Celebrating 25 Years of Surfing Success: Newcastle Surf School with Dan Frodsham

Celebrating 25 Years of Surfing Success: Newcastle Surf School with Dan Frodsham

Newcastle Surf School, a staple in our local surfing community, is celebrating an incredible milestone: 25 years of teaching people to ride the waves. Founded and owned by Dan Frodsham, this business has grown from humble beginnings to becoming a key player in Newcastle’s surf scene. We had the chance to catch up with Dan and talk about his journey, the school’s achievements, and what the future holds.

From Pro Surfer to Entrepreneur

Dan’s journey into entrepreneurship began after competing on the World Qualifying Series (WQS), traveling the globe as a professional surfer. With his competitive days behind him, Dan’s natural love for surfing, combined with his growing interest in surf coaching, led him to a new venture—starting Newcastle Surf School.

“At the time, there were only a handful of surf schools around,” Dan reflects. “I was offered a chance to open one in Newcastle, and it felt like a natural path for me to take.”

Though he describes entrepreneurship as a mix of challenges, fun, and constant learning, it’s clear that Dan’s passion for the sport and deep knowledge of surfing have been the driving forces behind the school’s long-term success.

Milestones and Achievements

Over the past 25 years, Newcastle Surf School has celebrated many achievements, but a few highlights stand out. Dan takes great pride in the success stories of surfers who have come through the school. He has coached some of Newcastle’s most successful surfers, including Ryan Callinan, Morgan Cibilic, and Jackson Baker, to name just a few.

Dan’s contributions to the local surfing community extend beyond his surf school. He has served as the president of Newcastle Surfing for 20 years and is currently the president of Frenchmans Boardriders Club. He’s also the owner of the Newcastle Surf Centre and has held elite coaching roles, including working with the NSW State Team and coaching world-renowned surfers like Ryan Callinan.

In addition to these accomplishments, Dan pioneered surf coaching for younger generations, running grommet training camps and air camps well before they became the norm in competitive surfing.

Adaptation in a Changing Industry

Like any business, Newcastle Surf School has had to adapt to the ever-evolving landscape of the surfing industry. Dan credits his success to the strong relationships he’s built within Newcastle and Lake Macquarie’s surfing communities and his dedication to maintaining an experienced and confident team of instructors.

“We’ve always adapted because of the strong ties in the local surfing communities and the diverse environment my surf school offers,” Dan says.

While he admits that networking and collaboration haven’t been major parts of his business strategy, his school’s reputation has grown organically through word-of-mouth and consistent results.

Lessons in Entrepreneurship

Dan’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple: “Just get in and do it yourself.” His hands-on approach and self-reliance have helped him build a thriving business in a competitive space.

Of course, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Dan recalls the stress of competing with other surf schools when they started popping up around Newcastle. “I overcame it by always coming back to my knowledge and experience in the water and remembering how important that is when teaching people to surf,” he shares.

Looking Ahead: Surfing’s Bright Future

As surfing continues to grow in popularity—especially with its inclusion in the Olympics and advancements in wave pool technology—Dan sees the future of the sport, and his business, as brighter than ever. Newcastle Surf School will continue to offer world-class coaching and programs, catering to everyone from beginners to elite athletes.

Reflecting on 25 years in business, Dan finds it hard to believe how far the school has come. “It’s hard to believe the business started with 10 boards and a Ford station wagon,” he says with a laugh.

As Newcastle Surf School celebrates this major milestone, it’s clear that Dan Frodsham’s passion, experience, and commitment to the local surf scene have made a lasting impact. Here’s to another 25 years of riding the waves!

If you’re ready to catch your first wave or sharpen your skills, check out Newcastle Surf School and see how you can get involved.