Posted by Rick Civelli | 11.16.2010 | Employment, WB Surf Camp News

WB Surf Camp Instructor of the Week for November 14th: Dan Cantu

Daniel Cantu is one of the most unassuming, modest, respectful individuals you will ever meet. To go along with these highly admired characteristics, he is also an extremely hard worker and a lot of fun to be around! Just ask all our campers who spent their summer with him! Dan joined our team in the spring of 2010 as a Teen Overnight and Specialty Camp Instructor. Dan came to WB Surf Camp with a camp counselor background, having worked at an adventure camp for children with disabilities. He learned how awesome it is to teach new skills to someone because it can spread the gift of knowledge. Dan feels that knowledge is freedom and that it makes individuals not only self-supporting, but also self-reliant and independent. He was a collegiate swimmer for Ithaca College before he came down to UNC to finish his bachelor’s degree in Policital Science. He is now completing his master’s in European Government. Dan is an extremely valuable member of our team, and we feel so fortunate to know him!

1. What drew you to a position at Surf Camp? I love to witness growth and development. Surf Camp provides an excellent stage for these two phenomena.

2. Who is your favorite surfer and why? I don’t really follow pro surfing so it’s kind of hard to say who my favorite surfer is.  I like any surfer who has a real stoke for the sport.

3. When did you start surfing and where? I started surfing at Hammocks Beach State Park when I was 17 years old.

4. What is your favorite surf break? Old Risely Pier-Onslow Beach, NC. It’s a government owned beach so not many people are allowed to access it.  When there is swell, there is usually a pretty enthralling right.
 �
5. What inspired you to start surfing? I was a lifeguard on a beach that many people didn’t go to.  We had some old boards lying around and one thing led to another. Next thing I knew, I was doing more surfing than guarding.

6. Where was your most memorable session? My most memorable session was at Emerald Isle, NC.  It was a glassy afternoon with stomach high peelers rolling in pretty consistently.  I surfed from about 4:30pm till about 9:00 and afterwards my arms were completely jaded.

7. What is the worst wipeout you’ve ever had? The sea was angry that day my friends, like an old man trying to return soup to a deli! I took off late on a seven foot bomb and tried to go vertical.  I was smacked by the lip and got stuffed by three waves after that. 

8. What are some of your interests outside of surfing? Bro-trips, swimming, hiking, European security studies

9. What is your favorite movie? Jackie Brown

10. What is your favorite music? The Strokes, Hootie and the Blowfish, Kanye West

11. What is your favorite food? Alfredo Pasta- the sauce must be thick and the pasta must be wheat.

12. Where do you see yourself in five years? I’m not sure.  Hopefully I’m not a complacent career student.

13. In your eyes, the three things you value most are: My immediate family, my friends, and reaching my full potential.