Meet the team

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Brenda Miley
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Brenda Miley

Surf School Founder and Director

I surf because I feel great physically, emotionally and spiritually. I can’t quite relax until I’ve done some exercise and been in the water, so it’s lucky my favourite time of day is early morning.

Qualifications: B.Ed (Hons), Cert IV Workplace Training, Level 1&2 Surf Coach, Master Coach, Bronze Medallion, Advanced Resuscitation First Aid, Apola (OSSCA)

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Wacca
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Wacca

Managing Director

After being swept up in Brenda Miley’s dream 27 years ago we have been changing lives together one wave at a time since! The things I value most in life, are the amazing opportunities that I have been blessed with; My Family, Friends, Music, the Ocean and Laughing! The surfing I enjoy the most is medium sized waves, offshore and sunny!

Qualifications held include: Level 1 Surf Coach Certificate, Senior First Aid Certificate, Advanced Resuscitation Techniques; Apola (OSSCA)

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Lars Zeekaf
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Lars Zeekaf

Operations Manager

I surf because I can’t live without it. I can’t quite relax until I’ve had some waves, food and a siesta. After arriving in Sydney in June 2014 I quickly searched for a job where I could work with passion. I found it in LGS, emailed Marty and from there it all happened.

When I was younger, I dreamed about becoming an Orca trainer – these days I’m happy being free. Each lesson I look forward to converting students into lifelong surfers. My ideal conditions are 4-6ft, offshore breeze, sunset and a couple mates in the water.

Languages: Dutch and Spanish

Qualifications: Level 2 Surf Coach Certificate, SUP Flat Water Coaching Certificate, Senior First Aid Certificate, Advanced Resuscitation Techniques; Apola (OSSCA)

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Dylan Chisholm
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Dylan Chisholm

Manager - Byron Bay/Ballina Region

I’ve been on a surfboard since I could remember. Surfing is my happy place it’s my mental escape and my way of connecting with the elements. To be able to share my passion with others on a daily basis is indescribable.

I love that moment when one of my students achieves their goal, the look on their face as they throw their hands in air in celebration makes my job one of the best in the world.

Qualifications: Level 1 Surf Coach Certificate, Senior First Aid Certificate, Advanced Resuscitation Techniques; Apola (OSSCA)

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Marty Williams
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Marty Williams

Coaching Director & Senior Instructor

For me, surfing is a release from reality yet it connects you with nature and rewards the effort you put in. I look forward to lessons because I like helping people achieve goals, and also having people paying to hear my opinion on things.

My favourite surf is a late one, an hour before dark, and my ideal conditions are 1 foot perfection with a gentle offshore or 4-6 foot cloud break.

Qualifications: Bachelor Exercise Science (Hons), Cert IV Workplace training, Level 1 Surf Coach Certificate, Surf Bronze Medallion, Senior First Aid Certificate, Advanced Resuscitation Techniques; Apola (OSSCA)

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Gabriela Bianchini
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Gabriela Bianchini

Bookings Manager

I surf for the thrill and enjoyment of riding the wave. When you finally get the perfect wave and you stand up and you’re flying. That’s pretty amazing.

I love my job because I get to see the surfing journeys of so many different types of people from all over the world – from the very start when they first book in to when you see them out on the beach every day surfing by themselves.

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Che Godfrey
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Che Godfrey

Sales Manager

I get to work in all areas of LGS and love every bit! As shop man I look forward to meeting so many different people who are all keen to learn or improve their surfing ability! As photo man I look forward to capturing the perfect moment of pure joy and happiness as a client stands up. Love getting in the water to share the joy of surfing with anyone and everyone!

I most of all value family however music, food and the ocean are a close second!

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Ava Turnbull
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Ava Turnbull

Instructor

Surfing is a massive release of mental and physical energy. It clears the mind and works your body hard so you get out feeling brand new.

Teaching others how to share this feeling of happiness and exertion reminds me everyday how lucky I am to be apart of this community.

Qualifications: Level 2 Surf Coach, Level 1 SUP Coach, Senior First Aid, Apola (OSSCA)

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Eddy Cavanagh
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Eddy Cavanagh

Senior Instructor

I surf because I can’t stop! It’s the most fun and addictive way to spend your time. What I enjoy about surfing is it’s playful nature but also the many challenges. Surfing keeps you fit, healthy, and most importantly happy!

Being a surf coach is a dream job. I love being able to come down to the beach each day and share what I have learnt over the years with others and hopefully get them stoked on surfing for life!

My ideal surf would be a warm water surf in boardies, head height waves, no wind, and just a couple mates out.

Qualifications: Level 1 Surf Instructor Certificate, Apolla, Senior 1st Aid, ARTC

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Justin O’Keefe
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Justin O’Keefe

Instructor

I surf because riding a wave is one of the best feelings in the world. I think surfing fosters a deep connection with nature and the ocean, which has the amazing power of being both a soothing and exciting force. What I love most about being a surf instructor is being able to meet people from all around the world and introduce them to the sport thats given me so much joy. It’s awesome speaking to people at the end of a lesson and hearing that they can’t wait to go surfing again!

