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About Us

Aotearoa Surf School – Excellence In Surfing Lessons And Coaching Since 2003

Surfing for Everyone Aotearoa Surf Auckland NZ

BEHIND OUR COMPANY MOTTO
– “SURFING FOR EVERYONE“

We have a range of services to suit all ages and experience levels with everything from locally based kids camps, after school programs and holiday programs to overseas surf retreats for adults. We are also the preferred choice for large organisations and corporate events.

CONTACT US

WE CAN DO IT ALL

We can put together ANY package with your surfing; a BBQ, yoga lesson, beach games, paddle boarding, kayaking, transport, flights etc. You name it, we’ll package it.

WE’RE ECO-FRIENDLY

Aotearoa is determined to help the environment through the use of eco-friendly products (e.g. sunscreen and wax), regular beach clean ups and the education of New Zealand’s youth on the importance and how to respect the natural environment.

It’s Not Just Surfing, It’s Education And Empowerment

A lot of surf schools sell your basic ‘surf experience’. Instead of this, we aim to teach you how to surf by yourself. We give YOU the confidence and knowledge to be surfing on your own including ocean safety, understanding conditions, understanding your board, how to read the waves, we EMPOWER you.

About Us Aotearoa Surf School Auckland NZ
Coach and student

A Passionate Team

At Aotearoa Surf School, our passionate team of dedicated instructors brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to every lesson. United by a love for the ocean, our certified professionals are skilled surfers and excellent educators. Whether you’re a beginner or refining your technique, our instructors tailor each session to your needs, ensuring a safe, fun, and rewarding experience. We pride ourselves on creating a supportive environment where everyone can fully embrace the thrill of surfing.

Our Testimonials

What our clients are saying

Had a 2 hour private lesson from 2-4 today. Excellent instructor who was patient, explained basics easily & it got me up standing quickly. Good positive feedback that helped me keep going. Highly recommend. Will def be back. Thanks from the Irishman.
Damian RaineyFeb 2023
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Best surf lesson we have ever had! We booked a private lesson for the two of us and our instructor Tony was very professional and thoroughly explained us everything about the board, the waves, the current and the four possible dangers when surfing and how exactly to avoid them. We felt very safe with his instructions and had tons of fun catching waves. We were also able to hire the boards and wetsuits for two more hours after the lesson and were glad we did so, that way we could practice even more. 🌊 Oh and here is a recommendation for fellow backpackers exploring NZ in a van: Aotearoa Surf School has really great rates for renting boards and wetsuits long-term. So make sure to have some extra space on your roof or the back when choosing a van, it really pays off. 🏄‍♂️
Magdaleina GlasserJuly 2022
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Loved learning with these guys! Great instructors with an awesome way of teaching to make you feel comfortable and improve fast. Te Arai is the perfect spot to learn!!
Kendall JonesMarch 2023
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Superb surf school. Friendly, knowledgeable instructors that really want you to have fun & improve on the water. Good for different levels, lessons for beginners & tuning for the more experienced, along with a good range of hire boards & suits. Definitely worth a lot more sessions 🤗🏄🏻‍♂️
Erica GouldNov 2022
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Our Team Members

Aotearoa Surf School has a diverse and experienced team that is passionate about surfing and sharing their love for the sport with others. From the owner and head coach, to the operations manager and the surf instructors, each member brings their unique skills and expertise to the table. Together, they strive to provide exceptional surf lessons, programs, and camps for all ages and skill levels, while fostering a welcoming and supportive community.

