Surf coach Connor Lyons charged with indecent treatment of children

A Sunshine Coast surf coach and influencer has been arrested after police allege he abused two children known to him through his surf school.

Connor John Christopher Lyons applied for bail in Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday following his weekend arrest. Picture: Patrick Woods

A prominent surfer and instructor has been charged with indecent treatment of two children allegedly known to him through the surfing industry on the Sunshine Coast and Gold Coast.

Connor John Christopher Lyons was arrested in dramatic fashion on Sunday on his way to the police station to be interviewed following an investigation into alleged child sex crimes.

In a statement, police allege the Peregian Springs man committed indecent acts against two children known to him through a professional capacity in the surfing industry.

The acts were alleged to have happened in Broadbeach, Coolum Beach, Yaroomba and the wider Noosa area since August last year.

Lyons, a renowned surfer and coach on the Sunshine Coast and beyond, boasts more than 9,000 followers on Instagram where he regularly spruiks his surf school for all ages.

Lyons talking to media after his court appearance. Picture: Patrick Woods

The account regularly posts surfing content including school holiday deals for parents, snippets of his lessons and even a proposed surfing retreat to Fiji in 2025 in late October.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and we currently have a little army of groms keen to experience Fiji, in a fun yet safe and controlled environment,” the post stated.

“I can’t wait to create lifelong memories with the kids in Fiji!”

Lyons was arrested and faced Maroochydore Magistrates Court on Monday where he pushed for his release on conditional liberty.

Police prosecutor Mel Pyke said the 26-year-old surf school owner allegedly “gained the trust” of families and children, which she alleged gained him access to the children.

Sergeant Pyke said there were allegedly two victims who were unknown to one another.

The Peregian Springs man after his court appearance on Monday. Picture: Patrick Woods

The court heard Lyons, who had no criminal history, had a strong online presence through his social media pages where he advertised the surf school.

The police prosecutor objected to his bail and said there was no risk he would spend too much time in custody.

Duty lawyer Michael Robinson said the Peregian Springs man was on his way to the police station after they arranged to interview him when he was arrested after he pulled over on the side of the road.

Mr Robinson said this showed there was a desire for him to co-operate with police.

The Legal Aid solicitor said the surf coach could abide by strict bail conditions including living with his family and not talking to children under 16.

Connor Lyons competed in the World Surf League and runs his own surf school on the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Instagram

Acting magistrate Raelene Ellis granted Lyons bail on conditions he reports to Coolum Police three times a week, does not contact the alleged victims and must not have contact with any children under the age of 16.

Ms Ellis said Lyons must also not attend a venue where children frequent. His clients of his business must also be 17 or over.

He faces 12 counts of indecent treatment of children and three counts of wilful exposure. No pleas have been entered.

The 26-year-old’s matters were adjourned to next year.

Originally published as Surf coach Connor Lyons charged with indecent treatment of children