Introducing Merrick Davis ASI Surfing Coach, Noosa Qld, Australia

From competitive surfing to founding Noosa Learn to Surf, Merrick Davis has always lived and breathed the ocean.

What is your background?

I call Noosa, on the Sunshine Coast of Queensland, home—a stunning coastal town about 90 minutes north of Brisbane. Noosa is famous for its five incredible point breaks, offering waves suited for every level of surfer, from beginners to seasoned pros. With warm, crystal-clear waters and a subtropical climate, it’s a paradise for anyone looking to ride the waves.

I founded Merrick’s Noosa Learn to Surf in 1995, making it the longest-running surf school in Noosa.

Before settling here, I grew up on Sydney’s Northern Beaches, where my passion for surfing first took root.  My journey eventually led me to competitive surfing, and later, to creating a space where others could learn to love the sport just as much as I do.

What got you involved in the sport?

Initially, I was all about rugby. I played at the highest level until I was 14, and my dad would always take us to the beach for training sessions. Surfing was a natural part of life on the Northern Beaches, and most kids got their first taste of the waves early on.

One particular moment stands out—my dad once bought a bucket of KFC, and they threw in a free foam surfboard as part of a promotion. After training, I would take that little foamy out into the waves, and that’s where it all began. I loved the freedom of surfing, the thrill of catching a wave.

Eventually, I moved away from rugby and pursued surfing as a solo sport, which soon turned into a professional career.

I joined the World Tour and became a two-time Australian and World Pro-Am Champion—the equivalent of the first World Qualifying Series in 1988.

Why did you become an ASI instructor?

I chose to become accredited with ASI because they are the most professional organization in the industry. Their commitment to excellence aligned perfectly with my vision for teaching.

Over the years, I have seen advancements in technology, high-quality soft boards, and refined teaching techniques have made surfing lessons more accessible than ever.

What are you doing now?

These days, I’m a husband and father to two amazing daughters, and I’m still running Noosa Learn to Surf after 30 years in the business.

Noosa provides ideal learner waves, and thanks to its great climate, we’re able to operate seven days a week, all year-round.

Teaching surfing here never gets old—it’s a privilege to introduce people to the magic of catching a wave.

What do you like about being an ASI instructor?

For me, instructing is all about giving back—passing on the joy, freedom, and thrill of surfing that I first experienced as a kid.

There’s something incredibly rewarding about watching people have fun, pushing past their fears, and developing lifelong skills. Seeing their smiles when they catch their first wave reminds me why I do this.

Tell us about an inspiring story about your students or memorable experiences while instructing.

One particularly funny—and somewhat flattering—moment was when instructors from a competing surf school asked us to teach their family members!

It was a great reminder that what we do at Noosa Learn to Surf is respected, not just by students, but by others in the industry too. It’s moments like these that highlight the strength of our teaching methods and the incredible community that surfing builds.

About ASI
ASI is a global leader in training and accrediting instructors, coaches, and schools for surfing, stand-up paddleboarding, and bodyboarding.  ASI instructors and schools ensure world-class training, safety and operational standards. Whether you're learning for personal enjoyment or to establish a career in the industry, ASI opens the door to new skills, global opportunities, and adventure.
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