Qualifications: Level 1 Surf Coach Certificate, Senior First Aid Certificate, Advanced Resuscitation Techniques; Apola (OSSCA)

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Lisa Conacher
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Lisa Conacher

Marketing Manager

Growing up in the country I dreamt of working at the beach and now I am living that dream!

Nothing beats the feeling of riding a wave, just being in the ocean makes you feel good.

Qualifications: Bachelor of International Hotel and Tourism Management, Diploma in Digital Marketing, First Aid.

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Fred Murray
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Fred Murray

Surf Instructor

I surf because because I love it and I grew up with it, it also gets you out and about and off your phone.

I love being a surf instructor because I get to see people’s face when they stand up for the first time, it’s priceless… I also don’t have to wear shoes to work.

Qualifications: Level 1 Surf Coach, Senior First Aid, Advanced Resuscitation Techniques, Apola (OSSCA)

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Nigel Riley
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Nigel Riley

Senior Instructor

I surf because there is nothing better. The best piece of advice I received was “don’t let go of your board.”

My favourite time of day is whenever a southerly is blowing.

Qualifications: Cert 2 French & Japanese, Level 1 & 2 Surf Coach Certificate, Surf Bronze Medallion, Senior First Aid Certificate, Advanced Resuscitation Techniques; Apola (OSSCA)

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Laura Tomidei
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Laura Tomidei

I surf because it’s fun and it makes me feel good. Riding a wave is the best experience and everyday is different as surf conditions change all the time. It’s not just exercise, it’s good for body and mind. Whatever I have on my mind goes away as soon as I paddle out. It clears my head.

Best thing about being a surf instructor?

It’s good to be in the water every day. Seeing people’s face and enthusiasm when they catch their first wave is very rewarding. Every time it reminds me of my first wave.

Qualifications: Level 1 Surf Coach, First Aid, Apola (OSSCA) Bronze Medallion

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Max Leedham
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Max Leedham

I surf because I love it. Surfing has allowed me to form heaps of new friendships and gives me an excuse to disconnect from social media.

My favorite part about being a surf instructor is being able to work in the ocean and seeing how stoked people get when they ride their first wave.

Qualifications: Level 1 Surf Coach, Bronze Medallion, Senior First Aid

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Michael Gallus
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Michael Gallus

Instructor

I love how surfing is something so special and unique, it connects you with mother nature like no other sport, always challenging and never the same. Each wave is always a different experience, that’s why I think surfing is so addictive, you never get bored!

Best thing about being a surf instructor?
I think sharing your experiences with people and see how they progress, reach they goals and having a great time is so rewarding. I love getting people into surfing as it’s something that you can’t have in any other sport.

Languages: Italian

Qualifications: Level 1 Surf Coach Certificate, Bronze medallion, First Aid Certificate, Diploma Graphic Design, Cert V Hospitality.

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Jamie Whatling
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Jamie Whatling

Surf Instructor

I use surfing as a release. No matter what is on your mind before a surf as soon as you catch your first wave it is gone until the end of the session, whether that is 15 minutes or three hours later. I love sharing my passion for surfing with other people and the smile on their face when they catch their first wave.

Best surfing tip: Don’t take yourself too seriously. It is very rare that people stand up perfectly the first time. Take your time and have a laugh because in the end you are surfing to have fun rather than to be perfect every time. Even the best surfers in the world make mistakes but they get back out there and catch another wave.

Qualifications: Level 1 Surf Instructor Certificate, Apolla, Senior 1st Aid

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Jeremy Malgras
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Jeremy Malgras

Instructor

I surf because it’s the ultimate freedom, you can truly relax/disconnect and enjoy the moment. A sunrise session with good mates on a tropical island is the most magical experience !

My job allows me to be in the water everyday sharing my passion, knowledge and love for the ocean. I feel proud to ignite that surfing spirit within learners and get them started on their new journey/adventure.

Languages: French

Qualifications: Level 1 Surf Coach, Senior First Aid, Apola (OSSCA) , Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Diploma in Conservation and Land Management

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Nigel Davis
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Nigel Davis

Instructor

I grew up by the ocean and started body boarding when I was 6. I love being in the ocean and surfing some of the locations that my life takes me too …. the feeling I get when I am up riding with a big wall ahead of me, cant match that!

Best thing about being and instructor?
The buzz I get seeing someone stand for the first time.

Languages: Indonesian and Italian

Qualifications: Level 1 Surf Coach, Senior First Aid, Apola (OSSCA)

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Ally Palmer
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Ally Palmer

Surf Instructor

I surf because it is relaxing, fun and gives me so much joy. It’s a great way to clear your mind and refresh the soul.

I love seeing the joy on people’s faces when they catch their first wave, meeting new people and also sharing my love of the ocean with everyone.

