The Shaka Story
ATTRACTION OF THE YEAR 2024
The premier surf school on the South Coast.
Welcome to Shaka Surf Branksome based on the beautiful Branksome Dene Chine Beach, in the heart of Bournemouth and Poole.
We’re proud to be the best surf school in Dorset, offering unmatched experiences for surfers of all levels. Whether you're picking up a board for the first time or refining your skills, Shaka Surf is your gateway to unforgettable surfing and paddleboarding adventures.
Part a seven-mile stretch of beautiful golden sand of Poole and Bournemouth Bay, our beautiful Blue Flag beaches offer great waves or great flat water fun, and dog-friendly areas all year round.
“I learned to surf many years ago when living in Huntington Beach, California. Having travelled the world surfing, I was inspired to create and launch Shaka Surf in 2015 to help others enjoy the water as much as I do.
I’m also a Teaching Assessor for Surfing England, training surfers on the South coast to become qualified instructors.”
Mark Reeves: Owner | Founder
What makes us different?
At Shaka Surf, we're not just another surf school – we’re an award-winning surf school that stands out for all the right reasons. In 2024, we were honoured to win Silver at The DMB Tourism Awards for “Attraction of the Year” in the Bournemouth, Christchurch, and Poole (BCP) area, a testament to our commitment to delivering exceptional surf experiences. We are again voted finalists again for 2025.
But that’s not all! We’re also the only Surfing England accredited surf school in Dorset, ensuring that all our instructors are highly qualified and that our lessons meet the highest standards of safety and quality. All our instructors are ISA & Surfing England fully qualified with SLSGB & RLSS lifeguards qualifications taken yearly, and all have a passion for the ocean, and happy customers.
As the only 5-star Google-rated surf school in the South, we take pride in our outstanding reputation for customer satisfaction, with countless surfers, paddleboarders & watersports lovers returning for lessons year after year. So come on down this summer!
Watersports we offer.
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SURFING
Hire, lessons and parties - Our lessons help paddle techniques, stamina and pop-up techniques (how to get up on to the surf board), tailored to each individual as we know everybody learns at a different rate. If you prefer you can hire a board and try it out for yourself.
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PADDLEBOARDING
Hire and lessons - During our stand-up paddle board (SUP) lessons, we assess each client’s ability and offer learning that’s right for them. From basic learning drills, stamina building, sprint training and surf supping. Boards available for hire too.
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KAYAKING
Hire only - Don’t feel confident with a surfboard or paddleboard? Why not have fun in the sea by hiring a kayak (or two) instead.
MEET THE TEAM
Mark Reeves: Owner & Founder
With over 35 years of surfing experience, Mark’s journey began riding waves in Huntington Beach, California, before chasing swells across the globe. His deep-rooted love for the ocean and surf culture inspired him to create something truly meaningful.
Working with the Wave Project, a surf therapy charity supporting young people’s mental health, gave Mark the final spark to launch Shaka Surf Branksome Beach Watersports in 2015.
A Level 1 & 2 ISA Surf Instructor, Surfing England Coach, RLSS-qualified Lifeguard, and Surfing England Teacher Assessor, Mark not only coaches but also mentors the next generation of surf instructors along the south coast.
Every winter in the off-season, Mark travels the world chasing waves and sharing surf reports from the best global spots on Shaka’s socials—before returning to kick off the UK season every Easter through October.
Whether he’s out in the water, training instructors, or bringing global surf stoke back home, Mark is the heart and soul of Shaka Surf.
NICKNAME: Owen Wilson or Rod Stewart
Alex Worrall
Alex has been part of the Shaka Surf crew for the past four years, and he’s an absolute legend both in and out of the water. A fully qualified ISA Surf & SUP Instructor and RLSS Lifeguard, Alex brings skill, stoke, and a calming presence to every session.
He spent Winter 2024/25 teaching in Byron Bay, Australia, soaking up even more surf knowledge and international experience—now he’s coming back raring to go for the 2025 season at Shaka with fresh energy and new stories to share.
Known for his legendary Shaka Surf Reports on socials and his naturally calming voice, Alex makes every lesson feel fun, safe, and confidence-boosting. Oh, and did we mention he shreds on a skateboard too?
A firm favourite with the team and our surf community, we’re stoked to have Alex back for another epic summer.
NICKNAME: Alex The Lion
Carl Barnes
.Six years ago, Carl walked along Branksome Dene Prom and said his dream was to become a surf instructor — and Shaka made it happen.
Now one of our Head Coaches, Carl “The Comet” earned his nickname because he’s always running up and down the beach — full of energy, stoke, and good vibes.
He’s passionate about surfing, climbing, and living a natural lifestyle, using both sports to support positive mental health and inspire others to connect with nature and the ocean.
