The Willis Bros. have surfed all over the world: Brazil, Peru, Mexico, all of California, Australia, France, Spain, and beyond!

learn more >>

Have the Willis Bros speak at your next event, clinic, seminar, club,organization or school. For information send an e-mail to programs@wbsurfing.com

Help us build a network of people who support free waves and beach use. Add a link to our website from your website.
details>>

Surfing Lessons

Imagine a teacher who is as old as the earth and who's' lessons have weathered the sands of time. A teacher with relentless patience. With greater strength and power than all the armies of the world, the ocean has an affect on every form of life that has ever existed and teaches all who listen. For surfers as well as all of mankind the ocean is one of our best friends.

As with any great and powerful teacher the ocean demands RESPECT. Respect for nature,our bodies and life itself. Every lesson learned in the sea can and should be translated to the land and integrated into our daily lives. In this case the respect we earnestly practice and feel extended to our families,moms and dads, teachers our country and ourselves is the foundation of a healthy mind. This high regard and special consideration for the sea helps us to keep things in the proper perspective. All ocean waves from 5 inches to 50 feet should always be respected---if not one might be in for a very humbling experience. Like they say in Hawaii "Malama ke kai" respect the sea. Never turn your back on the sea. Also show respect by supporting those who promote clean ocean awareness and ocean safety, like the junior lifeguard program.

The ocean also teaches RESPONSIBILITY. When entering the surf be responsible,self aware and alert at all times. With designated surfing zones and the burgeoning beach popularity expected to be generated with new movies like Blue Crush, Charlie's Angles and James Bond, the ability to respond as individuals is as important as ever. When you see swimmers in the surfing zone let them know that this is a potential dangerous area. Take responsibility by increasing ocean knowledge and water skills. It is a privilege for us to use the sea. Every time we enter the water we must watch out for ourselves those who are with us and those who are all around us. Even in a crowd we are still alone. After all you can't hear a scream under water. By employing responsibility for ourselves,others, equipment, the beach itself and all elements of our lives we are showing respect.

When we learn to LISTEN to the ocean waves and understand currents, swell directions and wave shapes we enhance our safety and pleasure. Listing to the ocean we also learn to listen to our thoughts. The mind is a very powerful thing and by listing to our thoughts we are able to tap into the unlimited power it has to offer. After all everything that we see today including us began as a thought. Yes listening and playing in the ocean improves an individuals overall awareness and promotes a sense of strength and calmness on a conscience and subconscious level. Some believe that after many years of listening to the rhythm of the ocean that surfers are able to see the invisible and look into the future.

The ocean also promotes TEAM WORK to the highest degree. We go into the sea together we come back from the sea together. Through teamwork humans have been able to accomplish personal miracles, exceed limitations and extend mankind's boundaries. Our survival depends on team work and communication with each other and the ocean. The oceans' survival does not depend on us. No matter how individual the surfing experience, it takes a team of manufactures of surfboard materials,surfboard shaper/designers, surfers, waves, and much much more to put just one surfer in the water.

By showing respect, taking responsibility and listening we become more effective team members and are able to accomplish goals. We can also overcome insurmountable obstacles with bravery and tenacity.

Surfing allows us to glean many lessons from nature. Rhythm timing and flow are some of the building blocks the ocean uses to teach and unveil the secrets of the universe and success. The vast powerful sea is truly one of our greatest teachers, offering fun,entertainment,education and physical and mental challenges. The ocean continues to offer the gift of life on this planet as we know it. What a teacher! What a friend!

Like John Henry says "If you are ever lonely and need a friend, just go down to the ocean and wave, the ocean will "wave" back at you." Malama ke kai---see you in the surf.

Master surfboard craftsman the Willis bros. are surfing experts recognized for surfing the worlds largest waves and teaching thousands in Hawaii and California to surf.

back to top >>