For the first time ever, Surf Team Finland will have a head coach in their corner.

Matt Myers, a California surf coach known for his years at Rip Curl North America and his work with athletes like Mick Fanning, Gabriel Medina, and Tyler Wright, is joining the Finnish squad as they prepare for the 2025 ISA World Surfing Games in El Salvador.

“This is a historic moment for Finnish surfing,” notes Tanja Piha, chair of the Finnish Surfing Association.

“The appointment of a head coach brings continuity, professionalism, and a new perspective to the development of the sport.

“We want to give our athletes the best possible conditions to succeed on the international stage.”

The move is backed by the Finnish Olympic Committee, which is investing in high-performance programs with the goal of qualifying athletes for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Matt Myers: International Experience at the Highest Level

Myers is a former competitive surfer who spent a decade as Rip Curl North America’s team and events manager, working alongside some of the sport’s most recognizable names.

In 2021, he launched the Myers Surf Mentorship program, through which he has coached and mentored international surfers who later reached the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, such as Rio Waida, Cole Houshmand, Brisa Hennessy, Alyssa Spencer, and Samuel Pupo.

Myers has also taken on key roles as a judge and commentator at a WSL level, adding a unique perspective from multiple sides of the sport’s top competitive arenas.

Meet Surf Team Finland

While Myers brings international experience, the spotlight in El Salvador will be on Finland’s own surfers.

Eeli Timperi and Lukas McMahon will represent Finland at the ISA World Surfing Games, making it the first time the Finnish national team will line up at a major international event with a head coach supporting them.

Eeli, who first joined Rip Curl’s team in 2020, is already familiar with Myers’ guidance and sees the coaching addition as a game-changer.

Lukas, who also brings solid international competition experience, is equally fired up about the chance to step onto the world stage with a head coach supporting the Finnish team for the first time.

Building Toward LA 2028

Alexandra Jokinen, sports director of the Finnish Surfing Association, is aware and highlights the long-term significance of Myers’ appointment.

“Myers has extensive experience working with surfers at all stages of their careers, which was one of the key reasons he was selected as the first head coach of the Finnish national team.”

“With a head coach in place, we can now build a systematic and individualized training program that supports athlete development.”

“Matt’s background at the WSL level – where surfers compete at some of the world’s most demanding breaks – provides invaluable insight into competition strategies, mental preparation, and performance tactics.”

“This is a major step toward our LA 2028 goal, while also representing a strong investment in the future of Finnish surfing.”

Approved by Finnish Surfers

“I think it’s very refreshing to have a coach for the ISA World Surfing Games,” says Eeli Timperi.

“It helps in many different aspects and helps me be very open-minded for what’s ahead.”

“So far, we have communicated with Matt and have started to get things going with journaling and talking about strategies for what’s ahead.”

“I have known Matt for years; he was my team manager when I joined Rip Curl back in 2020 and has helped in the past in many different ways.”

“I couldn’t be more thankful for the Finnish Olympic Committee. They have helped in such a big way. They have opened up a whole new pathway to make this happen and strive for LA 2028.”

Outside of surfing, Timperi is passionate about the outdoors, off-road adventures, and exploring new places beyond his comfort zone.

“Having such a high-level coach like Matt Myers means the world to me,” adds Lukas McMahon.

“It’s the first time Surf Team Finland has had a proper coach, and I’m very excited. I believe with the help of Matt, I can go far into the contest and hold my own against some of the best in the world.”

Strong results at the ISA World Surfing Games play a critical role in Olympic qualification, with quota spots for both countries and individual surfers allocated through the competition.

And that’s where Finland’s finest surfers have their eyes set.

The Nordic nation believes Myers’ expertise offers a valuable perspective on what it takes to perform on surfing’s biggest stages, en route to the Olympic pathway.

Words by Alexandra Jokinen | Writer and Project Manager