Pines Surfing Academy is more than a place to learn how to surf, just like surfing is more then merely paddling a board onto a wave and riding to the shore.

The team at Pines is all about building relationships and supporting one another in making a life of fun and friendship. It's about sharing the real joy of surfing. The feeling of paddling out on a board into the ocean, being cleansed by the water and relaxing out the back surrounded by nature whilst waiting for the waves to come.

Surfing brings about many wonderful experiences from colourful sunrises and sunsets, to seeing glorious marine life such as dolphins, whales, stingrays and many more in their own natural habitat to meeting the challenges of riding waves and progressing to the elite level such as getting your first barrel or mastering a fancy maneuver.

Surfing has changed my life and many lives before mine. It has inspired me to travel to many destinations around the world and has helped me to make friends from all walks of life. So coaching for me is a way to share the joy and also share my love for nature, the miracle of life and ocean with others and support people through their journeys.

Our surf school has an amazing balance of male and female coaches who all have a happy go lucky attitude. Every student we teach becomes part of our team and leaves as one of our friends.

Happy surfing, Carmen

When I was asked to write something about what Pines Surfing Academy is all about, I was quite excited and scared at the same time. I had no idea as were to begin nor what to say.

So, I did what came natural to me. I grabbed my board and headed for the beach. I sat in the line up and stared at the calmness of the water. There were a few surfers out and even two whales who were being playful a few kilometres away from us.

It was at that moment I knew that this is what Pines Surfing Academy is all about, calmness and fun. The feeling you get from the ocean that surrounds it and the way that been in or even just watching the ocean can wipe away the worst of days.

It's not all about debts, mortgages, school reports, great expectations or even the global petrol rise. It's about being alive, feeling free and having fun, like surfing with your mates, or seeing the joy on someone's face who stands up for the first time on a surfboard.

So, I guess you can say that Pines Surfing Academy is about the natural wonders of our beautiful coastal waters. It's about the child who sees a dolphin for the very first time. It's about those who battle daily life and find truth, peace and calmness in the roar of the whitewash. It's about the surfer who enjoys the miracle, simplicity and beauty of life. This beautiful, beautiful life...