Matt Grainger is a staple of the Northern Beaches surfing community, with a mission to keep the ‘froth’ alive in our younger generations.
At 52, Matt has dedicated his life to teaching surfing and played a crucial role in the success of competitive surfing on the Northern Beaches.
The self-proclaimed ‘Master of Fun’ prides himself in his ability to make people smile and laugh, with his love for surfing transcending the physical act itself.
“I just love the look on people’s faces when I push them onto a wave; it doesn’t matter if it’s a kid or an adult, that face is priceless,” the Narrabeen local says.
Landing his first job as a junior surf coach at Collaroy when he was just 13, Matt soon realised teaching was something the wanted to do for the rest of his life.
“At the time I thought it was the best job ever, and I still do,” he says.
This led Matt to start ‘Manly Surf School’ in 1995, which now operates at Manly, Long Reef, Collaroy and Palm Beach.
Since then, he has taught thousands of people from all corners of the globe and continues to be astounded by surfing’s ability to change people’s lives.
“It’s such an odd thing to do, paddle out on a piece of foam and ride a wave back to shore. It’s so weird, but it somehow makes you feel so alive,” he explains.
Over the years, Matt has harnessed his love of surfing to transform the lives of those who are less fortunate, conducting regular lessons for disabled and disadvantaged kids from around Australia.
“I always like to give back because I’ve had such a fortunate life, and I want to make those around me happy as well,” he says.
“No matter who you are or where you come from, everyone is equal in the ocean, it’s such a humbling experience every time you go in”
Matt Grainger
“No matter who you are or where you come from, everyone is equal in the ocean, it’s such a humbling experience every time you go in.
“Seeing someone do something that they could never imagine doing is what makes me enjoy what I do so much.”
Born and bred on the Peninsula, Matt is known by fellow locals as ‘the grommet that never grew up.’ His energy is unmatched and is notorious for disappearing into the water for multiple hours each day.
“I have travelled around the world, but nothing quite compares to home, there is nothing quite like the community network here,” he says.
Growing up well and truly a part of the rough surf scene during the 1980s, he attributes his love for teaching to his older mentors.
“They really pushed me and showed me the ropes,” Matt explains.
“They influenced my life so much and I owe it to the younger generations to have the same opportunities as I did.”
While many of his students are from overseas, Matt remains an extremely strong advocate for harnessing the local talent on the Peninsula.
“The level of surfing on the Beaches is incredible, the area is well and truly established on a world stage and we need to continue to encourage the kids to get out there,” he said.
Last month, Matt saw several of his surfers partake in the World Surf League Challenger Series, which took place right outside his school at the famous Manly Beach.
“Seeing kids that I coached all the way from five years old to competing against the world’s best is surreal. It’s what keeps me going,” he says.
Attributing his happiness to his lifestyle, Matt says he is going to take teaching and surfing to his grave.