Introducing ASI Surf Instructor, Tom

Introducing Tom, or more commonly known as “Bomber Johnston”, who recently shared his journey with us in swapping out the corporate living for a life on the beach, running a small business, and sharing his experienced knowledge of surfing.

Learning to surf from his dad at a young age, entering the competitive surfing scene, travelling globally complete with his board and passion for surf and now even teaming up with Perth Children’s Hospital for a first of its kind surf-research project… take notes as Tom’s done it all!

Also becoming an ASI Trainer, Tom delivers surfing instrcutor training courses in Australia and overseas. Read our conversation below, and thank you to Tom for sharing his surf instructor insight.

What’s your background?

G’day, my name is Tom, or to most people "Bomber Johnston” and I’m the owner and head coach at Perth Go Surf.

After years of sporting the “bag of fruit” in a full time corporate position, I made the decision to swap my Italian cotton suit (which was more likely a cheap synthetic) for a more comfortable neaporene suit and follow my passion - making surf coaching and running the surf school my primary role.

Ever since, I have enjoyed the beach as my office and the excitement and challenges of running a small business.

What got you involved in surfing?

My father is a surfer so I really had no choice in the matter. Dad taught me to surf as soon as I could walk, so I’ve been at it for a while now!

My passion for the sport started from a very young age. As a teenager, I competed regularly in local competition, and represented Western Australia in the National School Surfing Titles back in 2004.

During my 20’s, I became somewhat disenchanted with the competition scene and just wanted to surf, for me. After finishing University, I packed the coffin bag, boarded a plane and surfed my way around the world, coaching in many different countries along the way.

Now my life revolves around surfing. It’s what I do to earn my living, relax, have fun, meet new people and stay fit and healthy.  

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

Initially to do as a part time job whilst I was studying. As I matured as a coach (and a human), I fell in love with coaching.

I had always planned to go travelling, so I combined the two and decided to surf and work whilst I travelled the globe. Upon my return, I kept coaching on a casual basis until the opportunity arose to take over the helm at Go Surf… and here I am!

What are you doing now?

You mean right now? Currently sitting in my office, 6:00am, coffee in hand and writing this little piece for the ASI. Welcome to the world of running a small business.

What do you like about being an ASI instructor?

I think my answer to this has changed as my circumstances change. It used to be because it provided me the opportunity to travel and work at the same time. Now it would be because I get to teach, meet and mentor so many people, including our customers at the school as well as our staff.

Tell us about an interesting situation that has happened to your surf instructing journey?

We have just teamed up with Perth Childrens Hospital to embark on a first of its kind research project to discover how surfing could prove effective as a therapy for children with chronic conditions.

The project is based on evidence that children with a chronic condition are known to be at two to three times greater risk of developing a mental health issue than their healthy counterparts.

The pilot program that we facilitated in 2020 found overwhelmingly positive benefits for the entire family, with improved physical and psychological wellbeing for patients and improved family relationships overall.

This is definitely an interesting and exciting surfing venture that could pave the way for more programs and health intervention through surfing into the future.




Thanks again to Tom for sharing his story from full-time corporate job to small business owner centred around his passion for surf and coaching others!

Are you, or somebody that you know interested in becoming an ASI quailified Instructor?

Head here to find out more about becoming a Surf Instructor with ASI

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About ASI
ASI is a professional membership and training organisation and international governing body for instructors, coaches and schools in the outdoor recreation industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.
ASI Accredited Schools abide by the high international standards for operations, training and safety.
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