At The North Devon Surf School, our passion for the ocean runs deep, and our team is the heart of everything we do. From seasoned surf pros to enthusiastic instructors who live and breathe the waves, each member brings their own unique story, energy, and expertise to the team. Together, we’re here to share our love for surfing, help you build confidence in the water, and make every session count. Contact us today to find out more about our team and the services we offer.
Dave is joint owner of The Surf School and it’s safe to say he has found his calling in life. Dave absolutely loves being by the ocean and teaching others. He is a qualified and serving paramedic
Apart from surfing, Dave enjoys being outdoors working in the garden and growing veg. He is very artistic and enjoys painting and sculpting when he gets the chance. He would describe his style as abstract.
Dave also plays guitar and enjoys jamming and recording with friends. He has been a lead singer in several successful local bands.
Our Head Coach Stu grew up in Essex, far away from the surfing beaches of the UK. It wasn’t until his Dad took him bodyboarding at Woolacombe Bay, aged 16, that his love for wave-riding would begin to blossom. A couple of years later, re-inspired after watching the epic 1991 Action film ‘Point Break’ he decided to book a weekend in Bude to begin his surfing journey. Since becoming hooked he has gone on to spend several months surfing in both Sri Lanka and Morocco and shortly after decided to move to Westward Ho! in 2019 where he started his surf coaching career at the North Devon Surf School. Still living, surfing and teaching in Westward Ho! 6 years on, Stu’s passion for surfing and teaching grows year after year, insisting that the feeling of helping people improve their surfing compares with the rewarding feeling of surfing itself.
Favourite Quote: “Surfing’s the source, can change your life”
Tommy is our assistant Head Coach and also a level 2 coach. He is our chief surf board fixer-upper!
He’s been standing up on a surfboard since he was 3 years old, it has always been a big passion of his. Apart from surfing, he enjoys playing golf and being outside with his dogs.
Sam’s been teaching surfing since 2019 and loves sharing his passion for the ocean. When he’s not in the water, he’s out running, having a cold water dip, or training for his next triathlon. Sam’s also a passionate painter, inspired by our beautiful local coastal scenery.
Charlie joined us as an instructor when he was 16 in 2023 and quickly became a big part of the surf school.
He has been surfing since he was 6 and absolutely loves it!
Charlie is currently studying physics at Exeter University. When he is not studying, you will often find him in the water!
Apart from surfing, Charlie likes cycling and walking.
Fin joined us in 2024 and quickly became a firm favourite with our customers.
He has been surfing for over 10 years and absolutely loves the outdoors. Apart from surfing, Fin enjoys climbing and snowboarding, but he enjoys everything outdoors. He’s also an avid Manchester United fan.
Fin is born and bred in North Devon. He’s completed an outdoor education course and hopes to start his own business.
Seth first started surfing when he was 3 or 4 years old with his Dad. His brother was old enough to have lessons with our surf school, but Seth wasn’t. When he was old enough, Seth started Saturday groms and school sessions with Langtree Primary and he’s been coming over since!
When he was 14, he did his first summer of work on the decking, and now works as an instructor, finally reaching his goal! Surfing is his main hobby and love, but he does skate and mountain bike as well. At college, he is doing a film and media level 3 diploma. This is where he will learn how to make movies and become a movie director, which is his dream job.
Emma is an absolute whirlwind of energy and fun! She grew up in Yorkshire and comes from a competitive swimming background. She’s been a water baby her whole life and being in the water is her happy place.
Emma always dreamed of living by the coast and moved down here 4 years ago. She learned to surf properly in the first year she moved down, and then secured what she says is the best job in the world, spending all day at the beach.
Harry started working with us last year and quickly became a firm favourite! He started surfing 5 years ago in Bude when he moved down from Kent, and has been focusing on his surfing ever since. Harry has been DJ’d since he was 16. He enjoys climbing and is currently walking the length of the Southwest Coast Path which is 1000km.
Michelle is co-owner of the business and is chief office elf. She does sometimes get to don a wetsuit and assist on lessons which is a super day out for her!
When she’s not in the office speaking to our lovely customers, Michelle likes to hike on the South West Coast Path. She also likes running, gym and paddle boarding. She has 2 teenage children and 3 dogs. It is hard to say which give her the most trouble, probably the dogs!
Michelle is born and bred in North Devon, but is half Danish, so appreciates most food, especially baked goods.
For more information about our team or services call or email us today.
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