The Team
We choose our team as much for their qualifications as well as their ability to give our customers the very best surfing experience. They are all fully qualified British Surfing Association Surf Coaches and qualified and experienced Beach Lifeguards. They are also trained in advanced First Aid, Advanced Resuscitation, Child Protection and are Criminal Records Bureau checked – so you and your family couldn’t be in safer hands.
Jon Price
As our Head Coach (and the boss) Jon is a prime example of the way surfing can change your life – for the better! After learning to surf, Jon moved to Devon. He is now considered one of the UK’s most experienced surf coaches and holds the highest qualifications available. He is qualified to instruct any level of surfer from beginner to British Team members and regularly trains and examines surf coaches for the British Surfing Association. Jon is also qualified in many areas of surfing including sports nutrition, injury prevention, competition tactics and national team management – so he’s the man to talk to when it starts to get serious. He has also lectured on sports psychology to other surf coaches and works with autistic and special needs children to introduce them to the world of surfing.
As a true surfing professional Jon loves surfing – but loves teaching more!
“The joy I get from watching someone succeed and improve is immense whether it’s a beginner standing up for the first time or one of our advanced students pulling off a radical manoeuvre.”
John ‘Hutch’ Hutchinson – Senior Coach
Since getting the bug on holiday in Bude ten years ago, Hutch has devoted his life to living and loving the coastal life. Once a county champion pole vaulter, Hutch has great natural ability and surfs whenever and wherever he can. When he’s not, he still finds the time to ski, kayak and rock climb.
This enthusiasm is what makes him a great teacher. He holds British Surfing Association Level 2 Coaching qualification and has been teaching in Bude since 2005.
“For me the best thing about surf coaching is seeing our students come out of the water happy, with massive smiles on their faces.”
John Sweeting - Coach
British Surfing Association Level 1
After visiting Bude a number of times during childhood, John moved down and started to work in Bude as an activity instructor. He took up surfing and hasn’t wanted to leave the water since. He has played basketball for his region, has always loved sport and will have a go at anything. This enthusiasm and love of sport has helped him with his coaching and he's taking this further with Outdoor Adventure studies at Plymouth Marjons University.
“Seeing the enthusiasm of everyone coming into the sessions and then performing so well puts a smile on their faces and mine.”
“It’s all about having a laugh and enjoying what you are doing. If I see people enjoying themselves in the water I feel I can’t be doing to bad!”
Louisa Nash - Coach
British Surfing Association Level 1
After 12 years of working in ‘the city’, Lou decided to change direction, live the dream and have the outdoors as her office. Since then Lou has surfed in Fuerteventura, the UK and most recently a 3 month tour of the Garden route in South Africa where she qualified as a surf coach and lifeguard. This winter, Lou also completed her first snowboarding season in Canada and achieved her level 1 snowboard instructor’s qualification.
"I love sharing the excitement our students have when we get them standing for the first time. For me it’s all about getting out there and trying something new.”
James Oxley - Coach
British Surfing Association Level 1
Having visited Cornwall numerous times in his childhood there's no question as to where James would rather be during the summer. Living in Austria and Switzerland for a year, James picked up the language as well as his Snowboard Instructor and White Water Rafting Guide qualifications. James is due to start university this coming September at Bangor studying Sports Science.
“I just love instructing people and find it incredibly rewarding. I endeavour to teach not only the facts but to put across the reasons why I love surfing and think it’s such a good sport.”
Becky Price – Coach & Office Manager
British Surfing Association Level 1
British Sign Language Level 2 Signer
Described by her British Surfing Association Trainer assessor as offering “some of the best teaching I’ve ever seen”, Becky is one of just a few female surf coaches. She is a competent surfer and has a deep knowledge of many sports and sports related training. She is an ex member of the British Fencing Squad as well as a keen snowboarder, tennis player and netball player. Oh, and she’s fluent in French, Italian and Sign Language too!
“It’s great to see the buzz a student gets when they stand up for the very first time. Sharing a passion for sport and the outdoors is a privilege.”
Jamie Redmond - Office Assistant
After having been compared to ‘Boris Johnson in a wetsuit’, we’ve decided this fish’s skills are best appreciated on dry land; whether it’s in the office, answering your enquiries and taking your bookings or strumming the guitar and supping a pint of ale. As an expert armchair surfer, Jamie will be on call to answer any questions you may have regarding your surfing experience with Big Blue!
“I know from personal experience how much fun surfing with Big Blue is…and if I can do it, so can anyone!”
