Surf2Live
Elliot,
How can I thank you enough, your coaching me in Puerto Rico brought my level up so much that I am now surfing like I never did before, your understanding, your teaching is so much more than I expected.
Now that I am back in Ca.Everyone that I see is asking me how I upped my game, I told them about you and a few people on the team I ride for would like you to come here and run a clinic for them.I do understand that you are not into the big corp sponsorship but they will be happy to use your coaching skills to work with the rest of the team if you can.
Again thank you, I am beyond excited and look to place in the top 10 this year.
All the best.
Rob
Hi!
I was with a group of three from South Salem NY on Monday August 2. We all had a great time but I wanted to extend my personal appreciation to you and your excellent staff for a day of safe, secure fun! I not only had a blast but everyone made me feel extremely comfortable. You all rock so much. Friendly, enthusiastic, supportive-.well you created another surfer in the world. I have a house in South Carolina and am currently looking to buy a board to mess around with down there. You will definitely here from me again!
Chantal Detlefs
Elliot,No beach games said it all and you gave us what we wanted, 4 hours of water time and no DUCK,DUCK,GOOSE..
My kids and myself will be back next summer and we will let the entire group that attended the other so called camp just how great your school is.
Thank you and see you in PR
LC and the kids
Well NO BEACH GAMES said it all. And just surfing is what we did.
Thanks for the new life
John
Elliot your surfing school is just what the doctor ordered.
Thank you and I want to book a week in Puerto Rico in Nov.
K.S and kids
Elliot, just finished my week at your surfing camp and must say it was the most enjoyable week of my life.A 40 something woman learning to surf was the last thing I thought I would be doing until a friend told me about you.At first I thought no way me surfing at my age? well you took care of that, from the first day to the last you and your staff worked in a fashion that was nothing short of amazing.I run a huge company in the city and only wish I could comand my workers like you do.
I was standing in five minutes and by the end of the week getting tubed.
the most exciting,wonderful,relaxing vacation week in my life.
Your school is hands down the best.
Thank you and will see you in two weeks.
Your surfing queen
Carol
Hey Elliot its me John and katie, you guy's gave us the time of our lifes, your staff was just perfect, how you controlled the entire camp was in short amazing, at first I thought I would feel like a fool but from the second you started us on the beach you made me and my daughter feel relaxed, then in the water you blew us away making surfing soooo easy, so relaxed and what was even better was surfing for 4 hours,I was in and out of the water the whole day and when I was out you knew how to make one feel so great.
Your concept of NO BEACH GAMES worked so well, yes you know how to work with kids and adults like no one I have ever seen.Well done and see you soon.
John&Katie
Surf2live rocks I cannot stop thinking of what you and your staff have done to me, I think I am going to retire and become a surfing dude,
Your school is by far the best thing I have done in years.
Thank you for showing me how easy surfing can be even at age 55.
Steve
P.S the company I own wants to do a outing next month we have over 200 people that wants to join..
After going to another surf camp I heard about your camp and could not imanage what they told me,surfing for 4 hours, I sign up and saw what a real surf camp was like, from your great instructors to the way you stood in front of me barking comands and for the entire 4 hours, I was in and out of the water the entire time.Even better was the way you had both adults and the kids in the water and we all hooting everyone as they caught waves and rode them into the beach.You fully understand how to teach and make learning fun with out any beach games.
You rock.
Susan R
Hey Elliot it's Sarah(a.k.a. Princess or Colorado =])
I think I'm convincing my dad to take us out again next week and I can't wait. Best week of my life. See you soon
Sarah
A four hour surf camp said it all, and surf almost the entire time, how refreshing a surf camp and not a day camp,well done.
Kim and Dave
Elliot, my son drove me crazy, he wanted to go with all his friends to another camp until one of them signed up at your camp, well we also signed up and as you said, we surfed,surfed and surfed until we got it, no time limit no crazy crowds and NO BEACH GAMES.
Karen and Steve
Well at 50 my friends said I was nuts but after a week at your camp I am now surfing, you said you could and you DID.
Thank you
John
Elliot your surf camp for adults was just perfect, you taught with amazing ease and grace, made it so easy to learn.
Your camp is first class
Joan
NO GAMES NO B.S JUST 4 HOURS OF SURFING
Steve and Carol
Cannot remember the last time I had so much fun, you said it and it was true, NO GAMES lol...Just 4 hours of surfing, now I have a new love, SURFING
Sue and Katie
Elliot, had to write you to tell the world that your surfing camp was the best thing I ever did, not only did I learn to surf well but doing so for almost 3 1/2 hours out of the 4.NO BEACH GAMES said it all, just surfing.My daughter who I thought would want to rest more surfed as long as I did and with so many great instructors in the water the entire 4 hours, was great.
We are returning next week for more, thanks for the great time and I have a bunch of my friends joining along with the kids.
You made our surfing experience in one word "GREAT"....
marie and the kids
Hi-
Just wanted to let you know that I had the best birthday party ever! (July 31st) Everyone had a blast. I'm hooked. We want to do it again--are there spaces open the rest of the summer or are you full?
