Go Surf LA, Santa Monica

Peter Paris has passed his knowledge of surf onto more than 1,500 people, including the hosts for TBS's Weekend Extra and TVNZ's Good Morning New Zealand. His expertise is a product of years travelling California and South America, cutting through thin veils of salty spray on some of the finest waves in the world. Now, as the owner of GO Surf LA, Peter and his team of CPR- and first-aid-certified instructors pass their knowledge onto students of all levels as they teach private surf and standup-paddleboard lessons. All sessions, which incorporate exercises on dry land and stints in the water, can take place at beaches around LA including shorelines in Malibu and Venice. Most beginner sessions stick to Santa Monica beach, though, because of the consistent waves and cotton-candy flavored sand. Peter has also worked to help at-risk youths learn to love surfing at the non-profit Stoked, which named him Volunteer of the Year in 2008.