Alongside his partner — a dog nutritionist — and their dog Margot, the UK Dog Surfing Champion 2025 and viral sensation, Carl’s become a huge part of the Shaka Surf family and an absolute ledge. 🤙🐾
NICKNAME: Carl the Comet
India Mccrudden
India has been part of the Shaka Surf family for five years, and she continues to impress us every season. Starting out with Branksome Lifesavers, we were proud to help train her into the incredible ISA Level 1 Surf Coach she is today. She also holds her SLSGB Lifeguard qualification and brings both power and precision to everything she does in the water.
Known for her incredible strength, swimming ability, and infectious energy, India is always smiling and stoked to be teaching. She spent Winter 2023/24 coaching in Byron Bay, Australia, and returned with even more experience and passion for surf coaching.
Now balancing life as a university student in Oxford, India still finds time to return to Shaka to teach during the summer and occasional weekends.
She’s driven, dependable, and a true asset to the team.
NICKNAME: India The Machine
Jonny Tutton
Jonny has been part of the Shaka Surf family on and off since we opened our doors in 2015. In between his globe-trotting surf adventures, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience back to our beach.
A highly skilled ISA Surf Instructor and SLSGB Surf Safety Lifeguard with over 10 years of experience, Jonny is one of the most seasoned instructors at Shaka. He’s also fluent in Spanish, making him a hit with our international surfers.
But Jonny doesn’t stop there—he’s our resident yogi too! In the summer months, he leads beach yoga sessions as part of our Surf & Yoga experiences, blending mindfulness with surf culture in the best way possible.
Known affectionately as “Jonny Tree-Trunk,” he’s the brainiest of the bunch, and his Surf Reports are a fan favorite on our socials. Keep an eye out for his loyal beachside companion, Jarob the dog, who’s never far from the action.
We’re stoked to have Jonny as part of the crew!
NICKNAME: Jonny Tree Trunk
Archie Grogan
Archie is one of our proudest success stories. Starting with us at just 8 years old through the Shaka Surf Kids Surf Club (Grom Squad), he’s grown into a confident and skilled waterman. Now, as a Junior Instructor, Archie achieved his Surfing England Recreational Surf Coach Award and is fully certified with the RLSS Surf Rescue Lifeguard qualification—just like all in 2024. Watching Archie go from grom to coach has been incredible, and we’re stoked to have him on the team.
“It means a lot to be part of the same team that taught me to love the ocean. Can’t wait to help the next generation of groms catch their first waves!” – Archie Grogan (aka Archie Deckhand)
NICKNAME: Archie Deckhand
Daina Bosch
Daina has been a dedicated and much-loved part of the Shaka Surf team for the past four years, bringing a calm, confident presence to the beach and the waves.
Originally from South Africa, Daina grew up surfing its iconic coastline—where her deep connection with the ocean began. With over 10 years of experience in lifesaving and water-sports, she’s an experienced waterwoman with a true passion for helping others find joy and confidence in the sea.
She holds both her Surfing England Level 1 Surf Instructor qualification and her SLSGB Lifeguard award, and is always a reassuring and encouraging presence in every session.
NICKNAME: Daina Mouse
Owen Lampshire
Owen is one of our rising stars at Shaka Surf, and it’s been incredible to watch his journey unfold. A true Shaka kid, Owen started with us in the Grom Squad when he was just 8 years old, coming back every summer with growing stoke and skill.
Now, as a Junior Instructor, Archie achieved his Surfing England Recreational Surf Coach Award and is fully certified with the RLSS Surf Rescue Lifeguard qualification—just like all in 2025. under the guidance of Mark, who is a Surfing England Teaching Assessor.
Owen brings a cheerful, smiley energy to every session and is proving himself to be a hard-working grafter and a real asset to the team. We couldn’t be prouder of how far he’s come—and we know this is just the beginning. Always got a smile on his face, a can-do attitude, and is proving to be a true asset to the crew.
NICKNAME: Owen The Lamp or Arts & Crafts
Rian Ticehurst
After a year working at a surf school in Byron Bay, Australia, Rian joined Shaka Surf to gain his Surfing England qualification — which he passed with flying colours! He instantly became a big hit with the Shaka family and our customers.
A qualified Personal Trainer, his warm-ups are legendary — full of energy, laughs, and creative props. With his long blonde hair tied in a bun, his name Ticehurst, and his love of iced buns, the nickname “Rian Tice Bun” was born — and it stuck!
Rian’s a natural coach, full of stoke and positivity, and a perfect fit for the Shaka way. He’s currently surfing in Indonesia for the winter — and we can’t wait to have him back next season. 🤙
NICKNAME: Rian The Tice Bun