Steve is entering his second season with WB Surf Camp, and in the past year he has held a position as Assistant Director in our teen summer surf camps as well as Co-Director in our adult travel camps to Costa Rica and the BVI’s. Steve has shown us how dedicated he is to Surf Camp’s mission of changing people’s lives through surfing with an infectious smile, an incredibly positive outlook on life, and just a pure love of the water. Steve will be stepping up as a director for our teen summer camps this year and continuing to pass on his complete stoke for surfing and the ocean!
1. What drew you to a position at Surf Camp? Throughout college I worked in an outdoor recreation program which provided the opportunity to pass on my passion for outdoor adventure sports. I was fortunate enough to lead kayaking, mountain biking, rock climbing and hiking trips with students throughout the southeast while teaching about ways to maintain and improve our environment. Once I finished college I found Surf Camp Inc’s website and fell in love with the overall mission of the company. I knew I wanted to be a part of the team and reside close to the ocean!
2. Who is your favorite surfer and why? My favorite surfer is the one who is having the most fun! Attitudes are contagious in and out of the water. As surfers we must be able to share waves and take care of the ocean while maintaining humble positive attitudes. Focus on the big picture and remember that we are all in this together.
3. When did you start surfing and where? I started surfing when I was about 15 with my uncle. We would track hurricane and tropical storm swell around the gulf and east coast of Florida. Most of my first sessions consisted of me getting thrashed in conditions out of my league. From these experiences I gained an ultimate appreciation for the ocean and feel in love with surfing. The allure of the chase and anticipation of the overall surfing experience was overwhelming.
4. What is your favorite surf break? I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to surf many amazing breaks around the world. It is hard to pick just one in the sense that they are all so different. Noosa, Australia stands out the most in my mind at a break called, “Devil’s Kitchen.” Sunrise, hiking trails, no crowd, sea turtles, perfect conditions- that explains enough!
5. What inspired you to start surfing? I started skateboarding and wakeboarding when I was about eight years old. I had seen surf films and always wanted to give it a try. The idea of riding natural energy in the ocean blew my mind! I remember watching September Sessions with my friends and visualizing us riding those waves in the future. The overall adventure and experience of the sport was very inspiring.
6. Where was your most memorable session? I believe there are a number of factors that must come together to make the ultimate session. It is not solely the waves that make or break a session. Good friends, beautiful scenery, a clear mind, and new experiences are other things that shape a memorable session. I would have to say Noosa, Australia provided me with my most memorable session. I remember feeling completely in tune with the rhythm of the ocean and life up to that point.
7. What is the worst wipeout you’ve ever had? Jax Beach, Florida. I drove to surf hurricane swell when I was about 17 with some of my friends. I was still considered a beginner at this point and had three friends with me that had never surfed before. We showed up and the waves were 6-8 feet and choppy. I tried to act like it was no big deal and attempted a paddle out while my friends watched from the beach. Lets just say I am super lucky I didn’t drown that day. I learned the term, “victory at sea” first hand.
8. What are some of your interests outside of surfing? I enjoy any new experience that involves the outdoors, people, culture and the ocean. I love sharing the resources that we have been blessed with here on earth. I enjoy playing guitar and reading about new activities and unfamiliar places. Hiking, kayaking, surfing, mountain biking and other activities can bring you to some incredible places and provide life-changing experiences. I want to keep growing and learning while meeting many friends in the process.
9. What is your favorite movie? I would have to say Braveheart.
“Every man dies, but not every man really lives”
“They may take our lives, but they’ll never take our FREEDOM!!”
-William Wallace-
I enjoy movies that reveal epic events and movements. Although, I won’t lie in the fact that I have a problem of not sitting still long enough to watch the entire movie and have a tendency of falling asleep.
10. What is your favorite music? Music has been a huge part of my life! I enjoy listening, playing and experiencing all different types of music from around the world. From rock to bluegrass, from jazz to reggae, I have appreciation for all music and constantly seek new artists and styles.
11. What is your favorite food? I have the appetite of a medium sized horse to say the least. So when it comes to food, I enjoy massive burritos, fresh fish, chicken and vegetables. I also love eating pasta. Food is awesome!
12. Where do you see yourself in five years? It is hard to say. I have learned that many opportunities can present themselves when you least expect. I plan to continue staying active and learning more about the world and all it has to offer. I want to continue working a job that benefits others and gets them stoked! If I had the opportunity to gaze into a crystal ball and see my future five years from now, I think I would turn it down. I enjoy not knowing, faith lead me on!
13. In your eyes, the three things you value most are: Respect, Courage, Selflessness
To read more about Steve Click Here
Hawaii – from the legendary big waves of the North Shore of Oahu to the gentler waves of Waikiki Beach. Of the four surf camps and surf lessons mentioned, WB Surf Camp is the only non-native Hawaiian camp to make the cut. The author, Patricia Poulin, is a surfer herself who loves to travel and we’re so proud that she chose our surf camp to promote.