I guess I should stop watching Shark Week, huh?
Thanks,
Robyn and Rich Pan
You were right, dreams can be come true, thanks that 48 year old guy..
Ken
Elliot, Oh behalf of all of us, thank you for makeing our vacation start a new begining.
The King family
Took your class and have to say THANK YOU,THANK YOU THANK YOU>>>>>
Diann .W
Brought my daughter for a surfing lesson and as I stood and watched her fly by on a wave was enough to make me try it, well after you said join us I to am hooked.Please sign up both up for you camp the third week.
We cannot wait and have tolfd the world about your school,
Stacy and hang ten Sue.
Elliot, first let me thank you for keeping our lessons private and no one knowing about it,I never post things but I have to say this, for the part in the move I was staring in I had to learn to surf and surf well enough to ride waves well, it was a part I almost had to turn down until one of my good friends in the film world told me to contact you, you not only taught me how to surf but showed me just what a great sport surfing is, your ease in the water, your teaching skills and best of all your ability to do so with a smile on your face is truly amazing.
Well all I can say is I am now hook and need you to come and work with me on the west coast.
All the best and again thank you for being so professional.
J.R
Took a group lesson with you the other day and had the time of my life, your staff worked with me until I was up and surfing wave after wave, your beach was not crowded and you had total control of everything in the water,I will see you next weekend and odds are all summer long..
Susan
Elliot, you where right about waves in NY,it was a blast, you and your staff made learning so much fun, so easy and enjoyable that I have found a new love, surfing, will see you very soon for more lessons.
John and Kathy.
Elliot, As a mother I was very impressed with your school, from the second we got to the beach we felt comfortable, then when you took the kids out out I felt even better, such care was shown to every person in the group and then the very first wave my kids got up and rode wave after wave, getting better and better, I never thought I would ever want to try it but seeing all of your adult and kids in the class having the time of their life made me want to try, so next week please reserve spots for me and the kids.
Karen
Dear Surf2live,
At 45 I thought I was to old until I tried it the other day,you told me to relax and enjoy and sure enough, I DID IT...yea I was glowing for days, i still cannot believe I surfed, and surfed well.
I want to come back next week for more.
Well done.
Tim
Yea you all say you are the best but now that I worked with your school you can say it and say it with truth, I took a week surfing school in DR, the instructor I thought was okay until I took your weekend class, you know exactly what to say and do, your staff was always there to help and one class I learned more than the entire week in DR.
Thank you and see you soon
Mary
P.S I want to sign up myself for your week adult camp and my two kids in the kids camp in July.
Took a lesson with another school , then tried your school, night and day,no crowds, plenty of instructors helping in the water, and just a very pleasant time.
Thanks
Jen
Surf, surf and surf I am so happy I listened to my friend and went to you.
So easy, so much fun and after I come down from the high, I am calling you for more.
Mike
My wife got me a birthday gift, a lesson with Elliot, thought it would be another gift I would not use, she pushed me to go, I went.The BEST gift I ever got. Now tossing the clubs away and waxing my board.
Thank you for showing me the way.
Hang ten
Tommy from the city.
Elliot, working a job that drains my brain daily, had to find something to relax me,from the first wave to the last you showed me a great way to ease my every day insanity of NYC life,
Thanks, John
KIDS CAMP
If all camps ran like yours it would be very hard to pick one but after last summer, we know where our kids will go this summer, surf2live...
Safe fun and the price is great, thank you for the reduction in price, we now can send them many more times this summer....
Mary W
Your camp is by far the finest,surfing and surfing is what you said and that is just our kids did.Great job and we are in for this summer as well...
Our kids cannot wait to start surfing camp with you, your instructors made them feel like stars and we got to relax and enjoy our surfing time with you.
See you soon
Dave& Karen
Great news about the reduced cost for the kids camp, we have sent our son last year and he loved it, he got over the fear of the ocean and now surfs very good, he wants you to teach him new tricks and we love the idea that we can leave our son in a well supervised area and he can master his skills.
Thank you and we put our requested weeks in the mail today..
See you in the spring
Ken & Jane
Surf2live kids surfing camp is a must for all kids, they not only teach great but teach respect for the ocean and better yet, for people..
We are sending you our dates for our daughters surfing weeks and we look forward to seeing you when you get back to NY.
Carla..
Elliot, Just saw you posted your summer 2010 kids camp and I just want every parent to know that last year my two kids attended your camp after going to the other one and I must say, I was beyond pleased at the way you run your camp, I felt very comfortable and my kids said it was the best camp they ever went to, they surfed most of the time they where there, they where taught the proper way to surf and best of all was the way you and your instructors took interest in the kids, showing each kids to surpass anything they thought they could do.Your expertise in knowing exactly what to say and how to teach made my kids surf better than even we thought they could, we really like the idea that your school does not allow the kids to just take off and go where they wanted to go, you know how to run a school for kids and we are signing up the kids again this summer , this time for the entire summer.
