Preparing for an Amazing Summer of Surf Coaching
As the 2025 surf season approaches, Ian Gabbitas (Gabbi)—manager of Gwithian Academy of Surfing—has been putting in the work to ensure the school and the new Stormriders community club are ready to deliver an incredible experience. This winter has been anything but quiet, with Gabbi pushing his own coaching, surfing, and training to the next level. Here’s what he’s been up to:
Stormriders Club Running Strong All Winter
While winter might slow things down for some, at Gwithian, we’ve been keeping the Stormriders club running strong! The Intermediate-Advanced Juniors have been training every Saturday, fine-tuning their skills and getting valuable time in the water, no matter the conditions. Meanwhile, the Adult Stormriders have been hitting the surf every Friday morning, making the most of quieter line-ups and great winter swells.
Raising the Bar in Coaching
Gabbi is currently working towards his Level 4 surf coaching qualification—the highest level in the world. This elite certification is reserved for top-tier coaches, and achieving it will put him among the best in the industry. His dedication to learning and refining his coaching methods will directly benefit everyone training at Gwithian.
Heavy Water Training in Fuerteventura
To keep his surfing sharp, Gabbi took on some of Fuerteventura’s heaviest reef breaks this winter. Testing himself in powerful, hollow waves is not only great for his own progression but also gives him firsthand experience that he can pass on to his students—especially those pushing into bigger surf.
Nazare: Witnessing the Biggest Waves on Earth
Few places in the world showcase the raw power of the ocean like Nazare, Portugal, where the biggest waves of the year were ridden. Gabbi was there, watching firsthand as the world’s top big-wave surfers pushed the limits. Seeing the best in the world charge these giants has given him even more insight into high-performance surfing and ocean knowledge.
Coaching with Team England in Peniche
Gabbi spent time in Peniche coaching with Team England’s junior squad, helping the next generation of British surfers fine-tune their skills. Working alongside some of the country’s most promising young surfers has sharpened his coaching strategies, which will benefit the Stormriders club and Gwithian’s surf community.
Learning from the World’s Best at the WSL Event
Attending the WSL Championship Tour event in Peniche meant more than just watching world-class surfing. It was a chance to study how the best athletes and coaches operate, from heat strategies to technique and preparation. This exposure keeps Gabbi at the cutting edge of surf coaching.
Back on the Fitness & Nutrition Grind
Preparing for a big season isn’t just about surfing—Gabbi has been dialling in his fitness and healthy eating, ensuring he’s in top shape for coaching. This season, expect to see him leading by example, both in and out of the water.
New Clothing & Upgraded Video Analysis
Beyond surfing and coaching, Gabbi has been working on some cool new clothing for the shop, so expect fresh designs when you visit. He’s also refining his video analysis with a brand-new comparison app, making technique breakdowns even more effective for those looking to improve.
Ready for 2025
With all this preparation, the 2025 season at Gwithian Academy of Surfing is shaping up to be the best yet. Whether you’re part of the Stormriders club, joining a surf lesson, or looking to take your skills to the next level, Gabbi’s commitment to improvement means you’re in great hands.
See you in the water!
