I suggest they go and have a chat with Tommy Woodriff from OzPaddle Rose Bay.
www.ozpaddle.com.au/
He takes groups three days a week accommodating beginners that use sit-on top kayaks which are a great introduction to paddling in general (as well as an all round fitness regime) and then has the capacity to introduce further into the surf ski paddling community.
Stew O'Regan from Think Australia will also be able to assist with test paddling ocean skis in the area -
www.thinkkayak.com.au/ and has access to the boats to accommodate the beginner
Current Ski: Nelo 550 ML (4 WWR)
Previous Skis: Fenn Spark - carbon, Vajda Hawx elite, Fenn Swordfish - carbon, Fenn Elite - carbon