Synergy Ski School is located on the Clarence River at the Big River Holiday Park and Ski Lodge in Seelands, NSW, about 15 minutes from Grafton. Synergy Ski School owner Johnny Schottelius is now making his summer home at this new and amazing location at Big River. After traveling to the USA and Canada for the last few years chasing the endless summer coaching and competing he is now moving his focus to bring his experience and knowledge to as many new and current skiers as possible. While Synergy's main focus is watersking we can also help out with basic wakeboarding and barefooting techniques.
Synergy Ski School offers demo gear from OBrien and RipCurl and uses only the best boat when out on the water, a Tigé 20i with the latest Zero-Off technology.
Driven by Progression, Powered by Tigé
Prices & Packages
Note: All prices and packages shown apply to the Synergy Ski School only. Prices and packages vary for other wake and ski schools affiliated with ProWake.
Single Lessons: $65
All lessons are talioured to the individual. Single lessons can be either a 20 minute free ski on the river or 6-10 passes through the slalom course.
10 Lessons: $600
Save $50! 10 single lessons that are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Booking for each individual lesson still required.
20 Lessons: $1000
Save $200! 20 single lessons that are valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. Booking for each individual lesson still required.
Extra Info:
Accommodation is available at the Big River Holiday Park and Ski Lodge. For more information about accommodation and facilities click the Location tab above.
Packages
Weekend Tune Up Package
$300
Includes: 5 single lessons between midday Friday 'til midday Monday. Save $25!
Week Package
$825
Includes: 3 single lessons per day Monday to Friday. Save $200!
Week Package incl. Accomm
$1049
Includes: Basic self-contained cabin (Big River Holiday Park), 3 single lessons per day Monday to Friday. Meals not included. Check-in Sunday night, check-out midday Friday. Save $200!
With Ensuite Cabin: $1229
With Deluxe Cabin: $1329
Ultimate Family Weekend
$1400
(based on 2 adults, 2 kids)
Includes: Deluxe self-contained cabin (Big River Holiday Park), 2 single lessons per person per day. Plus a 2 hour late afternoon boat ride on the Saturday afternoon for free time in boat to wake surf, sight see the river, wakeboard or water ski again. Just some good relaxed family time in the boat. Meals not included. Check-in Friday night, check-out Sunday afternoon. Save $550!
Events & Clinics
Latest News
Location & Accommodation
Where Exactly?
The meeting place for all lessons is Big River Holiday Park and Ski Lodge, Seelands NSW (view map). Big River is approximately 15 minutes from Grafton. Grafton is 3 hours south of the Gold Coast airport and an hour north of Coffs Harbour and is situated right on the Clarence River. Big River provides full ramp access, fuel, convenience store, accommodation, tennis courts, and much more.
Visit the Big River website for more information by clicking here.
Accommodation Options
Camping & Powered Sites
Camping grounds with powered and unpowered sites are available at Big River. From $20/night during low peak periods.
Cabins
Deluxe, Ensuite and Basic cabins are available on site from $60/night during low peak periods.
Find out more
Visit the Big River website for more information by clicking here.
Other Local Attractions
Byron Bay
An hour and a half north of Grafton is the famous little town, Byron Bay. Renown for its surfing, markets and relaxed atmosphere Byron is a great place to rest up after a big week on the water, or to head to to find your zen before you ride. For more information visit byron-bay.com.
The Gold Coast
Surfing
The Tweed and Gold Coasts are world famous for their beaches and waves. Coolangatta/Tweed Heads is the home of first round of the ASP World Surfing Tour. If you visit in March you may catch a glimpse of it, if not there are several surfing schools to help you learn to surf during your down time.
www.walkinonwater.com | www.getwetsurf.com | www.surfinparadise.com.au | www.firstwavesurfing.com.au
Theme Parks
The Gold Coast is known for its theme parks!! Wet n Wild, Sea World, Movie World, Outback Spectacular and more are all available through MyFun. All passes and transport can be arranged through their website at www.myfun.com.au.
Dreamworld and White Water World are grouped at the same location and all tickets and info are available through the Dreamworld website at www.dreamworld.com.au.
To get in touch with nature be sure to check out Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary just 5 minutes north of the airport | www.cws.org.au
Whale Watching
And if you really want to get in touch with nature, Gold Coast Whale Watching is a family owned company that operates out of the heart of Surfers Paradise. www.goldcoastwhalewatching.com.au or (07) 3880 4455.
Flights & Transport
Where Exactly?
The meeting place for all lessons is Big River Holiday Park and Ski Lodge. Follow the directions on the right, or view the map to locate Big River. Upon arrival see reception and ask for Synergy Ski School or wander over to the ProWake Service Centre located nearby.
Arriving into Gold Coast
The best way to get to the Gold Coast is to fly directly into Gold Coast airport. Flights come in and out of the Goldy daily to and from all destinations across Australia and abroad. You may want to consider using a service like WebJet to find the cheapest fare and book your tickets. The Gold Coast is only three hours north of Grafton, with scenic tourist destinations such as Byron Bay in between. So consider hiring a car to make a road trip adventure!
Arriving into Coffs Harbour
Coffs Harbour also has an airport and flights arrive and depart daily from major Australian airports. Coffs is only an hour south of Grafton and offers the easiest drive to Big River.
Car Hire
There are plenty of car hire options available from inside the terminal at the airport. Check if your airline is affiliated with any car hire companies as this may save you a quid.
More Information
For more information please call Synergy Ski School on 1300PROWAKE.
Getting to the Water
Big River Holiday Park and Ski Lodge is the meeting place for all lessons.
Getting there from Grafton
Grafton is situated on the Pacific Highway, about 3 hours south of the Gold Coast and an hour north of Coffs Harbour. In South Grafton turn onto Gwydir Highway (No.38). Follow Gwydir Highway for 6km. Turn at Eatonsville / Copmanhurst sign onto Rogan Bridge Road and drive for approximately 5.9km. Turn right into Seelands Hall Road and travel along for about 3.6km. Turn right into Ski Lodge Road and travel for about 1.7km.
Click here for an easy to read map.
View Larger Map
Frequently Asked Questions
The Wall of Spray Blog
Wall of Spray is the official Synergy Ski School blog. Stay up to date with all the latest from the school and Shooter himself! Check it out now at news.prowake.com.au/wos.
Do you only teach certain levels of riding? Or can you teach anyone?
Answer: We can get anyone of any age out on the water and up on their waterski in no time. We are constantly teaching newcomers who have never even seen a ski before! We also teach intermediate riders and even the pro riders too!
Do I need to bring my own gear?
Answer: Bringing your own gear will ensure the most amount of improvement as you will not have to become used to another board setup. However if this isn’t possible we have all the latest gear on offer from the leading brands on the market: OBrien Slalom, RipCurl, Tige Boats, ProWake and more.
Can mum and dad come in the boat and watch?
Answer: Absolutely!!! We want your experience on the water to be comfortable and one to remember. Who better to experience this with you then your Mum or Dad!! Besides they can help you with all the tips that you learn on the day, next time you’re out on the water.
Make A Booking
Online Booking Form
You can book online for your next lesson with the Synergy Ski School quickly and easily. Just go to the booking page and enter your info. We will get back to you to confirm and finalise your preferred lesson dates.
Call Us
Alternatively, you can contact Shooter on 0429 857 134 or drop him an email to synergyski@prowake.com.au.
For more information on how to contact ProWake click here.
