Posted by Rick Civelli | 10.15.2010 | Employment

Instructor of the Week For October 10th – Marie Groover

One of our newest and and most energetic instructors this season is a UNCW student who came to us last winter just having recovered from a broken ankle and charged to get active again and spend as much time in the water as possible. An extremely hard working, positive, and independent individual, Marie put just as much energy into the Teen Overnight Camps as she did into our Guppy Camps. Marie continues to show her versatility and work ethic through the fall with our specialty clinics while balancing her studies, and we’re proud to highlight her as our instructor of the week.

1. What drew you to a position at Surf Camp? In February I broke my ankle. I’m a super outdoorsy person so when I was stuck inside for 2 months prescribed to the bed, I was really bummed. At the time I was a Pharmacy Tech at Walgreens and corporate has a huge cut back in hours so they had to cut me from the schedule. At this point, I was spending my days on the internet watching various surf videos and searching for jobs. I googled camp counseling since I love both kids and being outside, and SO LUCKILY came across this. It just fits. I’ve been stoked on it since.

2. Who is your favorite surfer and why? Whoever is having the most fun, hands down. Being out in the water with someone who is just as stoked, or more stoked as you, is super inspiring. Surfing can be frustrating sometimes if you are focusing on the wrong things, but seeing someone enjoying the waves is almost as cool of a feeling as doing it yourself. If we are talking pro’s though, I’d have to be totally cliché and say Slater. As far as doing cool things, he seems to build momentum with every trick, rather than losing it. It’s cool to watch and always gets me pumped.

3. When did you start surfing and where? I started surfing when I was about 13. I had just moved here and I got my first board for Christmas from my grandparents down in Carolina Beach. I didn’t have anyone to teach me, so I first surfed only on occasion, when a friend would paddle out as well. Since I was knew, it was a while before I really knew anyone who I could enjoy the ocean with.

4. What is your favorite surf break? I’ve only ever been on one off the coast surf trip, Puerto Rico. There was this one spot, Rincon that was literally run by a bunch of young girls. It was awesome to surf with predominately girls, for one. Plus, they ripped.

5. What inspired you to start surfing? Before I moved here, I had come to visit the beach every summer and winter for around 5 or 6 years. Being in the ocean was easily my favorite part about visiting my grandparents. None of my family has any surfing back round, but it just seemed natural. Plus, it looked super fun.

6. Where was your most memorable session? Kure Beach, North Carolina.

7. What is the worst wipeout you’ve ever had? Boogie boarding. I’m pretty sure I was around 7 and just falling in love with the sea. I caught this gnarly (or what seemed to be gnarly at the age of 7) wave and came over the falls without my board and tumbled around a bit. I’m sure the wave was like 2 feet and maybe I only flipped over once… either way, I can still remember how intense the ocean became to me.

8. What are some of your interests outside of surfing? Outside. Outside. Outside. I LOVE to kayak, swim, run, and try anything new and adventurous. I also have a passion for music and painting. I’m terrible with a paint brush, but I believe that it’s the feeling that counts and that feeling is extraordinary. I’ve also played the piano since I was six and I am just now trying to learn the Ukulele. I love it. My favorite place to play is in my room with all the lights out so that I can feel the keys (or strings) beneath my fingers. Life is so beautiful sometimes.

9. What is your favorite movie? Catch and Release. I like it because it’s different and there is something about it that I can relate to. But, don’t hold me to it because I think I can get into anything. Once a movie is playing that I haven’t seen, I won’t go to bed until I’ve finished it. My favorites though, are movies that are real.

10. What is your favorite music? It solely depends on my mood, but usually, I can get into everything. I have been playing and making music since I was 6 so it’s something that I definitely couldn’t live without. Within every genre, I can find a piece of myself.

11. What is your favorite food? PIZZA. But I will literally eat almost anything. I love food.

12. Where do you see yourself in five years? I have no idea. I believe in planning. However, I also believe in being adaptive and doing what you love, ultimately. Right now, I feel like I’m at a sort of turning point (I’m still a student and I recently switched my majors) so I’m not exactly sure what specifically I will be doing. However, I see myself being happy. I’m at a point where I feel like I can either do nothing, or make myself something amazing and I definitely choose the latter. We’ll see where that takes me.

13. In your eyes, the three things you value most are: Real Love, Truth, Passion