Posted by Rick Civelli | 10.28.2010 | Employment, WB Surf Camp News

WB Surf Camp Instructor of the week for October 24th: Ben Sciance

Ben Sciance joined the family of  WB Surf Camp in 2010. He is a solid member of our Teen Wrightsville Beach Overnight Team, and we hope to have him back for at least one more season, if not more!  The wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm Ben carries about marine science and surfing is a huge contribution to our programs. Always willing to help where he is needed, Ben also worked as a counselor in our Sea Turtle Camp this summer. With his impressive work ethic and educational background, we know Ben will go far! This winter he hopes to receive an internship doing manatee GIS research in Florida. Stoked!

1. What drew you to a position at WB Surf Camp? I first heard about Surf Camp when I was interning at the Sea Turtle Hospital two summers ago and the campers would come to the hospital every week for a tour. The kids seemed so excited to see the sea turtles but also were super stoked to be surfing. I talked to the instructors and they were awesome, too. I asked Jean Beasley about Surf Camp and she just went on and on about how amazing Rick was and about the program in general. Once I found out that environmental education was a big part of Surf Camp, I knew I would apply!

2. Who is your favorite surfer and why? I would have to say Joel Tudor or Donovan Frankenreiter. Every time I see film of Tudor surfing, I’m just in awe of how smooth he rides and Donovan is just down right awesome.  I also like that they ride every type of surfboard.  If I ever have my dream quiver, it would include every type of board, maybe minus the regular thruster.  I’d rather cruise on a single fin like Tudor or some old school retro board like Donovan.

3. When did you start surfing and where? I started surfing during my family vacations in Topsail Beach. Once I went to college, I started surfing as much as I could at Virginia Beach since it was close by. Despite what they say, VA beach does have fun waves; you could compare it to perfect cloudbreak. Just kidding, but that’d be cool if it was really like that.

4. What is your favorite surf break? Any place that has a fun wave!!

5. What inspired you to start surfing? When I was younger I got hooked on boardsports like most kids.  Snowboarding and skating were super fun so I wanted to try surfing and got hooked.

6. Where was your most memorable session? Surfing a hurricane swell at VA Beach with a bunch of buddies. It was late in the evening and just us with perfect head high peelers before dark.

7. What is the worst wipeout you’ve ever had? It was during Hurricane Noel’s swell two years ago at VA beach. The waves were huge, they were dusting the top of the pier at 15th street. I was paddling for this massive wave and it hucked and I went over the falls. It felt like I jumped off of a high dive. I guess it wasn’t that bad, but I remember popping up and being like WOAH that was intense.

8. What are some of your interests outside of surfing? MUSIC! I have been playing the drums since I was 8. I love just messing around and playing music. I like any activity that involves being outside. I’m kind of a nerd ad think insects are real cool, too. I want to start my own bug collection soon.

9. What is your favorite movie? I don’t have one favorite, but Dumb and Dumber is pretty epic.

10. What is your favorite music? I love to listen to all types of music, especially music I haven’t heard before. Mostly I’m into a lot of rock as well as music to chill to.

11. What is your favorite food? Mmmm food. Where to begin? Meat loaf, hands down!

12. Where do you see yourself in five years? Hopefully I’ll have a job working with GIS or some environmental related field that is near the  beach and the mountains.

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