A Lifelong Passion for Surfing.
Inspired by Family and Fuelled by the Ocean.
The story of NZ Surf Academy begins in Cornwall, UK, where our founder, Simon Clowes, grew up riding the winter swells of the Atlantic Ocean from a young age. What started as a childhood love for the ocean and the unparalleled thrill of catching waves soon evolved into a lifelong passion for surfing. This passion eventually brought Simon to Ngunguru, New Zealand, where his journey would take on a new, more meaningful direction.
In 2008, the idea of a surf school was sparked when Simon’s daughter asked him to teach her how to surf. What began as a simple activity quickly became an eagerly-anticipated, after-school tradition. Together, they would pack up the foamies and head to Sandy Bay, where Simon watched his daughter’s confidence soar. Surfing didn’t just improve her skills - it made her stronger, more resilient, and empowered.
Inspired by the positive transformation in his daughter, Simon felt driven to share the power of surfing with other Kiwi kids. The idea for a surf school was born. After much planning, training, and a lot of hard work, Simon assembled the first ever NZ Surf Academy team — originally known as Surfaris.
MISSION
Our mission is to empower and inspire young people through surfing. We aim to help students build confidence, discover their passion for the ocean, and develop a love for the outdoors. Through surf education, we encourage life skills that foster personal growth, resilience, and a lasting appreciation for New Zealand’s coastal beauty. We believe in creating a positive impact on each student, cultivating respect, confidence, and a connection to the environment.
VISION
Our vision is a future where every student in Aotearoa—local and international—has access to high-quality surf education. We’re committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment where students of all backgrounds feel confident, connected to the ocean, and empowered. Through accessible surf education, we aim to inspire a generation that values the ocean, understands its importance, and possesses the skills to live in harmony with it.
