Posted by Rick Civelli | 12.09.2011 | Employment, WB Surf Camp News

WB Surf Camp Instructor of the Week for 12/4/11 – Ben Sciance

Ben Sciance is the ultimate WB Surf Camp Instructor; Energetic when he needs to be, well spoken, patient, kind, and a hard worker…it’s really hard to not love this guy, from a camper’s or a fellow instructor’s perspective. He’s aways got a smile on his face and brings positive energy where ever he goes. Ben came to us through a great relationship with the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Hospital a couple years ago. As an intern he became a favorite of Jean Beasley, the founder, who then recommended him for a position on our flagship WB Overnight & Day Camp team. Since then Ben has has taught hundreds of kids and adults how to surf, how to be better stewards of our environment, and one of our most valuable team members. After spending last winter in the keys studying reefs, he stayed local this year and is currently taking graduate courses at UNCW pursuing his GIS certificate. We hope he sticks around as long as possible! If you ever get the opportunity, he’s a great guy to spend time with out in the water. Also, his last name is Sciance, which is awesome and although its not spelled like the field of study he still stays true it…check out some of his answers below…

1. What drew you to a position at WB Surf Camp? After first learning about WB Surf Camp a couple of summers ago, I knew it was a job I wanted to be a part of.  I just could not pass up the opportunity to work in an environment that I love and enjoy.  I have summed up why Surfcamp drew my attention by the following formula: (Surfing + environmental and marine science education + FUN) = WB Surf Camp

2. Who is your favorite surfer and why? My favorite surfer is Joel Tudor or Rob Machado …or Brian Conley or Owen Wright or Alana Blanchard.  It’s hard to say.  Joel and Rob ride every type of board imaginable.  No matter how diverse their quiver is, they still ride every board with a super smooth style and finesse.  Someday I would like to have a diverse quiver like them.  Brian Conley surfs massive barrels and gets the most ridiculous video footage in the process.  Owen Wright just shreds, hands down. Alana is absolutely gorgeous and I would like to ask her on a date.

3. When did you start surfing and where? I started surfing back in high school at Topsail Island, NC

4. What is your favorite surf break? Recently I’ve had epic sessions at an undisclosed location in southeastern NC.  It’s a perfect longboard wave on days with nice small swell, and on bigger swells there is the potential for pumping barrels.

5. What inspired you to start surfing? It looked like so much fun whenever I was at the beach watching people out in the water. They were having a blast and made me want to learn.

6. Where was your most memorable session? I surfed Tavarua in my dream the other night.  The barrels were amazing!!

7. What is the worst wipeout you’ve ever had? My worst wipeout was last fall during hurricane Igor at Cape Hatteras.  I caught one of the biggest waves I ever surfed and got a closeout barrel.  I popped up after getting worked hard and there was another set wave about to crash right where I was at.  That wave snapped my leash and pushed my board really far in.  Thank goodness for lifeguard training because I had to swim forever before I got back to my board and was able to make it to the beach to get a new leash.

8. What are some of your interests outside of surfing? Outside of surfing I’m interested in music, sports, and science.  I’m a pretty big nerd.

9. What is your favorite movie? Dumb and Dumber has been a favorite of mine for a while, but the newest addition to my list of favorites is Trollhunter.  If you haven’t seen it, you need to.

10. What is your favorite music? Trevor Hall, John Butler Trio, and The Avett Brothers to name a few.

11. What is your favorite food? Meatloaf, pb and j’s, and produce.

12. Where do you see yourself in five years? In five years I would like to be involved with coral reef research.  Living and working near the ocean is a must!

13. In your eyes, the three things you value most are: Family, friends, and the ocean.