Surf’s Up Surfing Instructors

For us to be the leaders in the surf school industry, it's important that we not only have a tough selection process but that we also have an ongoing training programme to constantly monitor and improve their performance.

At the end of last year we took on Kelly O'Toole from New Zealand - used to coaching elite surfers on the other side of the planet, he has helped us develop our instructor skills and technical knowledge above and beyond anything currently available in the Uk. How can I be so certain of this? It's a bold statement. Well two of our team riders Toby Donachie and Harry Timson are British Champs and the majority of the the British team are constantly hassling to get on board our programme for local talent.

Kelly's influence has been dramatic. Not just at the elite level, but novices too. Back in 1996 we wrote and produced the Young Athlete Junior Scheme on behalf of the national governing body the British Surfing Association - so working together we have the experience and commitment to advance surfing in this country. Video training is a big part of his coaching weaponary - and it's fascinating stuff. His brief has been to improve the instructors own surfing - they can't get enough of it.

New Zealand National Level Youth Coach at work with his video camera.

 

Another key player in our team is Sam Gill - recently appointed as Beach Manager. A dynamic surfer he's been on board for the past 5 years and lives and breathes the beach scene. He'll be the one paddling out when the surf is at it's biggest and coldest! His recent promotion means he heads up the instruction team - a big responsibility.

Here's big Sam dropping in on a decent wave on a swelly board in boardries in October!! Some of the sets coming through were pretty meaty to be mucking about on a swelly - and to be in boardries was just insane. Sam doesn't care though - he just charges whatever and whenever!

 

The Surf's Up! philosophy is that every student that comes through our doors is as important as the next. And as such we should leave no stone unturned in our determination to help the student improve. We do this through observation, technical knowledge and communication. Observation - this is ensuring that we see every wave that you catch. Technical knowledge - this is looking at what you're doing and making a professional judgement on what one thing will improve your surfing the most. Communication - the way that this one thing is tackled in the most effective way. - either through drills or focus.

I always think that one of the most powerful things about Surf's Up! is that we don't advertise. People find out about us through word of mouth. We grow through reputation and repeat bookings - which is an incredible way to become one of the busiest in the UK.

2008 will be our best yet. Kelly and Sam are putting together an instructor training programme that is well ahead of it's time. Combining the best of my 'commiting to your student' philosophy and their technical expertise. We know what we want from our team and we'll ensure that they deliver every time you put yourselves in our hands.

“Thanks for a fab week of surfing. I may feel like I’m dead on my feet, but it’s never felt so good! Jess