Sue and Steve
Elliot,
I just wanted to thank you again for the amazing experience in Puerto Rico. Both of us excelled at surfing beyond what we'd imagined in such a short time. I look forward to refreshing my skills and improving further during your summer camp. You made Jeanette and I feel welcome in your home with your delectible meals, love for the beach, and knowledge of the island of enchantment. We appreciate that very much. I'd love to volunteer this summer on your Surfer's Way outings. Let's stay in touch. Mike Horun
I took your singles class last night and have to say it was great, I met some great people and your staff was first class.Great job and I will be back next Friday..
Sue
Elliot
Singles surfing?I gave it a try and loved it, allI can say is it was everything you said, well done and see you soon, I will be bringing a few of my friends next week as it was a great way to get out and enjoy myself and meet new friends..
Mike
Elliot, I asked you not to let anyone know I was taking a surfing lesson with you being I did not want the press to bother me during my private life and you kept your word, thank you.Your surfing lesson just blew me away and I have been working with instructors from all over the world.You are by far the best I have ever worked with, you not only kicked up my surfing but you did so with ease.
I will call you when I am in NY next week for another great lesson and again thanks for keeping my private life, private..
Hi Elliot-
Just wanted to thank you again for the surf lesson this afternoon! Had an amazing time and I'm hooked! I'm out of town the next 2 weekends but I will be back on the beach after that!
Thanks again and happy fathers day if you're celebrating that as well today.
Lizzie
Elliot,
Last weekend, I took your beginners surfing lesson and I had a blast. I also have to say that I'm still feeling the high from the weekend. Not only that, when I watched 'Step into Liquid,' I got even more stoked. I can't wait to get back out there and surf again, maybe not those giant 63 foot waves, but the waves that we had last weekend.
I told all my friends about surfing and they want to do it. I'm in the midst of gathering a group, and I want to know what you need in order for us to book a group lesson for July 25. What is the minimum number of people that is needed to come and what is the maximum number. I have more questions, but I'd like to know if you guys are available on July 25 first.
By the way, you were right, surfing is an addiction, and thanks for the drug. I want to get back out there again.
Thanks,
Albert
Elliot, saw you and some other guy last Sunday working with some kids surfing and there was I think CNN filming you with the kids, it brought a tear to my eyes seeing these kids smiling and the parents gleaming with pride, you then gave me a lesson and I now understand why the kids could not stop smiling, as I was as well, you make learning to surf so easy and relaxing. great work with the kids and myself.
Moni W
Elliot, took a lesson with you last week and it was great, thank you for making my first time out so enjoyable, see you next week.
mary from NY
Peter from the city wants to let anyone that is looking to take up surfing to go to Surf2live, they rock and are the very best.
Elliot,
Thanks for the great lesson you gave me and my daughter, you knew just what to say to help me get over my fear and do so with so much ease, I do not know how you did it but you did, I will never forget it and will be joining you every week all summer long, my daughter was amazed to see me standing and she well as a 15 year old did great, your instructors also knew what to do and they treated both of us like we expected to be treated, you guy's are the best.
Joan and Cindy
My surf2live friends, thank you for the lesson the other day it was great and your location was very easy to get to from the city.I never thought that the waves were so good in NY and your school so close, I followed your advice and took the LIRR from Penn station and the short bus ride to your beach and the rest of the day was a pure delight, the surfing lesson was great, you and your team was great as well and I am now surfing.Not to bad for a 40 year old.
As a doctor I know what it takes to make sure everything goes 100%correct and surf2live did just that.
Well done and thank you, I will be shouting your school to everyone I know.
Kathy the surfing doctor..
Elliot,
I took a lesson with another instructor in the area and was about to give up until a friend told me about your school, right off the bat I was very comfortable seeing that you and your instructors where adults, total pro's from the beach instructions to the way you all taught.
You made surfing very easy and you all knew what to say to me to correct all the mastakes I was making, and I made many..lol...
Thanks and see you soon
John
Thanks for the best day of my life, at 35 I thought that I would never be able to surf but after speaking to you and then taking my very first lesson I must say you where right, I did it, not only standing within 10 minutes in the water but making turns.I will tell all my friends that now they have a surf school that will teach them how to surf and your instructors where great as well.
You now changed my way of life and I look forward to joining again next week.
Cindy H
NYC
leecohen01 has made a comment on Surf2Live Surfing Lessons:
I grew up with Elliott in long Island and besides teaching me how to surf huge swells in North Carolina he is truly a great human being. Go Dude!!!!!
Elliot,
Well sitting here back in the cold I cannot stop thinking about the insane time we had in Puerto Rico.Being two girls from a small town, we felt that we could not go some island and surf without having problems, well you not only showed us the best waves we ever surfed, but your home and cooking was beyond words.WE never felt so safe and comfortable the entire time.Not only did you have us surfing for hours every day but you taught us how to Stand Up Paddle at that great beach Crash Boats.
We do take many vacations but yours was as you said,the most relaxing, enjoyable we ever had.
We will be contacting you very soon to book our winter vacation for next year very soon.
