Margaret River's Most Experienced Surf School — Led by a Registered Paramedic & Big-Wave Surfer
Registered Paramedic | Master's in Mental Health | 30+ Years Surf Experience | Surfing WA Accredited | Tourism WA Endorsed | Quality Tourism Accredited | First Established Surf School in Margaret River
Team Leader Simon Tien
Who is Simon Tien?
Simon and Asha Tien took ownership of the Margaret River Surfing Academy in 2022, continuing the legacy of the region's first established surf school — originally founded by professional surfer Josh Palmateer over 28 years ago. Simon was mentored by former owner and professional surfer Josh Palmateer and has surfed and coached across some of the world's most challenging waves, including The Right — one of Australia's most powerful and respected big-wave breaks, located right here in the Margaret River region. What makes Simon genuinely different from any other surf instructor you'll find in Western Australia is the combination of his professional credentials and his passion for the ocean. Simon is a Registered Paramedic with a Master's degree in Mental Health — qualifications that directly shape how he teaches how he manages safety in the water, and how he designs programs that build real confidence, not just surfing technique. When you learn with Simon and the MRSA team, you're not just getting surf lessons. You're getting 30 years of ocean knowledge, clinical-grade safety awareness, and a coaching approach that genuinely meets you where you are — whether you're a nervous first-timer, a returning intermediate surfer, or a corporate team looking for a transformative outdoor experience.
Why MRSA Is Margaret River's Most Trusted Surf School?
Margaret River Surfing Academy was founded in 2022 by Simon and Asha Tien as a family-run business based in Gracetown, in the heart of the Margaret River region. From day one, MRSA was built on a simple belief: the ocean belongs to everyone, and with the right coaching, anyone can experience the joy of surfing safely. Here is what sets MRSA apart from every other surf school in Western Australia:
• We are the first established surf school in the Margaret River region
• We are the only surf school in WA that combines professional surf coaching with evidence-based corporate wellbeing programs
• Every MRSA coach holds a First Aid certificate and either a Surf Search & Rescue or Bronze Medallion qualification, registered through Surf Life Saving Australia
• All coaches are accredited through Surfing Western Australia
• Simon is a Registered Paramedic — a level of medical qualification no other surf schools in the region can offer
• We are proudly Tourism WA endorsed, and Quality Tourism Australia accredited
• We are members of the Western Australian Dream Collective
• We have coached thousands of surfers of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds across 30+ years.
Whether you are catching your very first wave or pushing your performance to the next level, MRSA delivers the safest, most professional, and most rewarding surf experience available in the Margaret River region.
Simon Tien surfing The Right
Myself, Asha, Ruby and Onyx
Our Region
The Margaret River Region is an astounding creation of ancient geography and Wadandi song lines. We have abundant nature and space, majestic beaches and fine wine to make a holiday visit here one to remember. An incredible adventure awaits: experience self-guided kayaking up the Margaret River and Brain Waves for mental health optimisation or bask in nature’s natural beauty.
Surfing, Wellbeing & Leadership — The Brain Waves Difference
Simon's qualifications extend well beyond the surf. His Master's degree in Mental Health and 17 years of experience as an emergency services officer and paramedic in high-pressure environments have given him a uniquely deep understanding of how people perform, learn, and grow under challenge. This expertise is the foundation of MRSA's corporate and wellbeing programs, delivered through our partner program Brain Waves Global. These evidence-based programs use the ocean and the surfing experience as a powerful tool for team building, leadership development, resilience training, and mental fitness. MRSA is the only surf school in Western Australia offering this combination— making us the natural choice for schools, corporate teams, sports clubs, and community organisations looking for an experience that goes beyond a fun day out and creates lasting, measurable growth. To learn more about our corporate and wellbeing programs, visit www.brainwavesglobal.com or contact us directly at info@mrsurf.com.au
Inclusive, Safe & Welcoming for Everyone
At MRSA, we believe the ocean is for everyone — regardless of age, ability, background, or experience level. We actively work to create a surfing
environment that is inclusive, culturally aware, and accessible to all. Our coaches are trained in trauma-informed guidance and patient,
supportive instruction. We offer flexible lesson formats, accessible equipment, and the ability to tailor every session to the individual needs of our students. We are proud to hold Quality Tourism Accreditation for accessibility and inclusion.
If you have specific needs, a disability, or simply haven't surfed before and feel nervous, please reach out. We will work with you personally to design an experience that works. That's a promise.
The Margaret River region sits on the traditional lands of the Wadandi people, and we are proud to operate in this extraordinary place with deep respect for its ancient geography, culture, and ocean. We are honoured to share these world-class waves with visitors and locals alike.
Ready to Catch Your First Wave?
Whether you are visiting Margaret River for a weekend, planning a family holiday, organising a corporate retreat, or simply ready to finally learn to surf
— MRSA is here for you. Surf lessons start from just $40 per person. All equipment is provided. Our coaches are in the water with you for the entire 2-hour session. And you'll be guided by a team with more combined experience, qualifications, and genuine passion for surfing than any other school in the region.
Book your surf lesson online today with the button below or call us on 0418 958 264, or email info@mrsurf.com.au — and let's get you on a wave.