MEET THE SURF DIVA INSTRUCTORS

Places you have traveled for surfing?All northern and southern California, Mexico, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Panama

How did you get into surfing? Taught myself.  Bad idea!

What is your favorite part about teaching people how to surf? That I can help others live their dream.

What are some of your other hobbies/interests? Basketball, running, and baking!

Places you have traveled for surfing: I taught in Costa Rica and South Korea so I got to surf there. I have also surfed in Maui, Hawaii and the east coast. 

How did you get into surfing: I have always surfed with my dad. At 8 years old I saved enough money to buy my first board and wetsuit and I have been out on my own since then. 

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: Giving people the opportunity to become familiar with the beach/ocean environment and have fun at a place that does not require an admission ticket.

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: Teaching elementary students, rock climbing, volleyball and I love soccer.

Nickname: Drew

Places you have traveled for surfing: All of California, Mexio, Peru and Chile

How did you get into surfing: I had a crush on a girl that surfed - bought a new board and taught myself :)

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: Watching people enjoy the ocean and prgress with their surfing.

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: White-water rafting & kayaking, traveling

Places you have traveled for surfing: Around the US.

How did you get into surfing: My mother taught me when I was 8 years old.

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: To share my love of the sport with other people.

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: I love photography and video production.

Places you have traveled for surfing: Margarita Island, Venezuela; Trinidad and Tobago; South of France; all over California 

How did you get into surfing: As the son of a seaman I grew up navigating, fishing and sailing, always in contact with the ocean and its surroundings. I got into water sports at a young age, but it wasn’t until my 18th birthday that I was introduced to surfing by my sister’s boyfriend who surfs. Surfing was my perfect match, combining an environment that I was familiar with and loved with a great sport. 

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: My favorite part of teaching people to surf goes beyond providing students with the necessary information, set of skills and guidance to learn the sport, but also to be able to create deeper connections between the student and nature. I feel this is very much needed in the world we’re living in. 

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: Film, photography, music, motorcycles, fishing, traveling, food and nature.

Nickname: Art

How did you get into surfing: I went out and bought a surfboard because it looked like fun, went out with friends and was hooked!

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: My favorite part is the excitement you see on their faces the first time they catch a wave. They are surprised, nervous, happy and just overall in wow! So cool!

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: I like to spend time with my daughter at the beach or in the pool. It is fun to see children grow. Hobbies of mine are collecting orchids and making beaded jewelry (Art sells her jewelry at the Surf Diva Boutique as well - come by and check it out!).

Places you have traveled for surfing: Hawaii, California, Texas, Florida, Mexico

How did you get into surfing: Fell in love with the waves and taught myself to surf by watching others.

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: The excitement and enthusiasm you can see on a beginners face when they ride their first wave.

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: I’m a professional student, I love school and learning new things! I also like design, art, music, and playing guitar.  

Places you have traveled for surfing: Baja California, Northern California, New York, Long Beach, Vietnam

How did you get into surfing: I took a surf lesson - yay!

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: Seeing someone’s face after their first wave.

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: Playing the ukulele, soccer and skating.

Places you have traveled for surfing: Costa Rica (Have you been to our Surf Diva Costa Rica Escpae??), Mexico, California coast

How did you get into surfing: I started surfing in 1975, and just love it ever since! My very first day surfing was in Mission Beach.

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: I just love teaching in general - and surfing (and skiing) are my favorite to dos!

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: Skiing

Nickname: Chenaynay, chey-chey

Places you have traveled for surfing: Costa Rica, Hawaii, Baja Mexico, California coast

How did you get into surfing: I heard stories of my dad traveling to California for 3 months during his summers, living in a van and eating PB&J the whole time so as soon as I got my license I drove to the beach with a board.

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: Sharing the stoke with people and watching them catch their first wave.

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: Snowboarding, skating, hiking, camping… basically anything that has to do with the outdoors.  

Nickname: Curt

Places you have traveled for surfing: All around California and wake surfing in McCall, ID.

How did you get into surfing: My dad threw me in the water when I was little.

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: There's a special kind of stoke you see in someone after they catch their first wave; being a part of that or even just being around it brings me the utmost joy!

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: I ski-raced all around the northwest for about 10 years. 

Places you have traveled for surfing: Kaui, Mexico, Spain, all over California.

How did you get into surfing: I grew up in Encinitas by the beach so I was always in the water.  When I was about 10 my brothers taught me how to surf and I was instantly hooked. 

