ABOUT US
At Margaret River Surfing Academy, we know how much fun surfing brings to our lives, and we see a fundamental transformation in people who are learning to surf. Experiencing the benefits of physical and mental health that surfing gives, we know that it will surely improve the quality of your lifestyle too. Our mission is to share our passion for the ocean with as many people as possible so that you can all experience the joy that the ocean brings us daily.
Our surf coaching focuses on introducing surfers to the ocean safely to elevate your surfing skills to be ocean competent and to be able to surf in a range of conditions with confidence on your own.
We pride ourselves on professionally coaching thousands of school kids from Broome to Margaret River and helping surfers of all levels to advance their ability and confidence in the water for the last 30 years.
Margaret River Surfing Academy offers private and group lessons to people of all ages and levels of experience. We are in the business of having fun, and we say it's never too late or early to develop your skills in the water.
Your safety is our priority. As per regulations, all of our surf coaches are trained in First Aid and hold certificates in either Surf Search & Rescue or Bronze Medallion registered through Surf Life Saving Australia. All surf coaches are also registered under Surfing Western Australia.
OUR STORY
Margaret River Surfing Academy was founded in 2022 by Simon & Asha Tien. The surf academy was previously owned by Josh Palmateer, a professional surfer on the World Surfing Tour from 1988 to 1994, and an icon for Western Australian surfing. In 1994 Josh returned to Margaret River and introduced surf coaching to the area, starting up the first private surf school in Western Australia which has now been operating for nearly 30 years.
Simon began working for Josh surf coaching in 2000 and soon became head coach during his 10 years with the school. It was then in 2022 that long-time friend Josh handed the business over to the Tien family. Simon has been surfing for 30 years and has a passion for big wave surfing taking on renowned spots such as Nazare, The Right, and Teahupoo. Simon is a Registered Paramedic and works for Water Patrol Australia operating jet ski water safety. He facilitates Emergency Response Training on remote sites in northwest Australia and is also studying Masters in Mental Health where he will eventually develop surfing + mental health programs for youth groups.
Simon Tien surfing The Right
Simon and his family.
OUR TEAM
Koa Alde
Our Spanish connection and International Surf Coach loves sharing his knowledge of the ocean wanting to learn to surf. He has extensively travelled and surfed the globe.
Mel Pretorius
International Surf Coach & Retreat Facilitator, Yoga Teacher, Writer and Mother.
Alexandre Tible
Surf Coach & talented Musician from France.
Our Region
The Margaret River Region is an astounding creation of ancient geography and Wadandi song lines. We have abundant nature and space, majestic beaches and fine wine to make a holiday visit here one to remember. Here an awesome adventure awaits to experience self-guided kayaking up the Margaret River, Brain Waves Retreat for mental health optimisation, or bask in nature’s natural beauty.
