Our Team
Bae Surf School is run by a tight-knit crew of experienced local professionals who live for sharing waves, helping people fall in love with surfing and fine tuning seasoned pros.
At the helm is Oliver Hawksworth, Manager and Co-Founder—a world-travelled coach with over 30 years of experience coaching across the globe and leading some of the UK’s most successful surf programmes including The Wave- Bristol, Fistral Beach and many others. From major surf destinations to managing and coaching national-level teams such as Surfing England. Oliver brings elite-level knowledge with a gift for turning first-timers into fully-fledged wave-chasers. Calm, encouraging, and endlessly stoked, he sets the tone for every session: safe, supportive, and seriously fun.
Oliver Hawksworth
Manager/Co. Founder
Joining him on this journey is an incredible coaching crew, including:
Elliot Barton
Instructor
Elliot Barton is a dedicated surf coach and former Welsh Surfing Champion with experience competing on the QS, bringing a high‑performance understanding of surfing to every session he leads. His competitive background gives him a deep grasp of technique, ocean awareness, and the mental side of progressing as a surfer.
He’s known for a calm, confidence‑building coaching style that helps beginners feel safe in the water while giving more advanced surfers the technical detail they need to push their level. Years of working in dynamic outdoor environments have strengthened his leadership, communication, and ability to read changing conditions with precision.
Driven by a genuine passion for the ocean and an enthusiasm for helping others grow, Elliot thrives in roles that combine physical activity, teaching, and the outdoors. His goal is to inspire the next generation of surfers while sharing the knowledge he’s gained from competing at the highest national and European level.
Alys Barton
Professional Surfer & Coach at Bae Surf School
Alys is a top European female surfer who grew up riding the waves of the Rhossili Bay. She is a European, British and English national champion, has represented Team GB at UK and international competitions, and has reached three finals in the International Grom Search alongside the world’s best young surfers.
She is a three-time Porsche Cold Waves Poland Champion and has multiple podium finishes in European WSL QS events. With over five years of professional coaching experience, Alys teaches surfers of all levels from beginners to elite athletes. Passionate about sharing her love for surfing, she brings world-class skills, encouragement, and expertise to every lesson at Bae Surf School.
Robert Barton
Co-Founder
Robert trained at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama and spent 15 years performing with companies including the Royal Shakespeare Company and the National Theatre. A former British gymnastics team athlete who also competed in Welsh amateur boxing, he brings a strong background in elite sport and performance. He has lectured and directed at Gower College Swansea for over 20 years and has spent the past decade coaching competitive surfers up to WSL Qualifying Series level across Europe.
All of our instructors are fully qualified, first-aid trained, and obsessed with good vibes. Whether you’re standing up for the first time or levelling up your technique, you’ll be coached by people who genuinely love what they do—and love seeing you succeed.
Our Family-First Philosophy
At BAE Surf School, we believe the best surfers are happy, confident, and well-supported. Everything we do is guided by four simple principles:
Safety Comes First
Clear instruction, ocean awareness, and careful supervision at every stage.
Learn at Your Own Pace
Structured, progressive coaching that helps every surfer grow—whatever their age or ability.
Fun Builds Confidence
Positive, encouraging sessions that create smiles, memories, and a lifelong love for the sea.
Supporting Every Journey
From first-timers to aspiring competitors, we help each surfer reach their personal goals.