The Saltwater Classroom

Before most teenagers have hit snooze, a small group of students are already out in the water, boards under their arms, watching the sun rise over the Gold Coast. This is the daily rhythm at Cooee Gold Coast Surf School, a unique senior school program operating out of Elanora State High School, where learning begins in the ocean and confidence is built wave by wave.

Founded by long-time educator Matt Barber, Cooee was born from a simple but powerful idea: that wellbeing, purpose and connection should sit at the heart of education. After nearly two decades working in schools — and watching countless students leave without a clear sense of direction — Matt saw the need for something different. A program that used surfing not as an escape from school, but as a foundation for growth within it.

Cooee began humbly at a local PCYC, driven by community spirit and a strong sense of belonging. As the program grew, Elanora State High School embraced the concept, allowing it to flourish within a supportive school environment. Today, Cooee caters to Year 11 and 12 students who share a love of surfing and a willingness to commit to the process.

The program is co-led by Kasey Nicholas, a former semi-professional AFL player who found surfing to be a powerful source of balance during his sporting career in Western Australia. For Kasey, the ocean was always a place of clarity and reset — and now, as an educator, it’s where he helps young people build routine, resilience and belief in themselves. Together, Matt and Kasey bring a shared understanding of performance, wellbeing and real-world pathways into the classroom.

Each day begins with around two hours in the ocean, building not just surf skills but discipline, confidence and employability habits. Students then return to school to complete their academic studies alongside vocational pathways, including sport and recreation certificates, diplomas and structured work placements. While students move through the program together, each follows a personalised plan tailored to their strengths and goals beyond school.

At its core, Cooee focuses on shaping well-rounded young people through three key pillars: citizen, student and surfer. Giving back to the community — through surf club patrols, local projects or mentoring others — sits alongside building real-world skills and qualifications that open doors after graduation.

For parents, the reassurance is clear, with strong communication between families, teachers and employers ensuring students feel supported both in and out of the water.

After nearly a decade in operation, the impact of Cooee is clear. “We’re not only seeing young people grow into confident, capable global citizens,” says Matt. “We’re now seeing past students in positions where they’re employing current students and giving back.” It’s a full-circle moment that captures the spirit of Cooee. It’s education with salt in its hair, feet in the sand, and a future that feels possible.

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