Meet your instructor, Chris "Fozzy" Foster.
Chris grew up on the island of Kauai where he found his passion for surfing as a grom at his home break of Kealia.
As Fozzy grew in the sport of surfing, sponsors started to recognize him and at 16 he moved to the Island of Oahu - where competition surfing began.
Fozzy's traveled the world many times competing with the World Surf League and now his ultimate passion is sharing his love of surfing with others.
If you're new to surfing, Chris makes sure you are comfortable, having fun, and directs you exactly to where you need to be to catch the waves.
Chris has been teaching others to surf on the North Shore of Oahu for over 10 years and is stoked to get you riding!
Sheldon Paishon
Meet pro surfer Sheldon Paishon - the GoPro Filmer for Fozzy Surf School.
Not only does Sheldon catch amazing shots alongside you riding the wave, he also keeps you laughing with his sense of humor and genuine passion for surfing.
Sheldon grew up on the West Side of Oahu on the beach of Makaha and has a very unique story on why surfing is such a big part of his life as seen in his documentary, Through the Doggy Door, as featured on STAB.
Since a young age Sheldon has caught the eye of surf pros, sponsors, and mentors who helped guide him through his professional career of surfing with the World Surf League leading to a QS 1000 win at Rangiroa and many other accomplishments with WSL.
Sheldon loves keeping people stoked on surfing and sharing his love of the sport which is seen through his awesome GoPro clips.
Here's a detailed description of what a surf lesson with Fozzy Surf School might look like:
1. Introduction and Safety Briefing:
The lesson begins with intros and a safety briefing where the instructor provides an overview of the lesson plan, safety protocols, and any potential hazards involved with surfing.
2. Equipment Familiarization:
Students are shown and instructed on how to use the surf equipment, including the surfboard, leash, wax, and any other necessary gear. They learn about board handling, positioning, and the importance of proper equipment use.
3. Beach Training:
Before hitting the water, participants are given a demonstration and explanation of basic surfing techniques, such as paddling, positioning on the board, popping up, and stance. They practice these movements on the beach to get a feel for the motions.
4. Water Entry and Practice:
The group then moves to the water, and students practice entering and exiting the water safely while carrying their surfboards. They learn how to navigate through waves, handle the board, and position themselves for a successful ride.
5. Surfing Techniques and Waves:
The instructor provides detailed guidance on reading the waves, choosing the right wave to catch, and timing their paddling and take-off to maximize the ride. Techniques for balancing and maneuvering on the board are also demonstrated and practiced.
6. Guided Practice:
Students are taken into the surf, and the instructor provides individualized guidance and support as they practice catching waves, paddling, and trying to stand up on their own. The instructor may stay close by to offer assistance and feedback.
7. Feedback and Tips:
Throughout the lesson, the instructor provides feedback to each student, offering tips for improvement and helping refine their techniques. Positive reinforcement and constructive criticism are key components of the learning experience.
8. Cool Down and Recap:
Towards the end of the lesson, participants may engage in a cool-down activity and a recap of what they have learned. The instructor may summarize the lesson, answer any questions, and encourage participants to continue practicing and honing their skills.
9. Conclusion and Next Steps:
The lesson concludes with a high-five and encouragement to continue surfing. Participants may be informed about future lessons, rentals, or other surfing opportunities and resources available to them.
Fozzy Surf School aims to create a supportive and educational environment for students to learn the fundamentals of surfing while enjoying the experience in a group setting or with private guidance.