As the owner and head coach of Aotearoa Surf School, Che is passionate about delivering effective and creative surf programs that cater to every single person that walks through the Aotearoa Surf School doors. With years of experience and expertise in surfing, Che is widely regarded as one of the most effective surf coaches in the country.
CheOwner / Head Coach
Che Burnett - Owner / Head Coach Aotearoa Surf School
Tony is an ISA certified level 1 surf instructor and holds a first aid certification. He brings over 20 years of experience in health, fitness, tourism, and operations management to Aotearoa Surf School. Tony manages the day-to-day operations of the school, including expert overnight camps and school operations. He is also a Crossfit gold champion, a golf enthusiast, and a Mangawhai local who enjoys spending time with his beautiful partner and dog Bentley.
TonyOperations Manager
Tony Operations Manager - Aotearoa Surf School
Hailing from the UK, Sam grew up surfing the cold waters of his home counties of Cornwall & Devon in South west England. Sam has over 20 years surfing experience and 6+ years surf coaching around the world, including in : The UK, Spain, Portugal, Norway, The Maldives and Sri Lanka. Able to teach a range of abilities and age groups, from first time beginners to intermediates looking to push their skills in green waves. Loves to ride shortboards, longboards and everything in between.
SamSurf Instructor
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As a veteran coach at Aotearoa Surf School, Ollie has been surfing for as long as he can remember. With a passion for the ocean and surfing, he decided to join the team and share his expertise. Ollie is highly praised by every person who passes through the surf school and is a fantastic team player. He is also the NZ longboard champion.
OllieInstructor
Ollie Surf Instructor - Aotearoa Surf School
Corne comes all the way from the Netherlands. He has mastered the Dutch waves since he was 14 and started teaching when he was only 17 years old! He has taught all over Europe, while living out if his van, and this is his second season for Aotearoa Surf. He is an ISA Level 1 qualified surf coach with first aid and surf lifeguard certifications. Corne is an avid long-boarder and specialises in teaching you the first (cross) steps of long-boarding.
CorneSurf Instructor
Corne Surf Instructor - Aotearoa Surf School
Marit lived in Portugal then moved to Australia for a year to become a surf instructor where she gained her ISA and First Aid qualifications. She loved the life that comes with being a surf instructor so was an easy decision for her to make the jump to New Zealand and join Aotearoa Surf as a surf instructor. If she isn’t found in the water surfing she will be out in the wilderness taking on new challenges and adventures!
MaritSurf Instructor
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All the way from Argentina Tobias is an ISA Certified Level 1 surf instructor and also a lifeguard. Has spent the last 12 years surf coaching. When he’s not catching waves , you’ll probably see him hanging around or doing sports, sipping yerba mate and spreading good vibes wherever he goes!
TobiasSurf Instructor
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Bowen is an ISA and first aid qualified local coaching icon who knows every break on the east coast. He is a shortboarder who is great at fixing surfers' bad habits and loves cars and surf coaching. Bowen is highly skilled at getting all ages and stages riding green waves.
BowenSurf Instructor
Bowen Surf Instructor - Aotearoa Surf School
Lilly, originally from Colorado, USA, has been travelling the world since she graduated high school and has a passion for skiing, surfing and hiking. Her next adventure is currently working towards completing her level 1 ISA and first aid training to be a surf instructor with the Aotearoa Surf Coaching Program.
LillySurf Intern
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Oliver Fisher aka Fish is a Mangawhai local and has been working as a trainee with Aotearoa Surf for 2 seasons and is working to complete his ISA Level 1. Passionate about surfing with a love for meeting new people and teaching them how to surf.
OliverSurf Trainee
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Asmara is very passionate about surfing and loves the community & lifestyle that comes with it. She’s following the Surf Instructor Training Program and is super willing to learn and do everything what it takes be qualified for the job. She has been surfing for a few years now and her goal is to get her ISA surf instructor license asap to travel & explore the world while making other people as excited as her about surfing!
AsmaraSurf Intern
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Sarabella moved from Canada to NZ when she was 6 and surfing since 9. Now working with Aotearoa surf as of 2022 and aiming towards being a certified instructor. Sarabella loves teaching and working with kids and is excited to help share her passion for surfing.
SarabellaSurf Intern
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Luci has been with Aotearoa Surf School for several years and is based in Byron Bay, Australia. As the marketing and sustainability manager, she is the guru behind the school's website, socials, graphics, partnerships, collaborations, and sustainability movements.
LuciMarketing & Sustainability
Luci - Marketing Manager Aotearoa Surf School
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© 2023 Established 2002, Aotearoa Surf School. Surfing lessons and gear hire in Te Arai and Mangawhai, New Zealand. All Rights Reserved.