Helping people understand that surfing is about riding waves, having fun and being in the ocean. It’s not about standing up on a surfboard. 

So many people feel frustrated and defeated after attempting to go surfing for the first time. They leave the beach thinking that this activity isn’t for them. What they don’t understand is that they are comparing themselves to people that have been in the ocean for their entire lives!

We aren’t born with the ability to surf. It takes years to figure it out. Most of the people that surf at a high level have been doing it since they were kids. They may have also experienced what you are going through only they did it at a time when they were too young to experience the frustration that you may be experiencing. 

As adults we are more aware of how difficult it is. The kids you see are surfing with ease are riding boards that are bigger than them, even if it’s a shortboard. This makes it look so much easier. On top of that they’re out there laughing and giggling regardless of the situation. They don’t have any expectations. 

Most of the beginners I work with arrive at the beach with false expectations. They have a preconceived idea of what we are going to do and have goals that aren’t necessarily aligned with surfing.

“All I wanna do is stand up!”

Amazing! I love it when people have goals, but have you thought about the paddle out? Have you considered that after the paddle out you then have to catch a wave?

Nope! Surfing isn’t about standing up on a surfboard. We don’t even stand on it, yes we get to our feet but we aren’t trying to stand up and go where the board takes us. There are so many components involved when learning how to surf. 

Your ideal outcome probably hasn’t even crossed your mind! When you are experienced, your goal is to paddle out, catch a few and have fun. And that’s what it should be when you are inexperienced, only the way you are having fun might look a little different. 

More specifically, as beginners you also want to feel confident. You want to feel like you are coordinated. You want that stoke. We want you to smile. Even on a day where you may have had one to many wipeouts you should still feel like it’s fun!

I’ve taken a few lessons why should I take more?

The answer to this is simple, some surf lessons are geared towards the surf experience and some are geared to teaching you how to surf?

What’s the difference?

Well, if you live in Nebraska (nothing against Nebraska, in fact I love it there) and want to experience what it’s like to ride a wave then your lesson might look a little different. The goal will be to provide that one off surf experience. 

Not many instructors alter their lessons based on the needs of their clients. Often they give the same lesson without realizing what their clients need. Once I hear that someone lives here in California I automatically think that they aren’t here for a one off lesson. My program is designed for people who are looking to commit 3 months or more of their time to learning how to surf. Learning to surf requires more than an hour!

People who hail from inland locations lack ocean awareness. Combine that with a challenging sport and what you get can feel like struggle, fun struggle, but still struggle.

Was it the waves or was it me?

Maybe the waves sucked that day!! This is a common issue. Clients who aren’t very experienced with the ocean will book a lesson weeks in advance. Then show up at the beach for their lesson without ever consulting a surf report. If it doesn’t go as they expected it to be they simply blame their lack of skill. The crazy part here is that they don’t realize that it was the waves! They simply say they sucked and accept the fact that sufing isn’t for them. It’s easy to hate on ourselves when we are new at something. You can’t be bad at something that you don’t know how to do! 

And when you combine an uncontrollable environment with so many variables sometimes it’s actually the waves that weren’t ideal, yet beginners may not realize it and give up.

A friend took me out surfing and I couldn’t catch a wave!

Equipment matters! From an instructor’s perspective, it’s so hard to watch someone struggle simply because their board is too small! Many times your friends don’t know what board is best for a beginner. Or maybe someone is trying to save a few bucks and decides to borrow their friends 8’ board rather than rent a 9’ longboard. Sounds like a great idea but if you can’t catch a wave then you can’t ride a wave.

Why is it so hard?!?!?!

It isn’t that it’s hard, its that it’s completely new! 

Okay, maybe it’s a little hard but you’re also using muscles your body has never used before. You’re in an environment with waves, current, wind and tides with an enormous object that seems to want to do whatever it wants! And even if I tell you the waves are breaking slow, your brain is moving so fast that it seems like everything is moving 5 times faster than it really is!

Considering all the variables plus past lessons, paddling out with friends, unrealistic expectations etc. you shouldn’t be caught up with the idea that it’s hard. We can all do hard things. I’m sure in your past you’ve accomplished some pretty impressive goals that are probably harder than it is to learn how to surf. 

Your past attempts may not have incorporated the idea’s that I’ve just presented. And they may not have included video analysis that allows you to see some of what actually took place during our lesson. Once you see yourself on video you’ll begin to understand what you are trying to do much faster. 

