CivicCouch

Began Surfing: 10 years old at 1st street in Manhattan Beach. It was great learning to surf there because there were so many good guys surfing there at the time. Guys like Mark and Derek Levy. They taught you how to surf and the overall etiquette of the sport

Favorite South Bay Spot: Redondo Breakwall. It is a spot you have to earn your respect at by showing up year after year and giving the respect to guys who came before you and have surfed there longer than you have.

Near-Death Experience: In 1996 during a solid 10’ North swell, after surfing for an hour I was going back out on the rocks when a wave caught me by surprise and thrashed me into the rocks. I did cartwheels on my head for 20 yards and was hospitalized with staples in my head, lacerations, broken nose but luckily I escaped w/ my life.

Favorite Surf Trip: Indonesia is always a great trip but now days it is way too crowded. This summer I went to Nicaragua and caught some really good uncrowded surf. You get on a ponga boat and search for your own slab or beachbreak.

Currently Riding: 5 10”, 18 1/2 wide, 2.2 thick. Rounded square tail (shaped by Wayne Oakamoto) Favorite Surfer: Shane Dorian-He was a great contest surfer for years and free surfer and now one of the best big wave surfers in the world. He is constantly changing and adapting his surfing.

Sponsors: Oakfoils Surfboards, Rip Curl Wetsuits, Adventure Sports Tours, ET surf shop

Pre-Surf Rituals: Stretch, Stretch, Stretch!

Words of Advise: Surfing is no different than driving a car.....there are rules! (learn the rules) Beginners should start at a beginer break. They should learn to respect the pecking order in the lineup and NEVER snake anyone! :)