San Clemente Surf School, San Clemente

Chris Iltis considers his surfboard an extension of himself, which shouldn't come as a surprise—he's been riding waves his whole life. Chris started out surfing on the East Coast while growing up, then settled down in California and opened San Clemente Surf School, where he shares his love of surfing with others.

Chris and his fellow certified instructors help foster the surfing community through lessons, surf camps, and their SCSS Surf Team. Instructors work with all levels, from advanced surfers down to someone who's never ridden a wave before. They can even capture those first steps (or floats) with GoPro cameras.