Meet the Team 2026/27
Check out some of the friendly faces you'll see down at the surf school this summer!
Surf Instructor
Charlie
Charlie is a frother! He's always so keen to share his surfing knowledge and brings great energy to every lesson!
When he's not coaching you'll find him surfing!
Owner
Bridget
She's been the friendly face in the shop for over 20 years so you know you'll get the good local tips! She likes to knock off work just after lunch and can be bribed with white wine!
Surf Instructor
Arran
A competitive surfer from Jersey in the Channel Islands. Arran is an absolute frother! Will surf all day and when he's not surfing he's talking about surfing!
Shop
Tarryn
A familiar face behind the counter! Tarryn's been with us so long she could be mistaken for the boss' daughter! She'll always welcome you with a warm smile and friendly service!
Owner
Martin
Marty started Muriwai Surf School in 2002. He doesn't do too many lessons anymore and usually surfs between 6am and 8am so if you do see him around make sure to say hi to a true old school surf legend.
Shop
Yana
Yana is a lifetime Muriwai local and core member of the Maori Bay Board Ridders, always doing really well in their surf events. For now Yana works in the shop but very soon we think that she'll be in the water instructing.
Head Surf Instructor
Dylan
Muriwai local and experienced instructor, Dylan has been coaching all levels of surfers all over the world for over 10 years. He Loves a rock jump so be prepared when you book an intermediate lesson!
Surf Instructor
Stephen
He's a 26-year-old surfer from southwest Ireland, who loves being outdoors surfing, fishing, hiking, and climbing. He was born in Sydney and grew up in Ireland.
Surf Instructor
Dill
Dill's an enthusiastic surfer and coach! Always ready to get you on a bomb or catch one for himself! You'll find him out the back on the big days charging!
Martin and Bridget established Muriwai Surf School in 2002.
Slow, small beginnings in the garage at the back of the local shop grew and grew as word of mouth spread.
Soon long summers were spent with the whole family hiring surfboards, body boards and wetsuits and Martin taking lessons.
With great local support, a good relationship with the surf lifesaving club and council, and many years and customers later, we have now progressed to our own premises right by the beach in the Muriwai Regional Park.
A love of the environment has led to the surf shack being as eco-friendly as possible, with locally sourced untreated macrocarpa timber fences and local poured earth paving out the front, as well as alternative power.
We now have over 150 surfboards and 250 wetsuits, as well as Blokarts and other beach toys.
Martin has always been involved in the surfing community, being a founding member and president of the local Maori Bay Board Riders Club.
He still finds time as judge and contest director of local and national surf competitions. Bridget, who has been surfing for many years (not telling exactly!), runs the show, and can be seen meeting, greeting, drinking the occasional coffee and directing surfing traffic!
Through the years we have had many fantastic coaches helping us out.
These days we have a great crew that work hard all summer.
All coaches are qualified to International Surfing Association and Surfing NZ standards.
All have surf lifesaving qualifications and current first aid certificates.
Many have surfed competitively and still do (including regional and national surfing champions, and WQS competitors).
Some do it just for the fun.
Mostly they know Muriwai conditions well. You will be safe!!
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Muriwai Surf School is a supervisory surf school, meaning people come to us to learn to be coaches.
This means we often have extra, enthusiastic trainee coaches to help in the water.
And in the shop, if you have come to hire, you will get great advice on conditions and safe times and tides for surfing and blokarting.
We are also happy to give advice about buying boards and how to look after them (we don’t sell them so we are totally unbiased!).
Ask us anything… and we will try to help!!
There are many other supporters behind the scenes that we could not do without.
From computer helpers and marketing and design to general help and encouragement.
Thanks to all who have contributed!
And now we all hope to meet you soon…
