Catch a Wave During Spring Break

By Dianna Shaw

Are you looking for something exciting to do for spring break? Why not learn to surf with the South Padre Surf Company? This organization is geared toward teaching anyone of any age to safely ride the waves.
“My day at surf camp was a blast,” said Stephanie Green, a student of SPSC. “When I caught my first wave, I felt like I was dancing with the water.”
SPSC is a family-operated enterprise that has been in business for 11 years. The owners and teachers are husband and wife team Gene and Rachel Gore. They also incorporate their children, Micah, 8, and Melia, 6, into the business.  These amazing little surfers motivate the younger students.
“Safety is our first goal,” Rachel said. “So the first thing new students learn is water safety. Our second objective is fun, so included with the lessons are pictures and memories to last a lifetime.”
Lessons are offered year-round on a daily basis and surf camps are held throughout the fall, winter and at spring break. Church groups, scouts, birthday parties and corporate businesses may schedule surf parties. This is an excellent way to build bonds between individuals that last a lifetime.
“At our family reunion, eight of us scheduled a surf camp with SPSC,” said Diane Merrill, a student. “We paddled and popped up, crashed and sighed. Then we let our stress settle and we felt a new sense of togetherness. That was a good day.”
The lessons are held at the beautiful Isla Blanca Beach Park on South Padre Island in a secluded area located near the jetty. “This is where the best waves break; it is also the best surf in the entire Gulf of Mexico,” Gene said. “The bottom is sand, no rocks or reef, and we teach in shallow water where you can stand up if you need to. You do not even need to know how to swim!”
The organization supplies soft surfboards that have a leash, Lycra surf shirts and, if necessary, wetsuits for the cooler days. Students must bring swimwear, a towel and a positive attitude. Students should also wear waterproof, sweat-proof sunblock. There is a guarantee that students will be surfing alone in one lesson.
“Once you conquer the fear factor, all you have to do is relax and listen to your instructor,” Green said. “You feel such a deep connection with nature out there. I love to surf.”
The Gores are skilled ocean lifeguards, water safety experts and they are certified in ocean rescue and CPR. Gene  has numerous awards and has worked for such organizations as, Hawaii Water Patrol, Galveston Beach Patrol and is a member of the six-man Hawaiian World Lifeguard Team, to name a few.  In 2004 he competed in the World Lifeguard Championships in Viareggio, Italy. He captured four medals and was the top-ranked American competitor.
“Sharing a passion for surfing together as a family has been wonderful, to say the least,” Rachel said.  “There’s nothing quite like paddling out and waiting to share a wave with your husband and your two kids. The love of surfing has allowed us to visit many exciting places in the world. It would be tough to say which was the best, but my top three would be Hawaii, France and Australia.”
Rachel has been teaching surfing lessons for the past 10 years through Galveston College and the Galveston College Kids Camp. She also teaches for many other institutions such as the Moody Hospitality Institute, San Luis Resort, Goreboards Surfside Surf Camps and South Padre Surf Company. She recently won first place in the women’s division for the eight mile Harpoon Barry Bay and Gulf Paddle Challenge, and finished third in the Hawaiian Paddleboard Championship.
 “My favorite thing about teaching people to surf is being able to share my knowledge of surfing and watching their ‘stoke’ as they stand up and ride their very first wave,” said Rachel.
Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance of the lesson.
For more information or to schedule lessons, call 956-772-7272 or visit the Web site at www.southpadresurfcompany.com to learn more.