Surfing legacy passes into new hands

Aotearoa Surf School was established by Wayne Glover in 2003 and under Wayne’s guidance a horde of youngsters found their water wings and a new way to enjoy life in the surf.

Following Wayne’s passing in 2014, his wife Adrienne kept rolling with the waves but now newcomer Che Burnett has taken the helm.

Che moved to Te Arai in 2013 to a lifestyle block where he is establishing a subtropical retreat.

“After years of travel and surfing in Europe, South America and Indonesia I’m now living the coastal dream,” he says.

Since coming here he has regularly surfed the area.

Che is an International Surfing Association (ISA) level one instructor so the opportunity to take over the surf school was one too good to turn down given his coaching talent.

The surf school has become a special part of the community, catering for learners, school groups and corporates as well as any visitors passing through who can’t resist the pull of the tide.

Che says the two main elements to the school have always been safety and enjoyment and the school is fully Water Safety approved.

“Adventure Tourism regulations now ensure safety, and getting youngsters confident in the water and up on a board opens up a whole new world for many of them,” he adds.

He is also focussed on bringing up and cultivating new talent through the coaching programme.

Situated close to the beach and well signposted, Aotearoa Surf School is a one-stop shop for surfers from boards, wax, wetsuits for hire or free for those who enrol for instruction – and that’s just for starters.

Che insists there will be more entertaining things happening as we get closer to summer.

Assisted by Kirsty and Jodie Vuletich, and Mitch McRae, newcomers can be assured of the best of attention from a group of surfers experienced in all facets of the sport, safety, and entertainment among the waves in the picturesque setting that is Te Arai.

The school also has a place for a certified International Surfing Assocation Coach and Te Arai would be a great place to spend the summer.

n As an official opening special Aotearoa Surf School is offering FREE school holiday coaching classes for 7-12-year-olds including water safety and surfing. Book online at www.aotearoasurf.co.nz

“…getting youngsters confident in the water and up on a board opens up a whole new world for many of them.”

NEW WAVE: Surfing instructor Che Burnett, pictured right, takes over the Aotearoa Surf School from Adrienne Glover.