By ARIELLA MONTI
Skudin Surf and Surf 2 Live are breeding a new wave of surfers with safety as their first priority.
Four days a week up to 30 students head to Lincoln beach for an all-day surf camp that includes everything from recognizing a rip tide to riding the waves. Skudin Surf, Inc. is co-owned by brothers Cliff and Will Skudin and is in its first summer of operation. Both brothers are accomplished surfers and swimmers. Cliff, 26, is finishing his masters in phys. ed. at Hofstra University and Will, 23, is the youngest professional east coast surfer to ride waves as high as 70 feet.
They are assisted by 12 local instructors, some of which are also professionals, like TJ Guimella who is the 2005 east coast surfing champion. These students, who are primarily children between the ages of six and 16, are broken up into groups according to their experience and take turns on the sand and in the water where there are two surfers to each instructor. On the sand they learn water safety, including how to spot a rip current and how to wipe out safely.
When the Herald visited day three of the camp, new surfers were standing alone impressing parents and spectators. Colleen Snell was a one-woman cheering section for her son James, 11, who was riding in like a pro.
"These kids are loving life," she smiled noting that the camp has done wonders for her son's confidence. "He'll be getting his own board soon." Snell grew up in Long Beach but never took to surfing because she admits she wasn't that good.
Robbie Paganini, 11, has been with Skudin Surf for three weeks and claims he's going pro. "I just like taking in the wave and it feels good to stand up on the board," he said. Paganini started surfing with his friend's dad and cousin and plans on coming back to Skudin Surf next summer.
Four blocks down at Pacific beach Elliot Zuckerman's school Surf 2 Live has a much different clientele. On that sunny day he had three vacationing adults and one child in the water. He said that 90 percent of his students are between the ages of 18 and 50 and are "the Wall Street type." Zuckerman is a 45-year surfing veteran and a certified master surf instructor who personally trains all of his staff.
Zuckerman keeps his classes small and in the case of five-year-old Matthew Mizrahi, Zuckerman assigns him his own personal instructor. Matthew's mother Hinda talks excitedly on the phone with her husband to let him know the progress of their child. She first introduced Matthew to boogie boarding, which he took to quickly.
"I'm here in Long Beach and I'm on the beach, let's try surfing," she said. "And he's loving it!" Matthew's laughs can be heard from the shore as his instructor Max Cutler acclimates him to the surf.
For adults Paige Kullen of Syosset, Ray Sackman of Rego Park and Eric Felton of Park Slope, it's day five of a week-long camp that has them on the beach for the better part of the day. Kullen has been with Surf 2 Live since April when the waters were still an icy cold. "I've never surfed prior," she said. "I've been addicted ever since."
Sackman and Felton came to Long Beach for a local late summer vacation. Bruises and sore muscles didn't deter these city dwellers from enjoying their stay-cation. "It's the best five day vacation I've ever had," said Sackman.
While teaching philosophies differ, there is no bad blood between the Skudins and Zuckerman. They work together to teach autistic children how to surf during clinics held by Zuckerman's group Surf Pals. Zuckerman admits they talk on a regular basis and applauds the Skudins' emphasis on safety and doing everything by the book. Both schools hold city permits and are fully insured.
For more information on Skudin
Surf, Inc. call (516) 318-3993 or visit skudinsurf.com/newyork. For information on Surf 2 Live call (516) 432-9211 or visit surf2live.com.
Comments about this story? AMonti@liherald.com or 516-569-400 ext. 282
