Introducing ASI Surfing Instructor, Simon Duff

AUSTRALIA. VIC. MORNINGTON PENINSULA.  Simon Duff is an ASI Surfing Instructor and owner of ASI surf accredited school ‘Mornington Peninsula Surf School' in Victoria.  He recently caught up with us and told us all about his introduction to surfing and why he became an ASI Instructor.

‘As a kid I lived next door to a guy who started making surfboards out of his father’s garage. (now Classic Malibu surfboards in QLD), over time he made me a board which I surfed over the road at one of our bay beaches when the wind was howling onshore to produce the waves. 

Many years passed, I left school, I played football at club level, started working and that was when my passion for surfing ramped up. My neighbour’s passion, and the freedom I saw that he got out of surfing, that’s what got me into it, also loved the smell of resin etc.

Over time, I made a living from my job and was able to start my travelling overseas surfing, Bali, Hawaii, New Guinea, Mentawai, Telos, Nth Sumatra etc. Which I still do, I do at least one surf trip a year for myself and one with family. 

During one trip to New Guinea, I met a group from the Australian government, (Australian Sports Institute) who were giving money to the New Guinea government for promotion of sports in that region. They asked what I was doing in New Guinea and the answer was for surfing. Then I asked them if there was money available to promote  surfing in that region?  To which they said yes, as this was all part of the Australian Silver Jubilee year.  So long as I got my qualifications, I could submit a proposal.

Unfortunately, by the time I was completely qualified, the program was finished. But I still had my qualifications which led me to now owning/operating ASI accredited surf school Mornington Peninsula Surf School, for 14 years so far.

I became an ASI instructor because I could see that would open up new opportunities to enhance my lifestyle. I’m still running the surf school, increasing the capacity slightly each year and I like being able to show others the stoke you get from surfing and being outdoors.

Being involved now with instructing for many years is incredibly rewarding.  I have met and dealt with many different people, but what stands out the most is I now have regular groups of children and young adults with learning difficulties.  Eventually the surfing helps them to slowly come out of their shells, bringing so much fun and excitement to myself and staff.’

More about Mornington Peninsula Surf School 

https://www.academyofsurfing.com/school/surfing/a-mornington-peninsula-surf-school

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About ASI
ASI is a professional membership organisation and international governing body for instructors, coaches and schools in the outdoor recreation industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.
We set the standards for education, accreditation, professional development and ongoing support for our members, offering pathways from entry level to elite level.
International Instructor and Coach Accreditation. You can travel the world with ASI.
ASI Accredited Schools abide by the high international standards for operations, training and safety.
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