ABOUT US

One Company. One Ocean. Unlimited Adventure.

MAKAI was born from over 20 years of delivering unforgettable coastal experiences across West Cornwall. Built on the foundations of Global Boarders and Lizard Adventure, our journey has always been shaped by one simple idea — life is better in, on, and around the ocean.

What started as a small, passionate surf operation has grown into a trusted provider of surfing, coasteering, kayaking, and paddleboarding experiences for families, schools, groups, and adventurers of all ages.

While our name has evolved, our people, values, and commitment to quality have remained the same.

A stroll down memory lane...

Global Boarders was founded in 2005 as a mobile surf school in West Cornwall. Here is one of those founders, Adam, with one of our very first groups!

2005

Old school throwback for those that remember our vans from the late naughties. Safe to say we don't miss jumping on the roof and taking off boards each day!

2008

Having joined the company in 2006 and 2007 respectively, Chris and Steve purchased Global Boarders in 2013, and immediately set their objective to build and move the business forward.

2013

FUN FACT: How many wetsuits have we washed since 2005? (answer below)

We delivered our first school surf trip to Mirleft, South Morocco, in 2014. In partnership with our good friends at Spot-M, the trips give UK students a unique blend of quality waves, warm climate, local culture, and incredible food. We continue to run these experiences today under the name Schools Out Surf Camp.

2014

In 2015, we proudly opened our surf shop in Penzance — an exciting step in our journey. More than just a shop, it became a place to share our passion for the ocean, support the local community, and help surfers with quality equipment and honest advice.

2015

Chris stepped into the role of British Junior Surf Team Manager in 2015, going on to lead the squad for three successful years at world-class events across the globe, including the USA, Japan, and the Azores. Pictured here is Chris with the team in Oceanside, California.

2016

ANSWER: 304,588 - Thats a LOT of wetsuits!!

For many years, Steve and Chris ran a weekend Boardriders club that grew into a team competing at national and international surf competitions. Coaching these young surfers, or groms as we call them, was hugely rewarding, and many returned later to work with us at the surf school.

2017

After years of late nights washing wetsuits and rash vests, we finally moved on from the mobile setup in 2019, and put down roots at Sunset Surf Cafe, Gwithian Beach — the heart and soul of our surfing life for the past 20 years.

2019

In 2023, we welcomed Lizard Adventure into our expanding portfolio — a seamless extension of our story. Since 2011, Lizard has earned its reputation for delivering epic coastal adventures led by highly experienced guides, making this addition a straightforward one for us.

2023

Today, MAKAI operates across some of Cornwall’s most spectacular locations — from the rolling surf of Gwithian Beach, to the wild, rugged coastline of the Lizard Peninsula, and the crystal-clear waters around Mousehole. Every session is shaped by the sea, the conditions, and the people we share it with, creating experiences that feel natural, personal, and genuinely memorable.

Activities we offer

Building on the legacy of the names before it, MAKAI proudly continues to deliver the full range of renowned watersports and adventure activities across Cornwall.

Whether it’s surfing, coasteering, kayaking, paddleboarding, or Mega SUP, every session is shaped by our experienced team, deep local knowledge, and commitment to safety, fun, and unforgettable ocean experiences.

Activities start from £45 per person

Locations we deliver

At MAKAI, everything we do is shaped by the coastline around us. From powerful Atlantic swells to quiet hidden coves, we are proud to deliver unforgettable surfing, coasteering, and paddlesports adventures across some of Cornwall’s most dramatic, picturesque, and inspiring coastal landscapes.

Meet our amazing team for 2026!

Chris

Chris, co-owner of MAKAI, has over 20 years’ experience coaching surfing at a high level, including several years managing the British Junior Surf Team. An accomplished coasteering guide and experienced surfer, he brings elite coaching insight and deep ocean knowledge to the company, playing a key role in its vision, standards, and day-to-day operations.

Steve

Steve, co-owner of MAKAI, has helped shape the company’s growth and direction for over 15 years. With nearly two decades of surf coaching experience, he brings strong industry knowledge and strategic leadership. As a director, he oversees business development and operational standards, ensuring MAKAI continues to deliver safe, professional experiences.