If your past lessons didn’t involve video you still would have been able to learn but it may happen a little slower. Plus, the video provides proof that you can do this, it isn’t simply for the instagram lol!

Why do I always feel so helpless when I’m paddling out?

The Positive Sol Surf Coaching program is a 3 month program that includes six (6) surf lessons with video analysis, ocean awareness (think surf science & ocean activities) and the health & fitness component that can help you have more fun in the water. 

Why Positive Sol Surf & Wellness Coaching Program?

While I was someone that grew up on the beach, I wasn’t someone that grew up surfing. In fact I didn’t even start going in the water with a surfboard until I was in my late teens. And I do need to stress the idea of going in the water with a surfboard because nothing I was doing even remotely resembled surfing!

• I wasn’t fit
• Lessons weren’t an option
• My friends that started had no idea how to surf (and they were trying to teach me)
• My first board was a 7’6” Spectrum meant for big waves, a rarity where I grew up on Long Island. 

Basically it was a kook show from start to finish and if you’ve read my About Me page I really go through some of my more hilarious early moments! However over the years my fitness improved. I purchased a longboard. I began to understand surf science. And eventually I picked it up or at least managed to get some foot time. 

Clearly I wasn’t Kelly Slater but I was up and going. What helped me the most in those early days was my understanding of the ocean. I may not have grasped surf reports but having grown up on the beach I understood tides, wind, waves and currents. I guess when you grow up on an island it can actually feel like a second language. 

In time I figured it out (along with picking up a few bad habits). Later on I began taking surf trips where I experienced top notch tutelage and years later I still find myself a part of the surfschool that allowed me to surf at a higher level. And here I am today launching my service and I’m lucky enough to still be connected to guys & gals that were teaching me how to surf some 20 years ago!

“Though there are many excellent surf instructors throughout Southern California, Joe is one of the few whole offers long-term surf coaching for adults. I’ve learned from a variety of excellent instructors, but I’m lucky that I’ve always had an anchor in a coach like Joe, who meets with me consistently, and knows my trajectory, strengths, and areas for improvement. For a surf coach who is motivating, consistent and meets you where you’re at (including if you’re totally new to the ocean like I was!) look no further than Joe!

So what does the Positive Sol Surf & Wellness Coaching Program include?

To begin, it’s a 3 Month long program because nobody learns how to surf in 90 minutes. Plus we want time to experience a variety of conditions. For the rest of your life you will be learning. It’s definitely not a one off experience!

Surfing Component:

• Six (6) 90 minute Surf Lessons with video analysis. Ideally we have two lessons/month. Start times may also vary due to conditions but the preferred time is 8:30AM. 
• Wetsuits & Boards will be provided.
• All lessons take place at Bolsa Chica State Beach in Huntington Beach, California. 
• Video analysis will take place shortly after our session or remotely if needed. 

Ocean Awareness:

• We’ll hit the books to help you understand Surf Science & Surf Equipment, usually remotely but I’m always open to in person. 
• We’ll also be strapping on some fins and getting wet! 
• Surf related field trips to explore new beaches or simply look at waves at a different location

Health & Fitness:

• Together we’ll help you create a fitness routine that fits your schedule and goals.
• Supplemental workout routines and mobility work to help your body move and feel great!
• Nutritional awareness to help get your body working at an optimal level. Think Dietary needs, Meal Prep and if need be, weight loss. 
• Sleep & Hydration focused to ensure you are not overlooking what can sometimes be forgotten.

*Will this component help you surf better, no. Will this component help you feel better and help prepare your body to learn a new activity, YES.

Bonus Offereings:

Unlimited Surfing! 

You will have the ability to surf everyday of your package at Bolsa Chica State Beach.  I encourage you to surf as much as possible! We can do a lot on land but you do need to get wet to learn. 

Free Surf Sessions! 

Just because we don’t have a formal lesson doesn’t mean that we can’t surf together. I’m always looking to get in the water and have fun. So even though we aren’t in a formal lesson, I may still call out a wave for you!

Video Sessions

I enjoy shooting video for people, if I see you’re out in the lineup you can be sure I’ll film your waves and provide the analysis!

Surf Trip Invites

Occasionally we travel to other beaches for waves so expect an invite!

Group Meet-ups & Board Demo’s 

You’ll always have a surf crew and the inside scoop on great boards!

It’s time you get in the water! 

DM, Call, Email, Send Smoke Signals or toss a rock at my window!

Why wait any longer to do what you’ve always wanted to do?