Surf School
Our Instructors
Scott Chambers
BSc (Hons) Surf Science and Technology
BSA Level 1 ISA Level 2 Surf Instructor and Surf Lifeguard
Born in Sharjah, U.A.E in 1983. Thrown on a board at an early age by his older brother Scott immediately caught the ‘surf bug’. Growing up surfing the shallow waters of the Gulf, Scott went to explore other more exotic surf destinations such as Indonesia, Brazil, and France.
Consumed by the lifestyle of the sport Scott went on to study ‘Surf Science & Technology’ at the University of Plymouth, UK. Whilst studying Scott was also awarded the opportunity to attend the 2004 Quiksilver Pro (Hossegor, France) where he participated as a ‘shadow’ judge.
After graduating from Plymouth, Scott returned to Dubai with a goal to harness Dubai’s potential as a surfing destination and set up SURF DUBAI – the U.A.E’s first surf school. With a passion for the water and healthy living, Scott is also a qualified a personal trainer.
Daniel Van Dooren
ASA Level 1 ISA Level 2 Surf Instructor and Surf Lifeguard
Born/bred in Dubai and learned to surf in the Gulf waters back in 1994. He went to international schools (J.E.S.S & English College) for most of his youth, until he moved to England for boarding school for 3 years.
After missing the beach and surf too much, he decided to move to Australia (Gold Coast) to finish his last 2 years of high school. Daniel loved Australia so much and decided to continue his studies and spent another 3 years doing a Bachelor degree of Business, majoring in Sports Management at the University of Griffith on the Gold Coast.
During this time, he was heavily involved with Surf Clubs and Surf Life Saving Australia. Here he accomplished the Bronze Medallion award in Surf Life Saving and also conducted a Level 1 in Surf Coaching. After Returning back to Dubai in 2007 he joined up with his good friend Scott Chambers at SURF DUBAI to further his Knowledge and help share the experience of surfing with others.
Sami Khalaf
BSA Instructor, Surf Lifeguard
Sami grew up as a local on Dubai’s beaches having started surfing eight years ago and has not looked back since. His love for surfing took him on many expeditions in search of perfect waves including many road trips to our next door neighbors Oman as well as searching for breaks in the jewels of the Indian Ocean; Sri Lanka and Indonesia.
Whilst at University in Plymouth Sami decided to take his surfing one step further and became a British Surfing association level 1 instructor as well as a British and Australian level qualified Lifeguard. These qualifications helped Sami to become the Universities surf club vice president where he ran surf trips and lessons along with his friends who now run Star surf camps together.
However Sami returns every year to surf the waves in Dubai and is as enthusiastic and energetic about surfing in Dubai as he was when he first started. Whether you’re starting surfing for the first time or want to take your surfing to the next level Sami is always happy to help.
Jason Smith
ASA Instructor, Surf Lifegaurd
Growing up close to the beach in Dubai gave me a strong passion for the ocean from an early age. Hooked at 14 I started surfing the many great beach breaks Dubai had to offer. The first time I surfed real waves wasn’t until I left to New Zealand for university. The countless trips travelling around the North Island opened my eyes to surfing different types of breaks. I moved to Brisbane in ’07 to complete a Masters degree in Urban Planning, spending a lot of time on the Gold Coast surfing incredible waves and getting a good taste of crowds. I enjoy travelling around the world in search of new waves and although Dubai lacks great surf, nothing comes close to surfing with close mates whatever the conditions.
George Hughes
ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor and Surf Lifeguard
Being a red head, I used to be a fairly resilient beach-goer. However once having contracted the ‘Surf Virus’, it was hard for me to stay away from the waves.
I was born in the UK and lived there the majority of my life until my family decided to move overseas in 2004, first spending a year in Thailand then moving on to the Middle East. I have been in Dubai since 2005, having completed my High School Education here at Dubai American Academy
Since I started working at Surf Dubai, and since becoming an ISA Qualified Level 1 instructor, I have fallen in love with teaching people how to surf and passing the ‘Surf Virus’ on to them, recognizing that ultimate stoke that our students get when they catch their first wave. I can’t recommend learning to surf enough, it is something that will change your life, keep you in excellent shape and always give you something to look forward too.
Humberto Boellert
ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor and Surf Lifeguard
I was pushed on a wave before I could walk. Coming from a lineage of surfers it just became natural for me to love and respect the ocean. I grew up between Dubai and Chile, surfing the west coast of the US, France and Sri Lanka during my extensive travels.
Growing up in Dubai exposed me to many different cultures and points of view. Going to an international school (Dubai American Academy) helped me to learn how to work in a team with people all over the world.
The only thing I enjoy more than surfing is helping others learn to surf. Working at the beach every day is unreal and it's something I would not change for all the gold in the world. Stay Stoked!
James Harvey
BSA Instructor, Surf Lifegaurd
I have lived in Dubai pretty much my whole life as I’ve completed my primary and secondary schooling here apart from one year in a UK boarding school.I am originally from Zimbabwe but learnt how the surf in Durban South Africa when I was 11 years old. Since then I have been attached to the sport and have progressively improved until now that I can teach others to do it as well. My favorite surf destinations in the world are South Africa, Srilanka, California and Indonesia.
Karina Bensemann
ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor
NZQA Sports Coaching Level 1
International GEL Certification (Group Exercise Leader)
TRX Suspension Training STC/GSTC
From Mt Maunganui, New Zealand to Dubai, UAE surfing is a lifestyle, …that most people at some stage dream of living, and some of the lucky ones do ! My passion has always been to encourage people to take the first step and try what they usually sit back and just watch others do, if somebody else is doing it, you defiantly can too.
I began surfing in my 20’s and have since surfed all over New Zealand’s East and West coasts, North and South Islands. Had some unforgettable waves & epic wipeouts in Bali and in Lombok.
Having lived in Dubai for 2 years now, I can see what a perfect place it is for people of any age or gender to begin their own surfing lifestyle. Due to different religions and cultures here in Dubai, I also really hope I can help and encourage other young (& young at heart ladies) to increase their awareness in what a healthy and balanced lifestyle is. Enjoy your body and what it is capable of, while you can.
Surfing takes on many different styles, and there is something for everyone down at Surf Dubai.
Bruno Salonen
IB Diploma
ISA Level 1 Surf Instructor
Beach Lifeguard
I remember my first surf spot; inside the little 'cage' at the very end of the Jumeirah Beach Club. When i was a kid I used to sit on the inside of that fence on my board, watching the older kids on the other side of the fence, wishing my mother would let me surf there despite the absence of a lifeguard. It's that same sort of drive and hunger that never leaves you when you become a full-time surfer. For me this job isn't just day-to-day monotony of lessons. It is seeing what I can do with so much freedom in my workplace. I am constantly adding new techniques and new skills to my lessons and overall customer care, making it an interesting and fun job. The notion of no restrictions and no tie and cubicle regime, makes me work even harder because I can progress through trial and error. Looking forward to new challenges!
See you all in the water! - Bruno