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: Sharing my passion of surfing with others and seeing how stoked others get when they surf their first wave. 

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: Skating, music, camping and traveling.

Places you have traveled for surfing? Mexico, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Portugal, California coast.   

How did you get into surfing? I started standing up on a boogie board when I was a kid.  Then I saved up my allowance and bought my first board when I was 9 years old.  I've had a permanent wetsuit tan ever since!

What is your favorite part about teaching people how to surf?  I love seeing the look of accomplishment and "the stoke" on people's faces. It's great to help people achieve their dreams of surfing and check it off their "bucket list"

What are some of your other hobbies/interests? I also work at UCSD extension, where I teach English to foreign exchange students. I love traveling, spear fishing and all outdoor activities! 

Places you have traveled for surfing: South Africa, Taiwan

How did you get into surfing: I moved to San Diego for college and decided it would pretty much be a sin not to learn while living so close to the beach.

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: The ocean has a way of restoring youthful spirit and I love watching people of all ages play like children in the water.

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: Traveling and crafting.  

Nickname: J.D.

Places you have traveled for surfing: Both US coasts, Hawaii, Fiji, Mexico- baja and mainland, Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Barbados, Costa Rica, El Salvador

How did you get into surfing: Saw “The Endless Summer” when I was a kid and was inspired.

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: I get vicarious joy from watching people learn, almost as if I am learning all over again.

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: Skiing, Snowboarding, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking

Nickname: Jo

Places you have traveled for surfing: Mexico, Fiji, New Zealand

How did you get into surfing: A friend in high school introduced me to the frigid Santa Cruz waters. I took a long hiatus during college, but as soon as I moved to La Jolla in 2006 I hopped back into the surf! 

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: Their first wave smile. It’s the best and usual lasts for weeks.  

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: Yoga, running, golf, slacklining, traveling, photography, volleyball and making people laugh.

Nickname: Kuya

Places you have traveled for surfing: Oahu, Maui, California

How did you get into surfing: Every surfer I talked to seemed to love surfing then when I tried it I was hooked!

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: Seeing someone ride a wave for the first time.

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: Flying

Places you have traveled for surfing: Mexico, France, Hawaii

How did you get into surfing: A family friend taught me. The first day I went surfing, I was hooked! It's the most fun I have ever had.

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: Getting to see huge smiles on peoples faces after their first couple of waves!

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: I love photography and being outdoors in the open air.

Places you have traveled for surfing? Hawaii, Baja, CA

How did you get into surfing? My cousin took me out when I was 11 years old and I fell in love with the ocean and the waves.

What is your favorite part about teaching people how to surf? To share the love for the ocean.  To see a different side of the whole surfing experience.

What are some of your other hobbies/interests? I enjoy diving, snowboarding, running, playing tennis and playing with my son.

Nickname: Kimmy

How did you get into surfing: My dad taught me when I was 13 and coached me all the way through high school. I grew up here in San Diego so it’s been super fun. 

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: I love seeing people get the same goofy smile and excitement that I have when I surf.

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: Yoga, art and spending time with my friends and family!

Places you have traveled for surfing: Hawaii

How did you get into surfing: Friends and moms from my kids' school asked me to come along one day and I got hooked!

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: Sharing the experience with them and the love of the ocean.

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: I paddle competitive outrigger canoe and I love knitting!

Places you have traveled for surfing:

How did you get into surfing: 

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf:

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests:

Nickname: Mimi

Places you have traveled for surfing: California, Mexico. I love surfing in the Hawaiian Islands, Northern Costa Rica, including Tamarindo, Ollie's Point and Witches Rock.  

How did you get into surfing: I have been a water girl my entire life, it just took the encouragement and patience of a former boyfriend to get me out on a board.

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: Sharing my passion...the ocean, the sun and the surf.  And to be an inspiration to the more "mature" female surfers- surfer moms rule! 

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: Standup paddleboard, surf, and distance race. Biggest hobby is supporting and cheering for my teenage daughters who are competitive indoor volleyball players. 

Nickname: Mike

Places you have traveled for surfing: California, El Salvador

How did you get into surfing: I started to surf when I was about 12 years old, my first surf lesson was as a 6th grader - I did a surf camp!

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf:Their stoke is what I love the most and changing their lives for ever.

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: I play Tennis.

Places you have traveled for surfing: Panama, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, California,Florida, Hawaii

How did you get into surfing: My uncles and cousins took me out and I loved it!

