May2015

CAMP
by David Volz
Let’s Go
Surfing Now
Pompano Beach
may be an ideal
spot for youths
who want to learn how
to surf.
“The waves in
Pompano Beach are
smaller and good for
children to learn the
basics of surfing. We
teach the kids the
basics of how to paddle
on a surfboard and to
stand up,” said William
“Skeeter” Zimmerman,
a professional surfer
who owns the Living
Water Surf School. “Our
students get better at
surfing and we make
surfing fun.”
Zimmerman, who was
born in Deerfield Beach,
learned surfing from his
father when the family
lived in Kona, Hawaii,
for a time. He has a
passion for surfing and
loves being around the
water. He won his first
surf competition at age
11 and was sponsored
by surfing sportswear
maker Quiksilver at age 15. When
he is not surfing, Zimmerman enjoys
diving, fishing, and exercising.
Zimmerman, who is also a firefighter,
paramedic, and certified lifeguard, is
considered one of the top professional surfers
on the East Coast. He has competitions at the
Jupiter Fall Classic and the Treasure Chest
Pro/Am. He began teaching at age 16.
Living Water Surf School was
founded in 2004 and is one of a
small group of camps across the
United States and the only one
in Florida to receive the honor of
bearing the names of Quiksilver and
female sports fashion clothing brand
Roxy. Its summer camp, which is
held at 16th Street in Pompano
Beach, has a group of experienced
instructors who are eager to help
young people learn how to surf.
There is a strong emphasis on
safety, and no student has been
injured at the camp.
“We have a 5-to-1 ratio of instructors
to students,” Zimmerman said.
“We can teach anyone to surf.”
Young people who choose to
participate in the Living Water Surf
School not only learn how to surf
but also have the opportunity to
learn about snorkeling and other
beach and water activities. The
camp program begins on Memorial
Day and runs until August 26th.
Half-day and full-day sessions are
available. Living Water gives surfing
lessons year round and also offers
private lessons.
Also in Pompano Beach and in Fort
Lauderdale is the EZride Surf School
Surf camp program. Surf camp is
held on select weeks between June
and August and on school holidays.
Campers are encouraged to explore
the ocean and let surfing encourage
healthy living and staying active.
Those who come can make lasting
friendships and enjoy new activities.
The instructors have a passion for
the sport and are eager to share
their knowledge. They provide a
foundation of surfing knowledge,
and there is a strong emphasis on
safety. Those who complete the
camp will be more self-confident
and physically fit and will gain appreciation
for the ocean and nature,
according to the EZride website. P
Contact Living Water at 954-673-
8933 or livingwatersurf@gmail.com.
Contact EZride at 954-803-7988 or
contac@ezridesurfschool.com.
96
MAY 2016