School Outdoor Education
Why Margaret River Is the Perfect Destination for Your School's Outdoor Education Program
Every year, hundreds of schools across Western Australia head south for outdoor education camps. The Leeuwin Estate, the caves, the vineyards — the Margaret River region has long been the go-to destination for school groups wanting to combine natural beauty with meaningful learning experiences.
But increasingly, schools are choosing to add something else to their camp itinerary: a surf day with Margaret River Surfing Academy. And for good reason.
The Ocean as a Classroom
There is no more honest classroom than the ocean. It doesn't respond to excuses. It doesn't care if a student is the most popular kid in class or the most anxious. The wave comes, and the student responds. That immediate, unfiltered feedback — and the confidence that comes from managing it — is something a classroom can never fully replicate.
At MRSA, we have been facilitating school surf education programs for years. We have watched students who struggled to engage in traditional settings discover a completely new version of themselves in the water. We have seen anxious kids become the ones cheering loudest for their classmates. That transformation is why we do this work.
What Makes MRSA Different for School Groups
Not all surf schools are created equal. When a school places students in the care of any provider, duty of care doesn't disappear — it transfers. That means the credentials and safety systems of the provider matter enormously.
MRSA is led by Simon Tien, a Registered Paramedic with a Master's degree in Mental Health and over 25 years of surf coaching experience, including a decade mentored by former professional surfer Josh Palmateer. Every MRSA coach holds either a Bronze Medallion or Surf Rescue certification through Surf Life Saving Australia and is accredited with Surfing Western Australia.
For PE coordinators and school leaders, this means something simple but important: you are placing your students with the most qualified surf coaching team in the South West.
Curriculum Connections
MRSA school programs are designed to align with the Western Australian Curriculum across Health & Physical Education, Outdoor Education, and broader HASS learning areas. Specifically, our programs develop student competencies in:
• Beach and ocean safety — rip current awareness, wave reading, and safe entry and exit
• Movement and physical activity — surfing as a lifelong physical pursuit
• Personal and social development — resilience, confidence, and teamwork
• Environmental connection — Wadandi Country, coastal ecology, and respect for the ocean
We can provide curriculum alignment documentation to support your outdoor education planning. Simply ask when you make an enquiry.
Practical Information for School Coordinators
MRSA school programs are available year-round, Monday to Saturday. We operate at Gracetown Beach and surrounding Margaret River coastline, with the specific location chosen based on surf conditions and group ability level on the day. All surfboards, wetsuits, and safety equipment are provided. Students need only bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, and a water bottle.
We provide a full Risk Management Plan on request, suitable for inclusion in your school's camp documentation. Our $20 million public liability insurance documentation is also available on request.
Ready to Book?
School programs can be enquired about by emailing info@mrsurf.com.au or calling 0418 958 264. We recommend booking at least four to six weeks in advance for groups over 20 students, and are happy to work around your camp schedule.
Come and see what the ocean can do for your students. We think you'll be as surprised as they are.