Ocean
Adventures
Local Surf Schools Provide
Safe , Rewarding Rides
B Y B R E T T W I L B U R
W
HILE THE CALIFORNIA COASTLINE CONJURES UP CAREFREE IMAGES
OF SURFERS,
SANDCASTLES, AND BEACH PARTIES, FOR MANY RESI-
DENTS AND VISITORS, SETTING FOOT IN THE CHILLY WATERS OF
MONTEREY COUNTY IS INTIMIDATING. WITH AN OCEAN TEMPERATURE THAT
CAN EASILY HOVER IN THE
50S ALONG WITH UNPREDICTABLE SURF, MANY FEEL
SAFER ON SHORE.
THERE ARE ALSO LARGE GROUPS OF THE POPULATION WHO
SIMPLY DON'T
HAVE THE TRANSPORTATION OR TIME TO GET TO THE BEACH.
PHYSICAL LIMITATIONS KEEP SOME OUT OF THE WATER TOO, AND THE COST OF
EQUIPMENT CAN BE PROHIBITIVE.
NOAH GREENBERG AND HIS FORMER WIFE, DIONNE YBARRA, STARTED SURF
SCHOOLS IN
SAN DIEGO AND CARMEL, WITH DIONNE ANSWERING THE
PHONES AND
NOAH TEACHING THE LESSONS. THEIR THREE SONS GREW UP IN
THE WATER,
AND NOW ASSIST THEIR PARENTS WITH THEIR RESPECTIVE PRO-
GRAMS. GREENBERG FOUNDED CARMEL SURF LESSONS ON CARMEL BEACH
AND
YBARRA AND HER HUSBAND, DAVE ECKSTAEDT, RUN THE WAHINE PROJECT
AT
DEL MONTE BEACH IN MONTEREY. THE GOAL OF BOTH ORGANIZATIONS IS
TO MAKE THE OCEAN ACCESSIBLE,
SAFE AND FUN FOR YOUTH AND ADULTS OF
ALL ABILITIES.
C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • H O L I D A Y 2 0 1 9 143
