About Conatus Surf Club

WHO I AM

Dr. Dion Mattison, PhD

Professional Surf Coach|Philosopher|Plant-Based Nutrition Specialist

COACHING, NOT LESSONS

I don't teach surf lessons. I don't have students or clients. I coach athletes.

Every person who paddles out is an athlete, regardless of skill level or competitive aspirations. Whether you're catching your first wave or refining advanced maneuvers, you deserve the same serious, rigorous approach that all athletes receive in their training.

The goal isn't just to get you standing on a board for an hour at the beach. It's to weather-proof your surfing so you're equipped to navigate the ocean with style and confidence 365 days a year. This means developing the skills, mindset, and physical preparation to advance your surfing every single day—even when you can't get in the water.

MY BACKGROUND

Born in Monterey, California in 1980, I've been surfing since I was one year old. My academic journey includes a BA in Religious Studies from UC Berkeley, an MA and PhD in Philosophy from The New School for Social Research, and certification in Plant-Based Nutrition from the T. Colin Campbell Institute at Cornell University.

For over 20 years, I've developed expertise in every aspect of surfing practice—from wave forecasting and board design to surf-specific fitness regimens and performance nutrition. My approach integrates the philosophical concept of conatus (the vital force within all existence that strives to persist and flourish) with cutting-edge coaching methodologies.

Based at Rockaway Beach, NY, I coach surfers worldwide through intensive programs, international surf trips, and my exclusive club membership model.

THE CONATUS APPROACH

Conatus represents the vital force within all existence that drives us to persevere and flourish, no matter the obstacles we face.

This philosophy manifests differently in each kind of phenomenon. In human beings, it appears as our drive for homeostasis and flourishing. We never fully achieve complete or perfect homeostasis and flourishing, but we can experience it in glimpses by engaging in activities that increase our powers for agency and human freedom.

Surfing becomes a pathway to strengthen your conatus—building the physical, mental, and spiritual resilience to thrive both in the ocean and in life. The key is knowing the difference between what increases and what diminishes your vital force, then learning from those with more experience in whatever realm you're trying to navigate.

"I came to CSC with very minimal surf experience. After a handful of lessons, and many conversations, I couldn't give higher praise to CSC. My lessons with Dion covered all the foundations of surfing, both in and out of the water. I've learned how to read swells, winds, and weather patterns, which has been extremely helpful. Inside the water, I've learned how to read waves, timing, balance, paddling technique and all the basics I needed to continue practicing between lessons. Dion and CSC are always helpful even after the sessions, helping me find gear, reading material etc. Five stars all around."

-- Zeke S.

HOW I COACH

INTENSIVE PROGRAMS

Week-long immersive experiences in New York and destination surf trips. These intensive formats compress months of development into focused, transformative periods.

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SEMESTER PROGRAMS

Extended coaching relationships for deep, sustained development over 1-3 month periods.

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SURFREADY365 VIRTUAL COACHING

Premium fitness and remote coaching with video analysis. Expert data-driven results in your corner at all times. Start with an SR365 Metabolic Reset, then move to monthly plans.

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CLUB MEMBERSHIP

Variety of tiers starting with a basic subscription to my weekly coaching publication. Many have reported that it's like getting a year's worth of coaching for the price of one session.

Join the Club →

MAIN WAYS TO ENGAGE

1. WEEKLY PUBLICATION

The simplest, quickest, and most affordable way to get involved with my coaching is through my weekly publication. Weekly tips on surf technique, mindset, surf-specific fitness, and nutrition.

Subscribe Here →

2. FORECASTING COURSE

Take my comprehensive wave forecasting course to develop the skills every serious surfer needs.

Enroll Now →

3. INTENSIVES, TRIPS & LONGER-TERM COACHING

Inquire about intensives, trips, and longer term coaching packages which I deliver through my dedicated coaching app, SurfReady365.

Inquire Now →

PRIVATE & SEMI-PRIVATE COACHING

I coach all levels from complete novice to advanced expert in New York and internationally. The more advanced you are, the more we lean on video analysis to help you improve. For novices, I provide boards but not wetsuits.

My headquarters are located in Rockaway Beach, NY. The main places I surf are Rockaway, northern New Jersey, and parts of Long Island. Since it's just me and the ocean, space is limited for 1-on-1 coaching in the water.

NEW TO MY COACHING?

If you're not on my current athlete roster, you'll need to set up a fit call to determine which intensive track is right for you to start. The pathway for new athletes is: Intensive/Semester/Trip (any or all) → Sustaining Membership

BOOK FIT CALL - $99

WHAT ATHLETES SAY

"I learned more in one session with Dr. Dion than in three months on my own and with a surf school I will not mention."

-- Hialy G.

"Dion is a great instructor. His passion for surfing is infectious. He has a huge knowledge of the sport, ranging from practical guidance to surfing history and culture."

-- Erica T.

"My surf retreat with Dion allowed me to make tremendous improvement to my surfing in just 5 days... I returned home with a lot of motivation to progress my surfing and put into practice all that I learned."

-- Katie T.

"I heard your voice MANY times while surfing in Costa Rica. There was one distinct wave where your words guided me... It was like you were right out there too, reminding me, 'You have more time than you think you do...'"

-- Bonnie

"My morning lesson with Dion was radically different and worth every penny... I came away feeling like I'd learned a huge amount from a master instructor who cares passionately about teaching the culture, ethics, techniques, and joy of the sport."

-- John

IN THE MEDIA

The New York Times

When Surfing Rockaway, It's Watch Out or Wipeout

March 16, 2018

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The New York Times

Surfing, Remade in the Rockaways

December 22, 2018

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The New York Times

Jonesa Wetsuits: Surfing Shane Jones

July 28, 2023

Read Article →
Surf Continuum Podcast

Featured Guest Interview

Philosophy, Surfing & Coaching

Listen →
Swell Season Surf Radio

Dr. Dion Mattison Interview

Amazon Music Podcast

Listen →

READY TO ELEVATE YOUR SURFING?

Contact me to discuss pricing and determine which coaching approach best suits your goals.

CONTACT ME