked. Confirm the certifying agency and the instructor number, and confirm the course fee covers certification, equipment rental and marine park fees rather than adding them on the day. Anyone asking you to skip the medical questionnaire is not worth diving with.

Yoga and personal training are sold as drop-ins or as passes. A pass is good value only if you will use it before it expires — check the validity window, whether it is transferable, and whether classes can be booked in advance or are first come, first served.