Salt Spray Surf School on Ōhope Beach celebrates its 21st anniversary this summer.

For the owner Ollie Dobbin, teaching people how to surf is more than a job, it is a way of life.

He said there is no better feeling than teaching someone how to surf.

The 24-year-old instructor who was born-and-raised in Whakatāne runs the popular Salt Spray Surf School on Ōhope Beach.

“There’s a reason why I’m such a happy-go-lucky guy, and it’s because I get to see that moment on someone’s face every single day,” he said with a laugh.

“It’s not just kids, but all the way up. The oldest person who I’ve taught to surf is 78 and we got her standing up on a surfboard. When people realise they can surf, it’s an amazing moment.”

Dobbin said far too people sit on the beach and watch surfers from a distance. They write themselves off and never give it a go.

“They don’t really understand the feeling that a surfer experiences when they catch a wave – it’s incredible and you know, it’s doing something that’s bigger than you.”

Dobbin has run the Salt Spray Surf School for seven years.

From October last year, Dobbin and his partner Rique Brown founded Takutai Adventure Company which parents Salt Spray Surf School, Dream Bean Coffee and Takutai Adventure at the Wharf.

Salt Spray has been a permanent fixture on Ōhope Beach for 21 years, which makes it one of the longest running surf schools in New Zealand.

It was established in 2003 by local surf legend Bevan (‘Beaver’) Porter and his partner Yvonne.

Ollie Dobbin (in the background) teaches Georgia Thornton (6) how to surf on Ōhope Beach. Supplied photo

Dobbin’s proud to continue the legacy and contribute to his home community.

“We’ve got a unique community around the surf school in Ōhope Beach. ‘Beaver’ who started it still lives up the driveway that’s directly opposite us, so we interact with him every day.

“The person who owned it after Beaver and before me, Debra Cederman has moved back, and she’s working for me again.”

Dobbin said every instructor at Salt Spray, bar one who is from England, are all local surfers who have grown up in Ōhope Beach.

“So, it’s a really locally owned, run and operated kind of business and that means a lot.”

Dobbin has come full circle. He learned how to surf at Salt Spray Surf School when he was nine years old. He fell in love with the sport and hasn’t looked back.

He’s also carrying on the legacy of his parents who are both teachers.

“So, I’ve loved teaching as well and mixing those two passions. So, mixing being a surfer and loving the ocean, and then being able to pass on some of my experience to other people. Surfing is a sport, but it becomes a lifestyle.”

The affable instructor has simple advice for anyone who is keen to give surfing a go.

“You don’t want to be one of those guys who is sitting on the beach, trying desperately to get a tan, and looking at surfers going: ‘Man, I wish I could do that’. There are no excuses. Give it a go. It will change your life.”

Dobbin said there were so many things that he loves about surfing.

“It’s good for your mindset, it’s good for exercise and it’s a sport for life. We also teach people a lot about ocean safety, so they know how to manage the conditions.”

In 2023 ACC accepted 5582 surfing related injuries in Aotearoa, which came at a cost of $13.3 million to help people recover.

The Bay of Plenty region had the second highest number of surfing-related injuries in 2023 (764 ACC claims) behind Auckland (1328). These injuries cost $2.5 million to help people recover.

ACC injury prevention leader James Whitaker has surfed for 30 years. He said anyone who enters the surf needs to respect the ocean.

“The ocean is beautiful and provides a lot of joy – it’s also bigger and more powerful than any of us and needs to be respected.”

Whitaker said it pays to take a moment before you get stuck in.

“Monitor the conditions and the risks before you get out there, then take the safest options. If you’re in doubt, finding something else to do might be the best option.”

Surfing New Zealand chief executive Ben Kennings said there were more than 300,000 recreational surfers in Aotearoa.

He said surf schools across Aotearoa play an important role in introducing people to the sport.

Kennings encouraged New Zealanders to give the sport a go, but they need to make sure they surf at their skill level.

“Surfing is awesome, but we need to acknowledge that our sport does have its dangers. It’s about knowing how to minimise the risks and that comes with experience.”

Kennings sad people have a world of information on their phones and it’s a good idea to use it.

“Assessing the conditions in front of you is great and understanding forecasts helps you make more informed decisions – be that the predicted wind, swell or tide times.

“While most people try to avoid crowded line-ups, it’s important to surf with others too. If you get into difficulty or get injured, another surfer can assist you to shore or call for help.”

“Plus, surfing is more fun with mates.”

Surfing by the numbers in New Zealand

-There are more than 300,000 recreational surfers.

-In 2023 ACC accepted 5,582 surfing related injuries.

-In 2023, the Bay of Plenty region had the second highest number of surfing-related injuries (764 ACC claims) behind Auckland (1328).

-There are 27 Approved Surf Schools across Aotearoa to help people learn to surf

-For more information: https://surfingnz.co.nz/surf-schools/