Surf Schools of Australia

Local lads Luke Michalak and Mitch Noonan have been running Port Stephens Learn to Surf school since 2008.

A consistent performer in the Association of Surging Professionals Australasian Junior Series, Mitch grew up surfing at Shoal Bay’s Box Beach, where separate tribes of surfers and boogie-boarders carried on a robust rivalry amid the waves.

In common with business partner Luke, Mitch had his first lesson with Port Stephens’ venerable surf coach Terry McKenna, but he credits Aussie super-coach Martin Dunn for helping him fulfil his potential both as an instructor and competitor.

Luke Michalak’s surfing journey began in 1985 and he too progressed to the Australasian Pro Junior ranks, before embarking on his coaching career in 2000, earning Level 1 and 2 accreditation.

With four years’ elite coaching experience and qualification to teach Muay Thai boxing, Luke knows a thing or two about discipline and how to bring out the best in every student.

During Australia’s winter months, he is known to jet off to Canada’s Vancouver Island for a wildly different surf coaching experience.