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf? Seeing them enjoy something they have never felt before!

What are some of your other hobbies/interest? Painting, reading, tennis, hiking travelling and crocheting

Nickname: Nico

Places you have traveled for surfing: Spain and Mexico.

How did you get into surfing: I started about 7 years ago. I just love to be in the ocean, no matter if it's just swimming or on any kind of surfboard!

What is your favorite part about teach people to surf? To share the stoke - Did I already mention that I love surfing?

What are some of your ohter hobbies/interests? Water polo, skateboarding, traveling.

Nickname: Nick

Places you have traveled for surfing: California, Mexico and Hawaii

How did you get into surfing: Born in Hawaii, I got into surfing after I started skateboarding.

What is your favorite part about teach people to surf? Progression! To share my knowledge and passing with other people.

What are some of your ohter hobbies/interests? Anthing fun with room to create and expand! Skating, music, sewing, cooking...

Places you have traveled for surfing: Oahu

How did you get into surfing: I learned how to surf from a group of volunteers as a part of the Navy Medical Center, San Diego’s Ocean Therapy program. After that first lesson I was hooked!

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: I love surfing and since I began to surf fairly recently I am excited to share the methods which were helpful to me and most of all to share the stoke!

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: I’ve always been very athletic; I’ve played competitive soccer for 12 years and have played rugby, women’s crew/rowing, boxing and fencing at the collegiate level. I also enjoy playing guitar, ukulele and the drums!

Nickname: Bekah, Kaye

Places you have traveled for surfing: Baja Mexico

How did you get into surfing: My dad is a surf rat!

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: Seeing them pop up on their first wave, the facial expression is priceless. So stoked!

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: Mixed martial arts, painting and drawing, camping and hiking.

Places you have traveled for surfing: California, Costa Rica

How did you get into surfing: I did a surf camp for two summers in middle school and fell in love!

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf? I love to encourage young surfers especially girls to love the sport of surfing and make them feel confident in the water.

What are some of your other hobbies/interest? Volleyball, Pilates

Places you have traveled for surfing: Mexico, Baja, Hawaii, Costa Rica, both US coasts.

How did you get into surfing: My dad was a surfer and I was raised around the water. Caught my first shoulder when I was 8 years old and have been hooked ever since.

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: Seeing the joy people get from catching their first wave…it reminds me of my first one. 

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: Music, art and spear fishing

Places you have traveled for surfing: Hawaii, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand 

How did you get into surfing: I grew up on the beach in Santa Cruz so my dad threw me into the water at a young age- the cold water!

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: Sharing my passion with others and introducing real stoke into their lives.

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: Traveling, hiking, yoga and trying new things!

Places you have traveled for surfing: Costa Rica, Nicaragua and CA

How did you get into surfing: I went to Hawaii on a business trip and started taking lessons from a shop in Waikiki. After my first wave I knew I was hooked, and by the end of the trip I was sneaking out of the convention to take lessons.

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: Seeing the joy and excitement in their faces when they catch their first wave and then working with them to make it a longer/better ride!

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests:  Cooking, baking, yoga, reading and salsa dancing.

Nickname: Steve

Places you have traveled for surfing: Baja Mexico and Bali, Indonesia 

How did you get into surfing: From my friends and family.

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: I love how stoked everyone always is.  The instructors and students are always having a good time.  It is a nice feeling when you can work and have fun doing it. 

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests:  I've always loved painting and art in general.  I try and paint as much as I can.  Photography is also something I admire.  I love my film camera and take it with me on every trip.

Places you have traveled for surfing: Australia, Mexico, Tahiti, Chile, Peru, Indonesia, Cuba, Europe

How did you get into surfing: From my dad who taught me when I was four.

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: Giving the same gift to people that was given to me. 

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: Playing guitar, tennis, walking and golf.

Places you have traveled for surfing: California coast, Costa Rica, Baja Mexico

How did you get into surfing: A family friend first got me into the water and riding waves.

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: When they catch their first wave, watching the smile on their face.

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: Snowboarding, hiking, fishing and just being outside.

Nickname: Bill

Places you have traveled for surfing: California coast, Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica

How did you get into surfing: A friends older brother taught me when I was 10 years old at La Jolla Shores. Been a passion of mine ever since.

What is your favorite part about teaching people to surf: The look of stoked smiles when they start to get it and ride their first wave.

What are some of your favorite hobbies/interests: Skateboarding, shaping surfboards and ding repairs.