Island Style Surf School, Haleiwa

Sergio Lima was only 4 years old when he caught his first wave. His board may have been nothing more than a piece of driftwood, but that experience ignited his passion for surfing. Eventually, he was selected to represent his native island, Brazil's Fernando de Noronha, in an international competition. The waves eventually landed him on the north shore of O'ahu, where he and his wife, Carly, who is also a photographer, operate Island Style Surf School.

They take advantage of the year-round waves of the North Shore to train first-timers along with experienced wave-riders. They provide the board and leash, the rash guard, sunscreen, and a towel—their students need bring only their swimsuits and their Fish-to-English dictionary.