Karen & Susan
Dear Elliot,
We just wanted to drop you a quick note to let you know how much Dave and I absolutely LOVED our trip to Puerto Rico in December!
This was the first trip we have ever taken where there was no itinerary or schedule that we felt the need to adhere to. I originally thought this may pose a problem and that we would not get as much out of our vacation this way, but we ended up experiencing just the opposite! Your house was amazing, a real home away from home, very clean and had all the amenities you could ask for (including internet, TV, a fully stocked fridge, coffee and of course alcohol!). I loved waking up on my own time, sitting on the porch getting to know you while watching the rainbows form and disappear. Of course the roosters did provide some entertainment as well :) Meanwhile, Dave got his chance to sleep in and not feel rushed.
Your knowledge of the surfing areas was so helpful and we never felt afraid to surf, despite this being our introduction to the sport. We were even standing up on the surf boards on our first waves! What an amazing feeling! We are now both hooked and we are already looking forward to and trying to plan our next visit with you in PR! I cannot believe that in 4 days we were surfing on reef! Surfing for about 2 hours twice a day was just perfect, of course with lunch and a mini siesta in between! We stayed in shape and got tanned....all while laughing continuously and having a blast!
We have shown our pictures and told the stories to everyone who will listen and I'm sure you will be hearing from some of our nearest and dearest friends and family as they will also want to try their hand at surfing.... if you can teach the two of us, you can certainly teach anyone!
Not only did we learn a new sport, but we really felt that we have made a new friend in you. We almost felt like family at the end of our 5 day stay!
So what else to say??? The surfing was awesome, the house was fantastic, your teaching and your company was wonderful and your cooking was phenominal!
We will most certainly be back for more! Looking forward to seeing you again soon,
Christine and Dave McKenzie
October 2008
Dear Elliot,
I must admit, I was so excited for my first tropical experience that I feared this trip would inevitably fall short of my quickly growing expectations. I was, however, not only satisfied with my choice to vacation in Puerto Rico, but blown away with the overall experience you provided in Aguadilla. My surf tour in Puerto Rico far exceeded all I ever could have imagined and I am eager to return to this corner of paradise. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for an extraordinary weekend.
While I was a bit wary of traveling as an individual woman to an exotic destination, this mentality disappeared from the moment you picked me up at the airport. I was impressed with the ease in making the trip, including the close proximity of the airport to your house, and the safety in travelling within Aguadilla. Your house itself provided the comforts of a home-away-from home, which I greatly appreciated. Your state-of-the-art kitchen was fully stocked, perfectly clean, and, most importantly, always open! While your sitting room was comfortable, I really enjoyed relaxing on your wrap-around veranda with a cup of tea, watching the sun set over the water framed by palm trees while a light breeze cooled the warm evening air.
My greatest priority in visiting Puerto Rico was developing my surfing skills and exploring local beaches. Although I was nervous to surf in such a different environment from Long Beach, you alleviated my concerns with your close instruction and guidance at each beach, making sure that I was not only safe, but enjoying myself. I was also comforted in your ability to match my surfing skills with a variety of beaches and surf conditions, ensuring that I would have fun while improving my technique and pushing myself further than I thought possible. While I was already familiar with your teaching style and incredible patience, I appreciated these qualities that much more in such a new environment! I was not surprised however to see how well connected you were with the local surfing community, guaranteeing that whoever surfs with you is welcomed at even the most private beaches. And there was no better way to end a surfing session than by stopping at a fruit stand to have a fresh coconut cracked open in order to enjoy the delicious ice cold coconut water.
The level of personalization did not stop at the beach, making my time out of the water was just as enjoyable. The number of options in activities was incredible. I especially enjoyed exploring the terrain and learning the local history, not to mention the delicious bakeries and restaurants. I must admit, though, nothing beats your gourmet cooking!
I can-t thank you enough for sharing your piece of paradise. I can still feel the impact of my time in Puerto Rico and I believe my trip will leave lasting impressions beyond my cherished memories. After such an active weekend, I feel an improved sense of personal health as well as a continued motivation to maintain such physical activity. I was very sad to leave Aguadilla and while it took some time to readjust back to reality, I can't wait to come back. This is definitely a vacation I will recommend to my friends and family, without reservation. Thank you again!
Paige Cullen
Elliot,
What can we say besides your Puerto Rico vacation was by far the best vacation we ever had, from your incredible hospitality to you complete experience of the breaks, it was great.
We both increased our surfing ability 1000% and now feel so much better surfing on our own.
And we thought you were a great instructor, we never in a million years knew you could cook so well, by far the best chicken we ever had and the pasta dishes you make, thank god you worked us so well other wise we would have gained 20 pounds..
Well again thank you and we will be returning in Feb and would not think of any place but with you.
Karen and Amy
Thank you Elliot and everyone at Surf Pals for a wonderful day at Long
Beach. This is the 2nd year in a row we've ended our summer surfing with you. I couldn't think of a better way! Everyone at Surf Pals was terrific with the kids. The kindness and generosity overwhelms me. I hope everyone there realizes that by giving up one day to do this for our kids gives us a memory we'll cherish for a lifetime. Thank you so much!
