About Us
Who we are, and why you should learn how to surf with Get Wet Surf School
Here is a little bit more about us. Get Wet Surf School started operating in 2005. What began as a hobby for Andrew and Kerri soon grew into one Queensland’s leading surf schools. We understand that our students come to us for a variety of reasons, for some, it’s about learning how to surf and developing their techniques, for others it’s about simply experiencing an iconic Australian leisure activity, so we design our lessons so that you get the most from the experience. Our instructors are not only there to teach you how to surf; they are there to ensure you have a fun and safe experience in an encouraging environment.
Over ten years on and we have an amazing crew of instructors who all share our passion for surfing, tourism and customer service. We are very proud to be an accredited Surfing Australia Surf School and an Australian Accredited Tourism operator. We would work very closely with Griffith Universities Tourism and Business Management department researching tourism trends and experiences.
We actively work with Gold Coast Tourism and Queensland Tourism Events on promoting the Gold Coast and Queensland. Regularly we participate in media familiarisation and host media events, such as the recent Batchelor New Zealand, the hugely popular Chinese I Supermodel, TEQ’s The Great Aussie Reunion and many TV shows such as the Today Show, Saturday morning Disney and Sunrise. We also host many charity events for children and fundraising for local charities, Cleanup days at The Spit and in the Local Seaway, and we work closely with local organisations such as Friends of Federation Walk based at The Spit.
Over the years, we have had the absolute privilege of taking people like Robbie Fowler, Gold Coast Titans, The Brisbane Lions, Rachael Beck, the MTV stunt crew and even the Wiggles for a surfing experience.
Our Promise
Our mission is to exceed the expectations of our customers and industry peers. We will provide a safe, professional and thrilling activity where we will ensure all participants are provided with the opportunity to experience the thrill of riding a surf board using techniques that will make it easy and comfortable to learn how to surf. We are committed to providing our customers with a consistently professional, friendly and high-quality service.
Our Staff
Get to know your surf coach before you arrive for your surf lesson…
Andrew Jekyll
Head Coach
Aside from my family surfing is everything to me. I grew up in country Queensland and once I saw the ocean I was hooked.
I have surfed all up and down the east and west coast of Australia, Bali and the Pacific islands. I have worked in Hospitality and water sports on the Gold Coast since I first left school and now owning the surf school with my lovely wife and being able to teach people to surf every day is a dream come true.
I could not be happier with the crew we have, they are all as passionate about surfing and teaching as I am and I know that even if I can’t be with a class they are in great hands and they are being taught the way I would if I was teaching it.
Andrew’s tip: Just give it a go, life’s better when you surf.
Rory
Surf Coach
I grew up in a seaside town in Ireland where I developed a passion for the ocean and started surfing with my Dad at the age of 5.
Surfing has always been a big part of my life, in the past few years I have traveled and surfed all over Europe, in Africa and Indonesia.
Over the past few years I have taught surfing in Ireland and I am now lucky enough to be able to spend my time teaching surfing here in Australia.
I love to share my passion for the ocean, and seeing the students get stoked on surfing I really feed on their excitement and it makes my job worthwhile.
Rory’s tip: Go Hard or Go Home.
Pepe
Surf Coach
“I am an Ecuadorian surf journalist that came to Australia to get a degree in Surfing Studies.
At Uni I got my level 1 surf coaching certificate as part of one of my courses. Since then I got hooked up with surf coaching!
Coaching has influenced my writing and improved my own surfing.
What I love the most about this job is the rewarding feeling of seeing the ‘stoked-ness’ of a kid standing up for the first time and knowing that he/she will never be the same …because I just turned him/her into a surf junkie… “
Pepe’s tip: Fake it till you make it
Kerri Jekyll
School Manager
I grew up on the Central coast of NSW and it was all about surfing and football. I loved the beach, my girlfriends and I would ride our horses to the beach at sun up and swim and play till sun down. Unfortunately back then there were no surf schools so you just had to borrow a board and knock yourself out till you got it right. I moved to the Gold Coast when I was 18 where it is all about surfing. I still love the beach although these days I am surfing the net more than anything else. I love the surf school, I love the lifestyle, I love the crew that we work with, I love that my children are all growing up on the beach and getting all the benefits of the healthy lifestyle that surfing provides and most of all I love being able to deal with people who are here enjoying their holidays and enjoying their surfing experience with us.
Kerri’s tip: Be good to your mum she is most likely the one who will buy you your first surf board.
Sammi
Surf Coach
Sammi has been involved with Get Wet Surf School since she was 10, she is our Weet-Bix SurfGroms instructor and works every school holidays and weekends.
Sammi has been surfing for 6 years and just loves the ocean. Sammi is in year 12 at A B Paterson College and is studying a Diploma of Business and had just completed a certificate III in Tourism.
Sammi plans to enrol in a Batchelor of Business / Tourism at Griffith University in 2017.
