While most students spend their mornings scrolling through their phones or rushing to first period, some start their day paddling into cold Pacific waves.
Surfing has become a growing passion among local high school students, offering both a physical outlet and a mental reset before classes begin. With Southern California beaches just minutes away, students are taking advantage of early mornings and weekends to catch waves and connect with nature.
For many, surfing is more than just a hobby; it’s a lifestyle. Students say the sport teaches patience, resilience and focus, especially when balancing schoolwork, extracurriculars and social lives.
Coach Werner says, “Surfing teaches students discipline, patience and confidence. They learn how to read conditions, stay calm under pressure and support each other, which are skills that carry over into the classroom and everyday life.”
Surf sessions often start before sunrise, with students piling boards into cars or biking to nearby breaks. Even on crowded mornings, surfers wait their turn, watching the horizon for the next set. Wipeouts are common, but so are cheers when someone lands a clean ride.
The sport also brings together students from different grades and friend groups. Lineups become social spaces where surfers trade tips, talk about school and encourage beginners.
Nicole Fortuna (10), who explored her passion by joining the surf team, says, “I’m really glad that I joined the team because it helped me advance in a hobby that I wouldn’t have done otherwise. Being on the team has also led me to meet new people that ended up being my really good friends, so I would highly recommend beginners to join this team just as much as practiced surfers.”
Beyond the fun, surfing offers real benefits. According to the American Heart Association, surfing improves cardiovascular health, builds core strength and reduces stress. Students say it helps them manage academic pressure and stay active without feeling stuck in a traditional workout routine.
Local surf shops and beaches have noticed an increase in teen surfers, especially since more students discovered outdoor activities during the pandemic. Some families now plan weekends around swell forecasts, while others support their students by driving them to early morning sessions.
Still, surfing requires commitment. Between homework, tests and practices, finding time to hit the water can be difficult. Many student surfers wake up extra early or use weekends to make it work.
Despite the challenges, they say the reward is worth it. By being on the beach during numerous times of the year it shows discipline that others could only dream of being able to obtain.
As spring approaches and swells become more consistent, students are preparing for longer sessions and warmer days. Whether riding clean lines or tumbling in whitewater, they agree that surfing offers something special, a break from screens, stress and schedules.
For student surfers, the ocean isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a classroom, a community and a reminder to slow down, breathe and ride the next waves.