Kerrie Ferrara
I took the surf2live summer camp this week. It was the best 5-day
vacation Ive ever had. Elliot and his crew are outstanding. They had me riding a wave within the first hour of the first day. Not only did I learn how to surf, I learned culture of surfing, the proper equipment, and how to make the most out of down time on the beach waiting for the waves. But this camp is no joke. Elliot wants you to make the most out of the time you are giving him. He works you non-stop and knows how to push you to the limit. Then he pushes more, to get every ounce of energy out of you. Yes I am very sore right now but was worth it. Elliot teaches in a way that you want to keep getting up on that board, not cause he wants
you too, but cause you want to get up there, and get better and better. Ross and Max, the junior instructors are great. Jesse is outstanding, except the hand modeling is a distraction. His teaching style is great, but sometimes the hand jobs do get in the way. Overall, I was so pleased with this camp. I will have memories for every minute of this. I can't
wait to go to weekend sessions, and go with Elliot to pick out my board at a local surf shop. Thanks, Ray Sackman
Elliot-
I just wanted to thank you on behalf of all my sisters/cousins for a great lesson and experience yesterday...We will never forget it!
Sincerely,
Liz Oakes
Hey Elliot!!
I just wanted to tell you that I had an AWESOME time at Saturday's Class! You and your instructors were so efficient and well aware of everything going on. I absolutely LOVED surfing, and you guys made it a very successful first time for me. I didn't know what to expect, and I was a little nervous. But from the first time I contacted you over the phone, to the moment I was in the water, you consoled my concerns and made me feel safe. I've heard that most surf lessons hardly let you do any real surfing the first time, but your class was fully hands-on. I felt very
comfortable with your staff and they helped me ride my first wave within a few minutes. Along with your knowledge and talent in the water, everyone was very friendly, funny, supportive, and overall enjoyable to be around. I couldn't have asked for a better first time surfing! I have a feeling you'll be seeing me more often as I'm hooked on surfing... it's going to be my summer sport! See you soon! Love, Kayan Tracey Lee
I took my first class with Elliot and his assistant instructor Jesse and I had a fantastic time. I felt completely safe with their guidance and expertise and I learned a lot in that first class. Plus, I had soo much fun! I will definitely be taking class again. Rose Rugel
thanks so much, we had a blast. although very sore tonight i think it safe to say where are hooked. hang ten and have a great weekend. x ilana and reuven
Hey Elliot,
I just wanted to thank you again for an incredible day yesterday and I especially appreciated your patience and encouragement! I'd love to come back and do another lesson, but my weekends are pretty booked for the next few weeks, do you run anything on weekday evenings that I might be able to take advantage of? Also, I wanted to know some more information about the adult camp over the summer.
Thanks again for everything!
Paige
Surf2Live: thank you thank you thank you. Not only have you given me my first, most fantastic surf lesson, but you've inspired me to surf for the rest of my life! Elliot -- you are an absolute hero! xxx Randy
Elliot, as a mother of a 13 year old daughter I must say that you have changed my mind about allowing my daughter to learn to surf,she took a summer camp with another camp and I was quite upset at the way she was treated as well as her friends that took the camp.In short the instructors did not teach them to well, let them go on thier own and well just treated them unprofessionaly.I was on the beach and saw the way they handled the girls and I was a bit upset,They seem to care more about what they were doing that night than the girls.When one of the girls had a problem, they did not help her but instead,laughed and did even less to help her.The girls only wanted to have a good time and learn how to surf.
I was at the point that I was not going to allow her to take any more surfing camps until one of our friends told us about your camp.I was not going to allow her to try again but after her nagging me, I gave in.
I was quite surprised to hear that you where giving the lessons and that you asked me to stay and watch.I did and was very happy to see that you and your staff not only got the girls surfing but they were supervised the entire time in the water, and on the beach.
Thank you and we will be back next summer for your camp.I also recommeded your school to everyone I know..
Susan W.
Surf2live, As a woman in her 30s I always wanted to learn to surf, I took a few lessons while on vacation but did not do to well, I found your site and signed up for one of your group lessons, I was shocked at how easy you made it, Elliot was teaching the class and after only 10 minutes of instruction on the beach, I was up and standing on my second wave.The way the instructors worked with me was insane, it seemed they knew exactly what to tell me to correct any mistakes I made and the best day of my life.Well I am now a surfer girl ,surfing on my own and I have surf2live to thank.
Joan West
Surf2live rocks, the best surfing school,the best instructors.
Ok so the fact was I was scared, never surfed before and in my late 20s I was confussed and almost backed out but being a woman who does not back down, I went for it.The second I walked on the beach and saw Elliot he made me feel very comfortable, by the time the lessons started, I was ready and he ,well just made it so easy and fun that I got hooked.I was amazed that I was up and standing on my first wave.He taught me how to turn, get through waves and catch waves.After a few lessons I brought a board and now surf on my own...Thank you so much.
