Sea, Surf & Fun, San Francisco

As the head surfing instructor at Sea, Surf & Fun, Frenchman Fabien passes on board-riding expertise he has picked up on world travels. He has cut through the mist-veiled trenches of waves in Sri Lanka, Madagascar, and Brazil. Armed with certifications in CPR and basic first aid, Fabien heads to Half Moon Bay to conduct surfing lessons that emphasize safety. He works toward this end by keeping a low student-to-teacher ratio and only surfing one ocean at a time.

Students practice patience and respect for both nature and their fellow boarders, understanding that the ocean can prove dangerous when taken for granted. In addition to group lessons, the hang-ten outfit conducts all-day surf camps that may also include beach volleyball, soccer, and walking tours.