The Story Behind Margaret River Surfing Academy
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?
MRSA has a clear belief: that the ocean is one of the most powerful environments for human growth, connection, and wellbeing — and that the people guiding others through it should be qualified to support them fully.
Family owned by Simon and Asha Tien. Simon holds a Bachelor of Paramedical Science and a Master’s Degree in Mental Health, and works as a registered paramedic alongside his role as MRSA’s lead instructor. He is also an experienced big-wave surfer with sessions at remote, heavy breaks across Western Australia, including The Right. Asha brings deep commitment to the Academy’s culture and operations.
MRSA is Tourism WA endorsed and a proud member of the WA Dream Collective, operating from Rivermouth Beach, Prevelly — one of the world’s most recognised surf locations and the home of the WSL Margaret River Pro.
Our programs encompass surf lessons for all ages and abilities, guided surf tours, performance coaching, equipment hire, school camps and excursion programs, and corporate wellbeing experiences designed to harness the therapeutic and team-building power of the ocean. Our Brain Waves Global program extends these principles beyond the coastline.
Why is MRSA Margaret River's most trusted Surf School?
Margaret River Surfing Academy is a family-run business led by Simon and Asha Tien, operating from Rivermouth Car Park, Prevelly, 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 were 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.
When you surf with MRSA, you’re not just learning a skill. You’re being guided by people who understand the ocean, understand the body, and understand what it means to genuinely support another person’s growth — physically and mentally.
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.
The ocean gives us everything. We take that seriously.
Margaret River Surfing Academy operates with a deliberate low-impact philosophy — keeping our footprint as light as the coastline deserves. From minimal equipment waste and responsible gear management to active beach clean-ups at the breaks we call home, we're committed to leaving every stretch of sand and water better than we found it. We don't just teach people to surf here — we teach them to respect what they're surfing in. This coast is irreplaceable, and protecting it is part of every lesson we run.
Surfing, Wellbeing & Leadership — The Brain Waves Difference
Simon's qualifications extend well beyond the surf. His Master's degree in Mental Health and a large amount 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.
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 $50 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.