Instructors

Behind all great Surf Schools are great instructors. Our team of dedicated instructors are fully committed to providing our students with the best learn to surf experience possible. All of our coaches have years of surfing experience and are fully qualified with Association of Surfing Instructors (ASI) Level 1 Surfing Instructor Qualifications as well as up to date First Aid, Advanced CPR, Surf Rescue and ‘working with children’ Blue Cards as well as Gold Coast City Council Surf Coaching Permits.

INSTRUCTOR PROFILES:

Sam Chilcott – Owner/Coaching Director

Surfing since: Age 5
Favourite Wave: Currumbin Alley, Lakey Peak, Straddy
Surf Travels: Indo, Morrocco, Fiji, New Zealand, USA, Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, England, Ireland, France, Spain, Portugal, Japan, Oman
Other Interests: Travelling, snowboarding, experiencing new things
Why I Love coaching: Seeing other people stoked gives me a buzz

Sam is a Currumbin local who has been surfing since the age of 5 and teaching and conducting surfing lessons at the Gold Coast since 2003.  Surfing has taken him across the world and after graduating from a Bachelor of Exercise Science at Griffith University in 2005, Sam took off overseas where he taught surfing at schools in California, England, Ireland and Morocco and surfed many more overseas locations such as Japan, Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, France, Spain, Portugal and Oman.

Sam learnt to surf at the Alley at a young age and has competed in numerous inter-club competitions for the Alley boardriders as well as competing in the Billabong pro junior series.  He is a patient and dedicated Instructor who aims to make everyones surfing experience as enjoyable as possible.

Tracey Chilcott – Instructor/Ladies surf group co-ordinator

Surfing Since: Age 23
Favourite Wave: Currumbin Alley
Surf Travels: Indonesia, Hawaii, California, New Zealand, Sri Lanka
Other Hobbies: Walking, swimming, snorkeling and anything outdoors
Why I Love Coaching: I enjoy sharing my passion with others

Tracey was the original Founder of Currumbin Alley Surf School, starting out as a hobby to share her love of the ocean and riding waves to others and her passion for helping others. Tracey is a popular figure at the alley and is commonly seen out there sharing a smile and a chat with other surfers in the line-up. She still helps out part time and runs her weekly ladies classes where ladies of all ages are welcome to come down and have some fun in the sun.

Tim Maulder – Instructor

Surfing Since: Age 12

Favourite wave: Straddy

Surf Travels: USA,, Indonesia, Canada, Sri Lanka, India, Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Timor

Other hobbies: fishing, making surfboards, cooking, ping pong, training

Why I love coaching: love the ocean, people and surfing

Tim’s people skills, attention to detail and dedication to his job make him a very popular instructor among clients of Currumbin Alley Surf School. Tim grew up surfing in the icy waters of Tasmania and his appreciation of now living amongst the sun and surf of the Gold Coast shows in his positive attitude. Tim mixes his surf coaching with gig as a professional lifeguard  as is commonly seen shredding it up on one of his self made surfboards.

Josh Taylor – Instructor/Kids Holiday Program Co-Ordinator

Surfing Since: 14

Favourite wave: Burleigh Point/Aussie Pipe

Surf Travels: East Coast Oz Bells beach to Noosa

Other hobbies: Rock Climbing, Playing Guitar, Shaping Boards

Why I love Coaching: Love surfing, love teaching

Josh is a favourite among kids with his fun and enthusiastic coaching style. Having grown up surfing around Sydney and learning his trade surf coaching in Bondi, Josh is an experienced surf coach with a vibrant and energetic attitude. Josh is also a part time lifeguard with the Gold Coast City Council and Leader at the Tallebudgera Recreation Centre.

Mitchell Ellis – Apprentice Instructor

Surfing Since: Age 8

Favourite wave: Cape Woolamai, Snapper

Surf Travels: Phillip Island for Aussie titles

Other Hobbies: Hanging out with mates, skating, swimming

Why I love coaching: I have always loved surfing and i thought it’s something liked to do day in and day out so why not work in that industry.

Mitchell is currently undertaking a School Based Surf Coaching Apprenticeship with Currumbin Alley Surf School in association with his ocean studies degree through the College of Surfing.  Mitch is a talented surfer who is in the Sports Excellence Program at Palm Beach Currumbin High School and is pretty fond of the idea of combining his love with his job. He is continually developing his coaching skills and is a hit with the kids and our Japanese Exchange students in particular who all want his photo after the lesson.