Jenny Stevens
Elliot, as a 40 year old man I thought learning how to surf was beyond me but you changed that, you made learning easy starting with your beach instruction and then in the water, you helped me understand the in's and out's of the sport and had me up quickly.I now surf all the time and thanks to you.
P.S not only have you started me on the road of this great sport but your teaching of the right of way in surfing has not only saved me from any problems with locals, but I am now welcome in any line up I surf.You showed me the right way.
Thanks
Ray
Elliot, Not sure if you remembered me, but I was the girl that was getting an surfing lesson with someone else and I saw you giving a lesson at the same beach, my instructor had little clue of what I was doing wrong, I could not get it, falling and falling I was ready to give up until I tried you, you knew right away what I was doing wrong and corrected it in a few waves, I got it.Your method is great and look forward to surfing again soon.
Carol..
Elliot, I got a gift certificate for my birthday with you and after one lesson, I am hooked, well done, your teaching, your understanding and best of all your sense of humor made the lesson the best birthday present I ever got.
Thanks
John
SURF PALS
Hi Elliot, I can't thank you enough for the wonderful experience Jay had yesterday. I've seen therapists with years of formal training that did not command his trust, attention and focus the way you did--and certainly not as quickly. Beginning with the clerk at the bagel store on Lido Boulevard and continuing later in the day at our neighborhood pool with everyone he saw---"I went surfing with Elliot" was his mantra for the day--coupled with a giant smile from ear to ear. Speaking as a parent of a child with autism, and not as a representative of my company, I highly recommend you to any other parent seeking a surfing experience for their child. As I mentioned to you yesterday, we will be away next week but I'd love to book another appointment for the morning of Sunday, July 8. Please let me know if this is possible. Thanks again very much. All the best, Marc
Surf Pals - Sept 2007 Long Beach
Hi, I just wanted to thank everyone at Surf Pals for an incredible day at Long Beach yesterday. We couldn't have ended our summer in a better way. It was my son's first time ever in the ocean and he loved it. He surfed several times with Marvin and he had a ball. Marvin was great with him, so patient. I am very grateful to everyone involved in making yesterday happen!! Kerrie Ferrara (and Paul)
Dear Surf2Live, It was a thorough and unique pleasure for our family to take part in the Surf Pals- Surfing with Autism- event held in Long Beach September 4th. The passion and confidence expressed by Master Surfing Instructor Elliot Zuckerman and other volunteer instructors drew our son without hesitation into the waves. Nothing short of sensational! Such a great time! Larry Fitzpatrick, Williston Park
As the father of an autistic 5 year old boy, I will do just about anything to expand his view of the world and let him have some fun too. So when I found out about a program tying in surfing and autism, I was all over it. Due to a mix up in dates however, we showed up at Long Beach literally a day late. After asking around the beach, some surfers pointed to Elliot and said he might know something. Boy did he ever! Elliot confirmed that yes, it was the day before, yes, he did know about the program, in fact, he worked with them! He said just have seat, play in the surf, and as soon as he finished with his current class, he'd see what could be done. This being Josh's first time at the ocean, I was skeptical how he would perceive it. No problem there, he took right to it. Well, Elliot came back and said "hey, I've got some time between classes, how about I take him out?" You couldn't stop Josh from taking Elliot's hand and heading into the surf. Elliot didn't have to do this, but he did. He then spent the next 45 minutes with Josh on the board. The pictures we have of him are, as the commercial says, priceless. And when all was said and done, Elliot didn't charge us. He wouldn't take anything. He said the smile on Josh's face was enough. Well, here it is January, and Josh still talks about Long Beach and surfing. Not bad for a boy whose memory usually fades after 2 weeks. I am definitely heading back to Long Beach, and this time, I will call Elliot and only Elliot, because I know he will take the time and effort to make sure Josh has a good time. Keep up the good work, Elliot! Chris Love, father of Joshua.
