Our Story

Surf’s Up Surf School was founded by Andries Matthysen in 2013 and has been based permanently at Diaz Beach since December 2015.

Surf’s Up is Mossel Bay’s only surf school with permanent headquarters at Diaz Beach and is open for surf lessons and rental (surfboards and wetsuits).

Andries Matthysen is a life-long surfer and qualified Surf Coach with a lifetime of ocean and surfing experience. He worked in the corporate world until he realized that real happiness only comes when we follow our dreams. That’s when he decided to open his own Surf School and share his passion with anyone keen to learn surfing!

Andries started Surf’s Up Surf School with the mission of introducing both adults and children to surfing, in a safe environment, through affordable and quality surfing experiences motivated first and foremost by his passion for surfing, the ocean and life.

As of February 2022, the business was acquired by locals, Jannie & Doretta Ras and Gavin & Crystal-Lee Young.

Jannie is a local and has been part of the surfing community since he was a young boy. He started out on the paddle ski and bodybording. Besides his construction business (Big John Construction), he is also an avid adventure guide with his ‘Byt My Adventure’, focussing on boat trip and hikes. Doretta is a creative homeschool mom with the gift of drawing in people around her where ever she goes.

Gavin is a newby to surfing, but business is what makes him tick. His day job at Ukuyila entails building brands and developing websites. Crystal is a stay-home mom, with an adventure streak writing lifestyle and adventure blogs for her online platforms.

In July 2022, Gavin & Crystal sold their share in the business and thus making Jannie & Doretta sole owners of Surfsup Mossel Bay. 

They simply love the ocean, people and surfing. Come say hi, when you are at Diaz Beach, South Africa.