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Posted by Rick Civelli | 11.20.2009 | WB Surf Camp News

Surf Camp Instructor of the Week Nov 22nd -28th, 2009: Chris Powell

Chris Powell

Chris Powell

Surf Camp employs an incredibly diversified, high quality staff made up of unique individuals from all walks of life. Once you join the Surf Camp Team, you become part of our family, as do each of our campers who spend their summers surfing and learning with us. Each person brings many special attributes to their role at Surf Camp, and we would like to share some fun, personal background info about each of our awesome team members. To learn more about third year instructor Chris Powell, continue reading below:

1. What drew you to a position at Surf Camp?
The main thing that drew me to a position at Surf Camp was their dedication to the ocean and environment. Having an environmental degree, I really wanted to work for a company who was environmentally involved. Plus, I really love working outdoors, surfing, and teaching so it was a pretty easy decision to apply for a job.

2. Who is your favorite surfer and why?
My favorite surfer is Dave Rastovich. I really admire Rasta not only as an incredibly talented surfer but as a person as well. Rasta spends a great deal of his time working to help keep the ocean and its marine life protected and clean. He is both a great athlete and an environmental steward.

3. When did you start surfing and where?
I first stood up on a surfboard when I was 14 years old. My family vacations in Topsail Beach every summer and that is where I learned how to surf. It was a pretty long process since I am the only surfer in the family and was clueless. Taking a lesson would have helped tremendously I’m sure.

4. What is your favorite surf break?
I have been very lucky to have surfed in some amazing places such as Australia, Fiji, Puerto Rico, California and all over the East Coast. Out of all these places, I still love surfing on the south end of Topsail Beach the best. This is where I learned to surf and where I have the best memories of standing on a surfboard.

5. What inspired you to start surfing?
For the longest time all I wanted to do was live at the beach. I loved the water and the waves as a little kid and always watched surfers. I was amazed at what they could do and how much fun they were having. I decided I wanted to try and just went out and taught myself.

6. Where was your most memorable session?
My most memorable session that I can remember was on the south end of Wrightsville Beach by the jetty. The waves were not that great but I was with a bunch of friends and we surfed all the way until dark. I was a sophomore at the time and I was just so stoked to be surfing with friends in October since I never had a chance to surf year-round before that.

7. What is the worst wipeout you’ve ever had?
The worst wipeout I have had was in Fiji. The waves were easy 6-8 feet and really fun. A big set wave came through and I was not exactly in a great position to catch the wave. Instead of letting it roll through, I turned and tried to take off late. That part didn’t go so well and after it ripped my t-shirt off, I kicked the reef while trying to get to the surface. I learned my lesson.

8. What are some of your interests outside of surfing?
Some of my interests outside of surfing include: lacrosse, soccer, snowboarding, wakeboarding, yoga, playing the drums, camping, hiking, back packing, photography, reading, tennis, golf, scuba/free diving, spear fishing, snowball fights, handstands…

9. What is your favorite movie?
Hands down, my favorite movie to watch is Caddyshack. “Don’t be obsessed with your desires Danny. The Zen philosopher Basha once wrote, ‘A flute with no holes, is not a flute. A donut with no hole, is a Danish.’ He was a funny guy.”

10. What is your favorite music?
This is always a tough question. So instead of listing all of my favorites I’ll just write down what I’ve been listening to lately. Jay-Z Blueprint 3, Kid Cudi-Man on the Moon, Passion Pit-Manners, Phoenix-Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, Santogold and Trouble Andrew-Remixed and Remastered.

11. What is your favorite food?
Favorite food is a tie between sushi and Mexican. Spicy tuna roll vs. Carne Asada burrito.

12. Where do you see yourself in five years?
I really have no idea what I will be doing in five years. I really am just looking forward to the journey and all the experiences that will happen along the way.

13. In your eyes, the three things you value most are:
Number one is family, number two is friends, and number three is definitely food.

To learn more about Chris Powell, check out his bio on our website: Click Here

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