I just wanted to thank you & all of the Surf Pals for allowing me to participate in your program on Tuesday. Elliot was outstanding. I have no idea how he can stradle that wide surf board. It was a pleasure meeting all of you. If there are any pictures out there of the day please foward them. I would like to see them. Does Surf Pals have a web site? One again, Thank You! Jack Mahoney
Surf Pals - Sept 2007 Devon England
I recently took my 12 year old son and 8 year old daughter to a most fantastic day at Bigbury on Sea for children with an Autistic Spectrum Disorder. I would never have considered taking my son surfing; assuming that he would not have the balance or the co-ordination necessary to be successful and that instructors would find him difficult to teach. How wrong I was! Within a very short time he was standing on the board and riding the surf. He was thrilled and I was amazed. My daughter was taught by Elliot and she also had a fantastic time. My face must have been a picture as I watched them. Elliot told me that if I grinned any more then my cheeks would crack. It was a great day! All the instructors had such patience and understanding with the children and helped them all to achieve so much. It is certainly a day that I will never forget. THANK YOU! Nicky Ruane
My son Alfie was fortunate enough to take part in the Surf2live event which took lace at Bigbury beach in Devon, in the United Kingdom. What a fantastic day! The atmosphere was incredible, all these special people giving such an amazing experience to our kids. Elliot was wonderful with my son. We cried, we laughed, we had the most brilliant day. We shall never forget it. We look forward to doing it all over again next year. Thank you so much. xxx Tonia Gonzalez (UK)
Hi Elliot! Just a quick note to say you should all be really proud of yourselves for organising such a fantastic event at Bigbury on Saturday. You were so busy I didnt get the chance to say hello, so wanted to let you know what a wonderful day it was, I got chatting to several parents, and everyone was having a great time. It was great to chat to Jane (Toms Mum) and to watch how patient and loving she was with Tom who eventually liked the idea of being on the board after an hour and a half in the water!! I ended up staying all day and watching the afternoon session as well. Well done to everyone! Geraldine, Ashley House Printing Company, UK
Dear Elliot, I just wanted to let you know what a fabulous time we had at the weekend and to thanks you so much for organising it all! It was a privilege to be there amongst such inspirational people- mostly our children! The energy and love
on that beach was tangible. We are very keen to organise a similar event in Kent next year and would appreciate any help you can give us- we will keep in touch. Our sincere thanks to all involved!!! Kindest Regards, Sue Cakebread and Family
Mate Elliot! Sign us up for your 2008 UK tour! We're there. You have given us the most profound, incredible, eye-opening experience ever! We can't thank you enough for introducing us to all these wonderful children and their families. But most of all, we can't thank you enough for introducing us to YOU! All our very, very best, from your UK surf mates at Discovery Surf School in Devon, UK. Matz, Luke, Rachel, Rosie, Katie, Olly and Martin xxx
Dear Elliot, Thanks for a fantastic experience on Saturday. Tom and I really enjoyed it -- after getting over Tom's initial response :-) I met some amazing people who are just so keen to see the kids succeed -- it was a brilliant atmosphere! We are going to try again with Tom and have some tuition from Rachel at Discovery Surf School. Please thank all of your team -- it was absolutely amazing! WELL DONE! Thanks again. Jane Graham (Tom's mum) UK
Hiya Elliot! I was one of the "unqualified" instructors at Bigbury-on-Sea, and after that amazing experience, I've decided to finish my certification and start teaching surfing. Most of all, I want to carry on working with autistic and special needs children. That one day working with you has got to be one of the most inspirational moments in my life -- life changing! You're a hero, Elliot! Tim Gunstone, UK
Dear Elliot, thank you for a fantastic day on Saturday 8th Sept. 2007! Billy loved every minute of it! Please let us know if you're doing other events with autistic children/adults as wel would love to tell all our readers about the work you do. I am writing an article on the day, so will send you a copy of the magazine when it is out. Many thanks again for a truly wonderful day. Regards, Polly Tommey, Editor, The Autism File (www.autismfile.com) UK
Dear Elliot, thank you very much for organising the surfing day on Saturday 8th September and for letting Matthew participate. He had a wonderful day and thoroughly enjoyed his surfing lesson. It was a fantastic experience. Best wishes, Margaret Ladbury, UK
Dear, dear Elliot, Although Sophie did decide not to participate with the surfing on Saturday I just wanted to thank you for letting us come along. The people running the event were really helpful and we appreciated you spending so much time chatting to Sophie to see if she could be persuaded to join in, and I was really disappointed that she wouldn't. The only consolation from my perspective is that she did go in the water on her own and thoroughly enjoyed it, and tried to swim - something I wouldn't have anticipated. Congratulations on a very well run event. It was a lovely day to be on the beach at Bigbury and Sophie enjoyed having the goody bag. Lesley Hughes, UK
Elliot: I just wanted to let you know what a fantastic day we had on Sat. Probably the most rewarding day I have ever spent. As you know we went along to volunteer our help with Surf 2 Live for children with Autism. We left home at 6.30 a.m & drove to Bigbury On Sea in Devon on what was one of the best days of the year weather wise. It was absolutely glorious. When we arrived it was our job to get the children fitted up for wetsuits & then get them into a wetsuit , which was a feat in itself. Children who suffer with Autism very often don't like wearing their clothes & they certainly
don't like wearing anything tight or constrictive. For these children clothes can feel like a lead weight. We then took them down to the waters edge to be handed over to a surfing instructor. We couldn't believe you and your team had only just arrived from New York the day before. You were all so friendly & happy - not a sign of jet lag in sight. Other surfing instructors were from the UK & had spent a day training with you the day before. Just to say you are a larger than life American and it was moving for me to see howl moved to tears you were when you saw the sheer joy on these children's faces. Good job we were all wearing sunglasses is all I can say. Some of the children were very chatty, whilst others did not talk or make eye contact, but one little boy of about 10 stuck in my mind. Liam's Mum said "he doesn't talk much". Whilst we were trying to put the wetsuit on him, he said nothing & avoided eyecontact even though we were talking to him all the time. You could see by his face that he was hating every minute of it. We took him down to the sea & handed him over to an instructor. Gradually we watched him relax a little & within minutes a big smile came across his face. His smile got bigger & bigger & you could see he was loving every minute. We returned to the wetsuit tent to continue to help
the other as they arrived. We saw a total of 112 children that day. About an hour later, Liam's Mum came to ask if he could keep the wetsuit on for a bit longer as he had finished his session but wanted to play in the sea. She thanked us for our help & support & said "He has smiled more today than he did when we took him to Disneyland". We received so many thanks you & positive feedback from so many people, parents, carers, brothers, sisters & the children taking part Themselves.
