newport surf school, private surfing lessons, Orange County, Ca, Newport beach

Matt is a Newport Beach, California native where he attended Newport Elementary and Ensign Middle School. After graduating from Corona del Mar High School in 1977, Matt spent a year and a half at St. Mary’s College before transferring to Chaminade College of Honolulu, Hawaii for another year and a half where he majored in Business, Political Science then completed his studies and received a certificate in education.

Matt competed in the late 70’s collegiate and professional levels in California and Hawaii. Matt's notoriety was pure world class talent when surfing, noticed out in the line up by photographers so was featured in numerous surf magazines, exposition films and newspaper articles.

Matt started teaching twenty-seven years ago by word of mouth, to his surprise grew into a worth while venture that would give the time to surf where his passion lies. He taught for ten years before he realized the need to offer a solid, above board surf school. As Matt recalls, “I wanted to give my students more than just entry level instruction". Because Matt didn’t believe in taking short cuts, he developed a detailed, technical approach to surf instruction with his signature curriculum programs with superior outlines and lesson structure. Matt pioneered the first high-end exclusive surf school with top professional surf trainers to accomplish his goal of transforming beginners into competent surfers with the correct skills, knowledge and equipment. Matt’s commitment to teaching his students the “right way” to surf involved tips on safety, wave knowledge, meteorology, ocean training, and guidance on how to purchase appropriate custom boards and the correct equipment. To Matt’s surprise, Newport Surf School grew into a premier, highly desired, unlike all the other surf schools had to offer. Matt’s attention to detail and technical approach to surf instruction not only attracted the attention of those who were looking to take their skills to the next level, but proved to transform beginner students into excellent, competent surfers within a short period of time reducing the learning curve by decades.

Matt’s approach to surfing and the powerful results of his technical training have garnered the attention of various programs, magazines and newspapers. As a result, Matt has made several appearances throughout his career for exhibitions, commercials, and speaking engagements. Newport Surf School has also become a highly endorsed program by many local businesses.

Today, Matt continues to instruct and remains committed to his proven, technical approach to surfing, and has successfully transformed many individuals into competent, confident surfers with the right skills and equipment.