Ian

A senior surf coach with MAKAI for the past six years, Ian delivers an exceptional standard of coaching to our customers in and out of the water. Beyond the shoreline, he brings extensive commercial and operational experience, having played instrumental roles in building and developing industry-leading organisations including The Wave, Lost Shore, and the Eden Project.

Lisa

Lisa, our bookings manager for the past six years, brings energy and warmth to the heart of the business. Highly organised and professionally driven, she keeps everything running smoothly — especially during our busiest periods — and is integral to MAKAI’s day-to-day operation. She also loves to colour-code her notes, which tells you everything you need to know!

Ru

As Head Guide for paddlesports and coasteering, Ru combines extensive experience, expert local knowledge, exceptional customer care, and uncompromising safety standards. His understanding of the coastline and local weather patterns ensures every adventure is both thrilling and professionally delivered, setting the benchmark for quality and safety across MAKAI.

Steph

A senior surf coach for the past four years, Steph brings extensive customer care experience and contagious positive energy to every beach session. Her calm, encouraging approach helps surfers of all abilities build confidence and enjoy their time in the water. A firm customer favourite, Steph is a real asset to MAKAI and a valued member of the coaching team.

Adam

With years of kayak guiding experience and strong local knowledge of the Lizard Peninsula, Adam is a valued member of our paddlesports team. Passionate about delivering the very best experience, he brings a calm, reassuring presence to every session — something our customers consistently praise in their glowing feedback.

Finlay

A surf coach for the past four years, Finlay stepped confidently into a stronger leadership role throughout 2025 — something noticed by both colleagues and customers alike. With a fantastic work ethic and a real joy to work alongside, he brings youthful energy to the team and continues to grow in confidence each year. Finlay is currently studying at Gloucester Uni.

Ethan

For the past four years, Ethan has consistently delivered outstanding surf lessons for MAKAI. Demonstrating a level of maturity beyond his years, he’s a positive role model for younger peers and always brings an infectious enthusiasm to every beach session. Ethan is currently studying Veterinary Medicine at the University of Nottingham.

Jacob

Our longest-serving team member, Jacob has achieved an incredible amount at a young age. An accomplished waterman, excellent surfer, and highly skilled lifeguard, he has travelled the world keeping swimmers and surfers safe. As a surf coach, he delivers at an exceptional level, and his professionalism and expertise are evident in every session he leads.

Joe

Now in his third year with us, Joe brings strong paddlesports and coasteering experience to the team. A Lizard Peninsula native, he combines a fantastic work ethic with a year-round smile, helping deliver outstanding experiences for our customers. After spending last winter travelling through Nepal and China, we’re lucky to have some new stories added to his sessions.

Isaac

Isaac brings energy and enthusiasm to the team. An accomplished multi-activity guide and keen photographer, he captures the spirit of our adventures on and off the water. Now in his second year working for MAKAI, whilst studying at Falmouth University, he splits his time between Gwithian and the Lizard, delivering sessions with confidence and passion.

Matt G

Matt brings a wealth of knowledge and insight to our paddlesports sessions. With years of experience guiding along the Lizard coastline, combined with his background teaching geography, he adds fascinating context to every kayak and paddleboard tour — giving customers a deeper understanding of Cornwall’s unique coastal landscape.

Ava

Now in her fifth year at MAKAI, Ava is known for delivering fun, engaging surf lessons with a natural energy that instantly puts people at ease. Splitting her time between MAKAI and lifeguarding for the RNLI, she brings both professionalism and reassurance to every session — and her infectious smile is a big part of what makes our beach days so special.

Matt H

An extremely accomplished paddlesports and coasteering guide, Matt is a veteran of the outdoor activity industry despite his young age. Over the years, he has helped shape what was Lizard Adventure — now MAKAI — playing an important role in developing the standards, style, and strong coastal reputation the programme is known for today.

Whilst we love what we do, and where we do it, MAKAI is so much more than that.

It’s about connection — to the ocean, to nature, to community, and to each other. We are proud to work closely with local schools, organisations, and environmental partners, and to play a small role in helping people discover just how powerful time in the ocean can be.

After two decades, our purpose remains simple:

Create safe, meaningful, and unforgettable ocean adventures for everyone