It was a wonderful experience, in fact, life changing, & we wouldn't have missed it for the world. Katrina/HSBC, UK
Elliot, What a wonderful and exciting day we had last Saturday - thank you so much. The children said "it was the best day ever" a wonderful experience for them both. It was especially exciting for Lucy (who is often in Arthur's shadow) as the american surfer she was with -- YOU! (nearly 2 hours!) said she was fantastic and had real talent, wonderful balance and we should take it up - it gave her a real boost - a potential surf chick in the making! It was also a surprise to see Mary Reeve there, Arthur's language and communication therapist. I passed all the information and what a wonderful day we had to our Autism Group here in Shepton Mallet - I think they all wished they had come. It goes without saying if you are doing it or other things again please remember us here in Somerset. Best wishes and again Thank you, Paula Blight, UK
Hi there, We just wanted say a BIG THANK YOU for giving our son Luke the opportunity to have a lesson in surfing, he was very nervous about it but at the same time excited, and once he started there was no stopping him, myself and my
husband thoroughly enjoyed watching him and cant wait to take him for further lessons. Luke really really enjoyed himself and cant wait to be a pro at the sport.
So thanks again to everyone involved, we could see how much effort and hard work had gone into arranging the whole day,and of course the cost. Thumbs up to all you guys who made this day possible,give yourselves a big pat on the back you deserve it. Kind regards, Gayle & Barrie Cullum, UK
Thankyou so much to Elliot and his team - my kids and I had a fantastic time at Bigbury. I know that I wasn't the only mum blubbing in the water at the absolute joy on the faces of the children who were surfing. I couldn't believe that my daughter, who is autistic, let Elliot take her by the hand and introduce her to the people on the beach - she NEVER lets anyone hold her hand normally. It was lovely to see so many people willing to give their time and energy to help our kids - it was greatly appreciated and we can't wait to do it again! Diane Werker (Saskia and Gabriel's mum), UK
We would like to thank you and your team, Elliot, as well as all the surf instructors and helpers for a great day at Bigbury-on-Sea. Jo and Tom thoroughly enjoyed it and particularly for Tom his success on the borad took his mind off school and lifted his spirits. Ellis also enjoyed it but found the lure of climbing the rocks too great!!! Many, many thanks for providing this opportunity. They also loved the goody bags. Tom now wants a surf board for christmas! Many thanks, Bernie and Nick Pagon, UK
Now the dust has settled I just wanted to say thank you very much for including us in the Breaking the Barrier day. Our children had the most wonderful time and are now keen to carry on surfing! It was great to meet you Elliot and the others and we're so grateful to you all for giving us such a super day. It was particularly nice that some of the brothers and sisters could take part, as being the sibling of a
special-needs child can be tough at times. We would love to try to bring something like this to Kent, if you think this would be OK?
Thanks again, all the best from Liza (and Rosie Scholefield, Bailey Abson and Max
Cakebread and their families) UK
Thanks for a great day and all the hard work that you must have put into it. I know a great number of people must have been involved, but I hope that all of those happy faces made it worthwhile. If it does run again we will definately be there and I will pass on how good it was to the teachers at Combe Pafford School to encourage
others. Thanks again. Pete Hutchins, UK
Hi There Elliot, though this is somewhat rather late, I would like to join my daughter and her husband, Gayle & Barrie Cullum. in grateful thanks for the events day spent at Bigbury.Devon. in September. We were late arriving causing grandson Luke to miss his slotting in time. Evenso, Luke did not miss out. He must have spent at least one hour with his instructure (also named Luke) learning the art. He later announced he would like a surf-board for Christmas!! It was quite a task for me to get to the waters edge,(I even had a paddle)but it brought great reward. The look on those kids faces brought a tear to my eye and a lump in my throat. Families and friends were a hootin\' and a hollerin\' at the accomplishment of each child. It made one feel so very proud yet humble at what these kids where achieving. I feel quite emotional now just recounting the day. You made a difference to peoples lives. So Elliot, you and your team should be more than proud of yourselves for that, that you attain working with children with learning difficulties and other disabilities. I for one am certainly very proud of what I saw you achieve on the day. At the end of the session when we were sitting on the beach having refreshments, (all very good) you even took the time to come over and give Luke a 'High 5'. Wishing you and your team continued success and hopefully might see you again next year. My Very Best Wishes To You. Kind Regards. Jonquil Corns.S.Devon.UK. 13/10/07.