HEALTH + WELLNESS: Learn how surfi ng promotes mental and physical wellness

from Crown City Magazine August 2022 Issue

TRAVEL: Philanthropic Surf Trip that tightens the bond between father and son

CORONADO SURF CLUB

It’s all wellness in the waves!

By Tracy Real Photos Courtesy of the Coronado Surf Club

urfing has been part of the Coronado beach culture for many years, inspiring a formalized group of volunteers to give youngsters an opportunity to connect and catch waves. Coronado Surf Club (CSC) began in 2018, giving youth one more reason to hit the beach. I was excited to learn more about the club as my youngest son, new to the sport, surfed all school year and reaped many positives beyond sun-streaked hair and a more buoyant body. When a chance came to promote Coronado Surf Club _ I was all fin.

I recently chatted with Heidi Iverson, a dedicated parent volunteer who helped head the club, to get the 411.

Group photos of the Coronado Surf Team and the Surf Club

History and Details

CSC is a volunteer organization coached by Mike Gillard which allowed the registration to stay at an a ordable level. For a mere $300 per year kindergartners through eighth graders got an opportunity to learn to surf, improve their skills, and meet up with friends on Tuesdays and Thursdays

after school at Stan’s Beach. Other get-togethers outside the waves were coordinated throughout the year, promoting camaraderie and philanthropy, which helped to further increase registrants to over 100 students in 2022.

Benefits

Everyone is aware of the physical benefits of surfing. The sport is a fabulous, full body workout, but it also has many social-emotional perks and is an awesome mindfulness activity. For more details online visit, TheWave.com/healthbenefits-of-surfing-for-body-and-mind.

At CSC, regardless of the surfer level of experience, it is a place with no pressure-a welcoming spot for all. One shreds the waves improving skills as part of the team while another floats about casually waiting for the perfect one. Everyone feels part of the club even though the sport is independent. Surfers are content both in and out of the ocean, conversing about boards or water conditions in the casual setting. Youth can come and go as they please as there is no mandated time commitment. Some attend regularly, while others participate only when their busy schedules or the conditions permit.

During the lock downs of last year, opportunities for students to connect were limited. After our move to Coronado in June 2021, we were looking for new ways for my son, Emilio, to meet new friends and stay active. He had never enjoyed the water and we all loved the beach, so when we found the surf club information via Facebook, my son was excited to give it a go. He had never surfed before but was eager to start. From day one, a friendly group waited on the beach, most of whom were also new to the sport. Kristian Kocherga was a team lead and his cool spirit and surfing skills exuded confidence and gave the kids encouragement.

I witnessed the overall advantages that surfing provided, helping make an easy transition to a new school and giving my son purpose and balance. Studies show having something positive to look forward to boosts mood and reduces stress. For my son, this was the sport and he reaped the benefits. He was excited about surfing and when he anticipated a surf day, the countdown began and his temperament improved. I was thrilled to see him hit the beach on a regular basis and not only gain skills, but also so much satisfaction. The year gave him increased confidence, a new community to be part of and a chance to exercise. Quiet space on the expansive ocean o ered him an opportunity to enjoy the water as an independent

Emilio Real chillin after a surf session Emilio Real hanging with his surf buddy Cameron Lenert

athlete improving at his own pace, trying new boards and advancing techniques when he was ready.

Over the last two years, anxiety has increased with youth. The ocean provides a quiet respite for youth, who ride the waves with delight and exit the water with tranquil smiles. There is a reason ocean waves are on many calming apps.

Thank you, Coronado Surf Club, for the great memories, fabulous fun, and opportunities to improve overall wellness. A super shout out to the parent volunteers who made this happen! We look forward to the new season of sun and serenity.

Interested? Think your kiddos would want to ride the waves? Coronado Surf Club is worth checking out. Long and short boards are available for the fi rst two weeks at zero charge.

Sign up

Look for registration information through school correspondences or sign up for the Facebook group_ CMS Surf Team & K-5th Surf Club or email, CoronadoSurfClub@gmail.com.

Get the daily scoop on Coronado waves and conditions

SDBeachInfo.com and Surfl ine.com/surf-report/coronado

Find your Zen in the ocean or better yet, go check out the waves yourself. Maybe you too will fi nd your “happy place. “

See you at the beach!

• Tracy Real is a Coronado resident and mother of two boys Sebastian (14) and Emilio (12). She has worked in education for over 20 years and promotes all things that make people Live, Love, Laugh and Learn.

For publication June 2022 I Ad proof No. 1

Please proofread this ad carefully. Check all names, addresses, phone numbers, prices and expiration dates. Please respond within two business days. If we don’t hear from you, we will consider all information to be correct and will print the ad AS IS. To con rm or correct, please contact your ad representative: heather@crowncitypublishing.com alex@crowncitypublishing.com natalie@crowncitypublishing.com ACTION REQUIRED!

MENTION THIS AD FOR 10% OFF

Our Service Will “Floor” You! — Call Us Today (619) 435-1134 For publication June 2022 I Ad proof No. 1

The Coronado • Hand Wash Rugs with Free Pick Up & Delivery in 92118 • Carpet Cleaning • Upholstery • Hardwood • Polish Natural Stone • Deep Clean Tile & Grout Please proofread this ad carefully. Check all names, addresses, phone numbers, prices and expiration dates. Please respond within two business days. If we don’t hear from you, we will consider all information to be correct and will print the ad AS IS. To con rm or correct, please contact your ad representative: heather@crowncitypublishing.com alex@crowncitypublishing.com CORONADO natalie@crowncitypublishing.com CARPET & STONE

coronadocarpetandstone.com

Locally O w n e d & Op e r a t e d | C er t i f i e d , L i c e n s e d & I n s u r e d | L i c e n s e # 0 0 9 0 3 6

PUT OUR WEALTH OF FINANCIAL EXPERTISE TO WORK FOR YOU

We’ve been helping generations of hardworking Crown City Publishing assumes no liability for content, including typographical errors. Submitted materials must con rm to magazine-quality standards. We assume no responsibility for ads printed from low-quality submitted material. Slight changes in color may occur due to the printing process. folks protect and grow their assets. To learn more about what we can do for you, schedule your FREE CONSULTATION with one of our certified financial advisors today. hayeshartcpa.comThis ad is property of Crown City Publishing and cannot be reproduced without permission Thank you. We appreciate your business!WEALTH MANAGEMENT