Sammi’s tip: Don’t give up your dreams!
Brenden
Surf Coach
Growing up in Noosa on the Sunshine Coast I was the typical kid who wanted to follow in the footsteps of his older brother and that’s how I started surfing, getting a lift to the beach from him was not always easy though.
Over the years I have taught kids and adults of all ages and nationalities how to surf. I love that my beach is the office, It is so rewarding to be able to hang out at the beach and hear all of their stories, watch them have a good time and put a smile on their faces.
Surfing has been such a big part of my life, it’s taken me too many great places around the world and I have met some awesome people along the way. I encourage anyone to get amongst it.
Brenden’s tip: Be sun smart- Slip, slop, slap, seek and slide ( oh and surf)
Kurt
Senior Coach
I grew up on the Central Coast of NSW and surfing was, and has always been a big part of my life.
I can remember the good old days of getting up at 4am and meeting mates to catch the first bus of the morning just so we could watch the sunrise and be the first ones out there.
Since then I’ve had the chance to surf a lot of oz, Indonesia and the Maldives. The thing I enjoy the most about coaching is seeing the stoked look on someone’s face when they ride there first wave, it makes me enjoy every minute of what I do.
Kurt’s tip: Don’t forget it’s all about the surfing and having a good time!
Kelly
Surf Coach
I grew up in a small town near the Coffs coast in NSW and started surfing at the age of 12. My dad gave me my first second-hand surfboard and like any other Tom boy I was keen to try it out.
Kelly’s tip: The best surfer out there is the one having the most fun
Sylvain
Surf Coach
I grew up in the south of France. I started surfing at the age of 13 in the Mediterranean sea which is not really renowned for consistent waves. Surfing was rare and not easy to get lifted to the beach when the waves were ON. I had to learn to be patient. Things got different when I turned 18 and got my driving licence. I started surfing on the west coast (highly renowned for his quality beach breaks), travelled around Europe and had the chance to spend 1 year in Australia. I literally fell in love with the country. Five years later I decided to leave home and settle in Australia to fully live my passion for the ocean. Coaching is for me a way to share that passion with others and I love it!
Sylvain’s Tip:
Don’t miss it! It could be the best thing you ever experienced
Where to Meet
If you have your own ride, you can meet us at the Spit parking lot. Along with being an ideal place to learn how to surf, the Spit also has FREE ALL DAY PARKING and the Seaway Cafe where you can try their famous crab sandwiches, home-style burgers and the best chips on the Gold Coast.
To find out our meeting location in Google Maps Click here
Look for the Get Wet Surf School trailer
Pickup Locations
If you choose to learn how to surf with Get Wet Surf School, we provide Free transportation from some Hotels or backpackers (within central Surfers Paradise) if you book directly with us on our web site. If you are outside this area, don’t worry! We can pick you up at these different locations:
Southport: Pickups at the pedestrian entrance of Australia Fair on Marine Parade. Click here to open Location on Google Maps.
Main Beach: Pickups at Hill Parade (In front of the Tram Station). Click here to open Location on Google Maps.
Surfers Paradise: Pickups at Beach Road (In front of the mural just beside the Brooklyn Depot restaurant). Click here to open Location on Google Maps.
Learn how to surf with Get Wet Surf School
Frequently Asked Questions
We know you have a lot of questions about learning to surf and we are happy to answer them all.
That’s why we have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions to our instructors. We hope this might help clear up any doubts you have about surfing and our surf school.
Are our programs suitable for weak swimmers?
Is there a minimum age?
What happens if the weather is bad?
Conditions at the Spit are generally very good for beginner lessons. However, if we feel that conditions may be too rough for our participants, we will reschedule for a different date or refund your money.
What do I need to bring?
How do we get to the lesson ?
If you have your own car you are best to drive to the Spit as the parking is free all day and you can stay and enjoy the best beach on the Gold Coast.
If you require public transport, the bus terminates at Seaworld so we run a shuttle service from several pick-up locations. See our pick-ups list in About us tab
Is your shuttle service free?
Our shuttle service is complimentary for participants only who book directly with us online. If you are booking through a 3rd party website, conditions apply.
The shuttle is not available for spectators as we need to reserve the seats for those surfing. If the participant is under 12 we allow 1 adult to accompany them in the shuttle.
Beginner Group Surfing Lessons
Our 2 hour beginner surf lesson is designed to teach you how to surf, and give you a taste of the thrill of surfing. Joining a group of like-minded people looking for something new.
Private Surfing Lessons
If you’re looking to improve your surfing technique or enjoy a bit more privacy whilst you learn a private surf lesson may be the way to go
Kids Surfing Lessons
Kids are now able to learn to surf or stand-up paddleboard in a fun, exciting and safe environment. They’ll have loads of fun at the beach and learn about the ocean and surf safety.
Lesson Packages
Once you have experienced the thrill of riding your first wave, there's only one way to improve further!
