The ocean has always been my greatest teacher.
It’s where I’ve learned resilience, patience, and respect for nature. Now, through Windansea Watersports, my goal is to pass that knowledge down to the next generation—giving kids the same opportunities I had to truly connect with the ocean through active learning, engaging activities, and, of course, surfing.
Surfing, to me, has never been just a sport. It’s a way of interacting with the ocean, understanding its power, and appreciating everything it provides—from the food we eat to the energy that fuels us. By fostering that connection at a young age, I’ve gained so much—not just skills, but experiences that have shaped who I am today. Those long days at the beach with friends and family weren’t just fun; they were foundational.
My relationship with the ocean began the day I was born.
My father dunked me in the ocean at Windansea beach the moment I left the hospital, and after that point, my love and respect of the ocean began.
I started surfing at 7 years old, working my way through the various reef breaks in La Jolla—from South Bird to Little Point, Big Rock, and finally, Windansea. Surfing has been a constant in my life, exploring every corner of La Jolla’s coastline, from the smallest nooks to the massive slabs of Big Rock.
My goal is to instill the same confidence in the ocean that I’ve built over the years in my students. Starting young, I’ve realized, is key to developing both as a waterman and as an individual. Nature teaches us humility and respect, and it has shaped who I am today. These lessons continue to guide me through life, both in and out of the water, and they’re experiences I’m still learning from and applying every day.
That’s why I’m developing a 9-month program.
That’s why I’m developing a 9-month course designed to help kids:
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Build confidence in the water
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Refine their skills through consistent practice
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Develop a deep understanding of the ocean’s rhythms
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Learn ocean safety and environmental awareness
More than just a series of lessons, this program will give kids the chance to progress from catching their first waves to feeling completely at home in the water. While a single surf lesson can be fun, real transformation happens over time—creating strong, capable, and confident young surfers both in and out of the water.
Through Windansea Watersports, I want to give kids the opportunity to truly understand, appreciate, and connect with the ocean—just like my mentors did for me. By watching, interacting, and experiencing the water firsthand, they’ll develop skills and a mindset that will stay with them for life.
If you're as passionate about the ocean as I am, let’s create a new generation of watermen and women who respect, protect, and thrive in the sea.
How Water Safety Shaped My Life and Career
Growing up, the ocean was always a huge part of my life. But as the waves grew bigger and more powerful, I was forced to level up my water safety skills. What started as a necessity quickly turned into a passion—one that would shape my future in ways I never expected.
During my sophomore year of high school, I took a lifeguard course that opened my eyes to the depth of water safety and rescue. It wasn’t just about swimming; it was about understanding the ocean, recognizing danger, and knowing how to respond in emergencies. This experience led me to enroll in a BWRAG course, a program designed and taught by big waves surfer, Greg Long, to teach surfers essential safety protocols, first aid, and CPR. That course completely shifted my mindset. Surfing wasn’t just about chasing waves—it was about being prepared, staying vigilant, and protecting those around me.
Because of my dedication to water safety and my skills as a waterman, I was given an opportunity of a lifetime: a chance to join the World Surf League (WSL) water safety team. In El Salvador, I took on the role of Jet Ski Patrolman during the Championship Tour event. It was a pivotal moment, one that not only propelled my career forward but also solidified my confidence and commitment to ocean safety.
From that point on, safety became my priority—not just in the ocean but in all aspects of life. I realized that a deep understanding of safety protocols wasn’t just valuable; it was essential. This realization inspired me to create a program dedicated to passing down this knowledge to others.
By merging my passion for surfing with my appreciation for safety, I’ve built something I truly believe in—a program designed to educate, empower, and ensure that the next generation of watermen and women are prepared for whatever the ocean throws their way.
Water safety isn’t just a skill—it’s a responsibility. Whether you’re a surfer, lifeguard, or ocean enthusiast, knowing how to handle emergencies can make all the difference. My journey has shown me the power of preparation, and I hope to inspire others to take safety as seriously as they take the waves.