At SurfLab HQ, our world-class coaches bring decades of experience across every level, from first waves to advanced surfers. They’re not just experts in performance, but passionate about helping every surfer progress.
Clayton
Head Coach & Former Pro Surfer
Based on the Gold Coast, Clay is our Head Surf Coach with over 30 years of surfing experience, including time on the pro tour. A surfboard shaper and Co-Founder of OMBE/SurfLab, he focuses on simplifying surfing through the OMBE framework and 5 Lines Program.
He loves coaching for those moments when everything “clicks.” When he’s not in the water, he’s usually shaping boards, skating, or chasing good coffee and good waves.
Alex
Surf Coach
Born in Livorno, Italy, Alex has been surfing for 21 years and coaching for 9, holding both ASI and Surfing Australia Level 2 qualifications.
He loves coaching because it gives him a front-row seat to people unlocking their potential and building confidence in the water. Outside of surfing, he’s passionate about trekking, fishing, and travelling.
Dru
Surf Coach & Content Creator
From Palm Beach, QLD, Dru is a former professional surfer known for his aerial surfing. He loves coaching because it allows him to pass on what he’s learned and see the reward in other surfers’ progression.
Beyond coaching, he creates all the Surf Lab video content and loves spending time surfing and skateboarding with his family. You’ll often find them together at @thatsurffamily.
Ryuichi
Surf Coach & Professional Surfer
Born in Tokyo, Japan, Ry is a WSL QS competitor and Surfing Australia Foundation Coach. He loves coaching because he gets to help surfers notice real improvements and discover the unique “key” that unlocks their progression.
Coaching also sharpens his own surfing and understanding of the craft. When he’s not in the water, Ry enjoys wave hunting, coffee, and travel.
Dean
Mindfulness Coach
Originally from Adelaide, Dean has been surfing on and off for 25 years. He specialises in visualisation, mindfulness, meditation, and mobility, helping surfers reset, relax, and re-energise between waves.
Dean also runs a health retreat, Temple of Vitality, just south of the Gold Coast, and is passionate about all things health, fitness, and making people smile.
Matty
Surf Performance & Breathwork Coach
Based in the Northern Rivers, Matty Barber combines a strong education background with extensive fitness and surf credentials.
He holds degrees in Education and Contemporary Studies, plus qualifications including Cert III & IV Fitness, Cert III Sport & Recreation, Cert IV Training & Assessment, ASCA Level 1 Strength & Conditioning, and Bronze, Silver & Gold Medallion Aquatic Rescue. He’s also a certified Progression Surf Coach with Surfing Australia.
Cris
Surf Strength Coach
At SurfLab, Cris leads our Strength & Mobility training, helping surfers move better, recover faster, and surf at a higher level for longer.
With over 15 years of experience in strength, mobility, and rehabilitation, his approach goes beyond traditional training, combining movement, breathwork, and performance systems designed specifically for surfing.
Having overcome his own injuries, Cris understands what it takes to stay pain-free, move well, and keep surfing long-term. His coaching focuses on improving posture, strengthening the body through range, and building the foundations required for consistent performance.
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