Qualifications: Level 1 Surf Coach Certificate, Senior First Aid Certificate, Advanced Resuscitation Techniques; Apola (OSSCA)

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Matteo Soranzo
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Matteo Soranzo

Instructor

I surf because being in the ocean makes me happy. It’s my own way of meditating, being in the present moment, and connecting with nature. Plus it’s a lot of fun!

The best thing about being an instructor is sharing the stoke! I have the possibility to share my passion with others and make them connect with the ocean. Plus I get pay to play!

I love my job. Every day is different and offers new challenges. Also, there is not a better feeling when you find what you love to do and are lucky enough to have the possibility to share it with others!

Languages: Italian and Spanish

Qualifications: Level 1 Surf Coach, Senior First Aid, Apola (OSSCA), Bachelor of Sociology.

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Karin Isabelle Ochsner
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Karin Isabelle Ochsner

Instructor

Every lesson I look forward to the smiles and boost of positive energy in the people around that you can see and feel after a bit of good time in the water. Working with people in nature is generally just my favourite setting for great times, though when it comes to surfing I like it big and wild.

I love to work with school kids in the surf – that’s why I started working with the team in the first place. Especially Indigenous kids, they’re so naturally in their element and it is great to see them so happy and relaxed. Whatever the surf conditions, we always have fun.

Qualifications: Level 2 Surf Coach Certificate , Wilderness Advanced First Aid Responder Certificate, Advanced Resuscitations Techniques, Bronze Medallion (Surf Life Saving Australia)

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Dominique Frey
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Dominique Frey

Surfing is much more than a hobby it’s a lifestyle. It brings pure joy to my life. No matter in what mood I’m in as soon as I enter the ocean you can see the biggest smile on my face.

Best thing about being an instructor?
Sharing the passion, Stoke and smiles. Spending my time in the ocean sharing what I love most just seems a no brainer. Hold on is it a job?

Qualifications: Level 1 Surf Coach, First Aid, Apola (OSSCA)

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Cheryl Wachholz
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Cheryl Wachholz

Accounts Manager - Head Honcho in Office

My lessons on how to fill in your paperwork are loved by the staff because of my alluring and engaging personality, I head up the office and in charge of paying people each week (so loved by all). The types of lessons I enjoy are cooking, wine appreciation and anything Idris Elba is teaching.

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David Judge
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David Judge

CTO

Love the ocean, love tech. What more is there to say. Surfing offers a unique ocean experience like no other. Not matter what the day dishes up, the ocean never fails to deliver …

Qualifications: Bachelor Com Sci (Hons), Associate Diploma Elec. Engineering, Cert IV Business Management.

Meet the team

G Brenda Miley O

Brenda Miley

Surf School Founder and Director

G Wacca O

Wacca

Managing Director

G Lars Zeekaf O

Lars Zeekaf

Operations Manager

G Dylan Chisholm O

Dylan Chisholm

Manager - Byron Bay/Ballina Region

G Marty Williams O

Marty Williams

Coaching Director & Senior Instructor

G Gabriela Bianchini O

Gabriela Bianchini

Bookings Manager

G Che Godfrey O

Che Godfrey

Sales Manager

G Ava Turnbull O

Ava Turnbull

Instructor

G Eddy Cavanagh O

Eddy Cavanagh

Senior Instructor

G Justin O’Keefe O

Justin O’Keefe

Instructor

G Lisa Conacher O

Lisa Conacher

Marketing Manager

G Fred Murray O

Fred Murray

Surf Instructor

G Nigel Riley O

Nigel Riley

Senior Instructor

G Laura Tomidei O

Laura Tomidei

G Max Leedham O

Max Leedham

G Michael Gallus O

Michael Gallus

Instructor

G Jamie Whatling O

Jamie Whatling

Surf Instructor

G Jeremy Malgras O

Jeremy Malgras

Instructor

G Nigel Davis O

Nigel Davis

Instructor

G Ally Palmer O

Ally Palmer

Surf Instructor

G Matteo Soranzo O

Matteo Soranzo

Instructor

G Karin Isabelle Ochsner O

Karin Isabelle Ochsner

Instructor

G Dominique Frey O

Dominique Frey

G Cheryl Wachholz O

Cheryl Wachholz

Accounts Manager - Head Honcho in Office

G David Judge O

David Judge

CTO

Book Your Experience

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Brenda Miley
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Wacca
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Lars Zeekaf
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Dylan Chisholm
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Marty Williams
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Gabriela Bianchini
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Che Godfrey
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Ava Turnbull
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Eddy Cavanagh
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Justin O’Keefe
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Lisa Conacher
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Fred Murray
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Nigel Riley
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Laura Tomidei
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Max Leedham
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Michael Gallus
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Jamie Whatling
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Jeremy Malgras
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Nigel Davis
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Ally Palmer
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Matteo Soranzo
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Karin Isabelle Ochsner
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Dominique Frey
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Cheryl Wachholz
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David Judge
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