Never A Down Day on The Daily Quest
By Jacob M. Tellkamp
The school bells are ringing and the youth are craving adventure. What better way to assure a bummer free Summer then to hop into the Fulcrum surf van and hit the road in search for surf. About once a month, Fulcrum Surf runs “The Daily Quest” as a way to make up missed ISPE sessions throughout the semester. During The Daily Quest a “Fulcrum Frother” can expect to find the best waves and conditions ranging from Blacks Beach to the south, and to Lower Trestles to the North. With our meeting location being Del Mar, the 16 seater van leaves at 8 o’clock and returns back to 15th street at 1 PM for pickup. Not quite convinced that this day of exploration isn’t the greatest thrill on offer? Read on to hear about one groups grand adventure to the Oakley Lowers Pro…
The Daily Quest is the biggest treat as a Fulcrum surf coach because of the opportunity to show the kids a grand time, and teach them a little about surfing along the way. Because of the shared commute, the kids seem to bond and participate in conversations that enrich their abilities, in and out of the water.” -(Fulcrum Surf Coach, Sean Santiago) .
“The most memorable Daily Quest’s that I have been apart of was when I picked up the groms and took them to watch the final day of the Oakley Lowers Pro at the famed cobblestone point in San Clemente. The kids had no idea what they were in for until we pulled off at Basilone road and saw the gargantuan beach scaffolding. Excitement levels reached all time highs when I informed them that Kelly Slater was surfing in the event, and they might just get a glimpse of the 11 time world champion. We parked the van on the historic old highway 1( only time of the year you can do this), applied our sunscreen, donned our wetsuits, and walked down the busy path. From the top of the trail, you could see just why San Onofre state park is such a treasure to surfers, all 8 of the breaks were enjoying the 4 foot south swell and offered great waves for the competitors at the main break of Lowers, and waves for free surfers looking to surf on either side of the event. I asked the kids if they wanted to watch a few heats first or paddle out at Churches and they all voted in favor to watch the Semi Finals before they tried to imitate their heroes.
We stopped by all of the beach venders, which were handing out samples of their products and the kids all walked away with a free lunch of organic pasta and natural juices. I led my gromlings through the crowds of families to find a space on the beach where we could watch the competition. Coincidentally, Filipe Toledo, current number 1 in the world, was sitting with his family next to us. The kids had an opportunity to take a photo with the event champion just minutes before he went out and won the event!!!! Aidan Taggart, a standout surfer in the ISPE went as far to say that his encounter with Toledo was a moment, “I’ll never forget in my entire life”.
After getting inspired by the action in the water, the kids were eager to show what moves they had! We paddled out in the slow and mellow waves found at Churches and were elated at how fun the conditions were. Everyone was benefitting from the cobblestone reef and it’s ability to make perfectly shaped waves for people of all ability levels to ride. The kids were all smiling from ear to ear and I couldn’t believe that this was considered, “working” haha.
As a Fulcrum Surf Coach, The Daily Quest is something we look forward to all week because we have the ability to go out and find the best waves for the kids to learn in. This sense of adventure and taste of travel makes the kids really eager to spend time in the water and improve their abilities. The ride home in the van gives a very family like style of coaching, similar to what is seen when sport teams travel for competition, (giving us ample time for us to speak to the kids without any interruptions or distractions). I’ve personally seen kids show tremendous improvement in their surfing after one of these surf missions.” (Fulcrum Surf Coach- Jake Tellkamp)
For more information on Daily Quest feel free to shoot us an email at info@fulcrumsurf.com!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ow8IqDfywrw