The Dawn Surf Co. Story

“The night is darkest just before the dawn.”
—Harvey Dent, The Dark Knight

This line hit home for me—and ended up inspiring the name Dawn Surf Co.

It also happens to be the name of my favourite thing in surfing: the “Dawnie.”
You wake up before sunrise, have your coffee and brekkie, jump in the car, get suited up, and paddle out just as the first light breaks over the ocean.

Then you surf.
One hour? Two? Three?
Wave after wave, with the entire beach to yourself.
You surf until your arms are cooked, your soul is buzzing, and you walk up the beach just as the crowds arrive—wearing a big grin they can’t quite explain. That’s the magic.

From Engineer to Surf Coach

Hi, I’m Henry, I was born to an Aussie mum and a Yorkshire dad, and raised in the most inland town in England. Surfing, to me, was something that happened in a far-off dreamland.

I followed the script:

• Studied hard

• Went to uni

• Got into snowboarding and surfing at uni

• Won a few gold medals in snowboarding and got qualified as an instructor

• Lifeguarded for 6 years

• Landed the “good job”

I worked as an engineer for 10 years, finishing as Lead Durability & Certification Engineer for an automotive consultancy on the Surf Coast. I led a team of 12, testing modified vehicles for the Aussie market. It sounded like a dream job—and for a while, it was.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, my dad was beginning his battle with cancer. I left the job to help care for him. Six months later, after his passing, I came back to Torquay.

The Turning Point

I had some savings, so I took time off. I surfed. I studied. I tried to recover from what had been a brutal couple of years.

Then one day, a friend asked me for a surf lesson. That was the moment everything changed.

I loved it. So I got certified—thinking I’d just pick up a few shifts at a local school while I figured out my next move.

But reality hit fast.

I walked into a local surf school and quickly realised something was off. It didn’t align with the return to work I had in mind.

So I did what I do best: ran the numbers, mapped it out, and yes… asked ChatGPT for a second opinion.

And Just Like That… Dawn Surf Co. Was Born

Premium adult surf lessons.

Small classes.
Scenic beaches.
Organised and good vibes.

That’s the vision. And it’s already happening.

Welcome to Dawn Surf Co.