Newcastle Surf School Blog
Celebrating 25 Years of Teaching Newcastle to Surf
Our Journey with Founder Dan Frodsham
This year, Newcastle Surf School celebrates a monumental milestone—25 years of teaching people the joy of surfing! From humble beginnings to becoming a cornerstone of Newcastle’s surfing community, we’re proud to look back at how far we’ve come and excited about what’s next. To mark this special occasion, we’re sharing the story of how it all began with our founder, Dan Frodsham, and the key moments that have shaped Newcastle Surf School over the last quarter of a century.
The Beginning of Newcastle Surf School
25 years ago, after finishing his competitive journey on the World Qualifying Series (WQS) circuit, Dan was presented with a unique opportunity—to open a surf school in Newcastle. At the time, there were only a handful of surf schools around, and Newcastle was just starting to make its mark on the surfing map. Having coached on the side and with a deep-rooted passion for surfing, Dan saw this as a natural path.
From the very beginning, Newcastle Surf School has been a reflection of Dan’s love for surfing and his desire to share that passion with others. Armed with just 10 surfboards and a Ford station wagon, Dan launched what would become a legacy in Newcastle’s surf culture.
What Drives Us: Knowledge, Passion and Experience
At Newcastle Surf School, we’re driven by three core values that have remained unchanged since day one: knowledge, passion, and experience. These values form the backbone of every lesson we teach, every program we run, and every surfer we help guide toward success.
For 25 years, we’ve believed that learning to surf is more than just mastering techniques; it’s about instilling a love for the ocean, understanding the waves, and building confidence in the water. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to creating a supportive, fun, and safe learning environment where surfers of all ages can thrive.
Milestones That Shaped Our Journey
Over the past two and a half decades, Newcastle Surf School has hit some incredible milestones that we’re incredibly proud of:
- We became the first surf school in Newcastle and have been running for 24 years straight.
- Our Ocean Active Kids programs have helped hundreds of young surfers develop skills and confidence in the water, creating a whole new generation of surf lovers.
- Dan has played a key role in the local surfing community, serving as President of Surfing Newcastle for 20 years and President of Frenchmans Boardriders.
- We’ve been fortunate to coach some of the best surfers to come out of Newcastle, including Ryan Callanan, Morgan Ciblic, and Jackson Baker, to name a few.
- Dan was one of the first coaches to travel with young groms to pro juniors, organising air camps before high-performance surfing centers were even a thing!
We’ve always been about staying ahead of the curve and nurturing local talent, and our proudest moments come from watching our students thrive, whether it’s catching their first wave or competing on the world stage.
Adapting to a Changing Surf Landscape
The world of surfing has evolved dramatically over the years, and Newcastle Surf School has evolved with it. Our strong ties to the local surfing communities in Newcastle and Lake Macquarie have helped us remain a trusted and reliable surf school in the region. We’ve built a diverse range of programs to cater to surfers of all skill levels, and we’re committed to maintaining a team of confident, experienced instructors who are always ready to help you ride the waves.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
As we look back on our journey, one piece of advice stands out for anyone looking to start their own business: Just get in and do it! Back yourself, and don’t be afraid to take the plunge. Running a business comes with its challenges, but with passion and persistence, the rewards are well worth it.
Overcoming Challenges and Staying Strong
Running a surf school isn’t always smooth sailing. One of the biggest challenges we’ve faced was when more surf schools opened up in the area. Competing for numbers and maintaining our place as a leader in the surf scene was stressful, but we knew our strength lay in our experience and knowledge. By focusing on the quality of our lessons and the expertise of our instructors, we were able to stay ahead of the competition and continue to grow.
The Future of Surfing in Newcastle
Surfing has never been more popular than it is today. The sport’s inclusion in the Olympics and the development of wave pool technology have transformed how people learn to surf. We see this as an exciting time for the future of our industry, with more opportunities than ever to introduce people to the sport we love.
We’re looking forward to continuing to expand our offerings, welcoming more students to Newcastle Surf School, and helping the next generation of surfers catch their first waves.
Looking Ahead to the Next 25 Years
It’s hard to believe that Newcastle Surf School started 25 years ago with just 10 boards and a dream. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re more excited than ever for what the future holds. We’re committed to staying true to our values, helping our students build a lifelong connection with the ocean, and continuing to grow the vibrant surfing community here in Newcastle.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey—we couldn’t have done it without you!
Here’s to 25 more years of catching waves and creating unforgettable surf experiences. 🌊🏄♂️
Ready to join us for the next chapter of Newcastle Surf School?
Book a lesson today and be part of our surf school community.