Raglan Surf Academy
The Raglan Surf Academy is the only surf programme of its kind in New Zealand, offering elite coaching and training to talented young surfers.
The Academy is part of Raglan Area School and is a component of the non-profit sport sector in New Zealand. Deane Hishon founded the Academy in 1998 after he noticed there were many talented surfers leaving school to pursue their dreams of becoming professional in their sport. Deane knew that many of these students were school leaders and that it would benefit the school and the community if they stayed enrolled. Through introducing surfing as a physical education subject in 1998, Deane observed that these students began to achieve higher academically. A few years later, once the Academy was firmly established, surfers were staying in school and the Academy was producing key role model students, including a school head boy and girl.
The Academy positions are limited to 16-22 students per year in years 11, 12 and 13. The surf academy course is offered as a subject to students who are in attendance at Raglan Area School. Entry into the Academy is unrestricted geographically. That is, any student from around NZ or internationally, may be given the opportunity to take the course and homestay accommodation arrangements can be made. The course is restricted to highly motivated students with a high level of competence in surfing, who have a strong desire to succeed at surfing and schoolwork.
Key Goals of the Academy
- To provide professional coaching to enable students to achieve the highest level of competitive surfing as possible.
- To increase the students level of fitness and develop their physical ability to reach peak performance.
- For the students to successfully achieve their NCEA school qualifications to their highest ability.
Meet our Coaches
Deane Hishon
Surf Academy Coach
Deane saw a real need for professional surf coaching for young aspiring surfers in the community and he was the main driving force in establishing the Surf Academy at Raglan Area School. The Academy was set up and trialled in 1998 and the rest is history with the programme and success of the students going from strength to strength.
Deane has more than 20 years of coaching experience. He has won the New Zealand Masters and still competes today. Deane has also coached New Zealand Junior teams. Email: deane_hishon@raglanarea.school.nz
Larry Fisher
Surf Academy Coach
Larry has as a real passion for working with young surfers, helping them reach their surfing and academic potential. Larry has come from a competitive surfing background. He has been competing on the New Zealand circuit since he was 15. He has won 2 New Zealand circuit events, made 4 Open Mens National Finals as well as winning the New Zealand Senior Championships on two occasions. Larry has represented his country as a surfer in three teams at world events. He was also the New Zealand World Junior Team Coach for the World Junior Surfing Championships from 2005 to 2010. Now with 5 of his students making the New Zealand Junior team he has taken up the role again, and is the current New Zealand Junior Team coach.
How to Apply
You’ll need to provide copies of:
- Your mid year report;
- A letter about yourself and why you want to be in the Academy;
- Details of an Academic Referee;
- Details of a Sporting Referee.
The interview panel will consider the documentation received with the Surfing Academy Application form and the two referees listed will be contacted. Successful applicants will then be interviewed by Surf Academy staff (the Principal may also be present). During the actual interview. Successful applicants are advised and then are to sign the Surfing Academy Enrolment Agreement which stipulates that the enrolment is for Term One only with a meeting to review progress in April of that academic year.
More info and forms:
Download a copy of the current Surf Academy Application Form.
Surf Academy Fees
All Surf Academy Students
School Donation – $70.00 per year
Academy Levy (per term) – $112.50 (GST inclusive)
Travel Dues (per term) – $150.00 (GST inclusive)
Home Stay Students
Supervision Levy (per term) – $56.25 (GST inclusive)
Emergency Fund – $200.00 – Refunded at the completion of the course.
Boarding fees are levied separately as agreed between the host family, supervisor and parents and are not administered by the school.
Find more info on fees Surfing Academy Fees Information
Payment of Fees
The full year’s fees will be charged within the first term of the school year. Pupils will find that there are additional charges for materials and related expenses for individual subject areas. These will be outlined within the stationery accounts which are issued in the first week of the new school year. Further charges may also be levied where students choose to go on special trips or when students travel to various surf competitions. Students sitting external examinations, Unit Standards or other tests (e.g. Drivers Licence) will also need to meet the associated fees. A deposit of $112.50 (GST inclusive) will be charged at enrolment. This will be credited against student’s final account when they leave. This deposit is non-refundable in the event that your son/daughter does not start with the academy following your acceptance of a place.
Raglan Surf Academy Sponsors
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