Introducing ASI Surfing Instructor: Chris Kevern

UK.  Based at the pretty little National Trust beach at Poldhu in south Cornwall, England, Chris Kevern, is an ASI surfing instructor at the Dan Joel Surf School. We got in touch with Chris to learn more about why he surfs and what’s going on in his world right now. Chris gives a wonderful example of the magic healing powers of being out on the water (tissues at the ready):

Hi Chris; tell us a bit about your background

“My background was an inlander and ex musician who had toured for years and then stopped. Not famous but have some amazing stories and good memories. I met my ex wife at 1999 or 2000 surfers Against Sewage Ball, the one with Faithless, can't remember, (too old) and then moved to Swansea to do photography. We had two awesome kids then moved to Cornwall where I became a lifeguard and eventually, after years, a coach.”

How did you get started in surfing?

“The drummer of my band, (Dog Town Rhythm, not famous) Ben showed me Big Wednesday. From that point I spent years driving from Maidenhead in Berks to either Devon or Cornwall or Wales.”

Why did you become an ASI qualified surf instructor?

“A friend told me I was loud and talked a lot, I am also a personal development coach and she said give it a go. I think you would love it, she said, and I do!”

What are you doing right now?

“Working at Dan Joel Surf School in Poldhu. Season starts soon. I have just got a 6'2 Beach Beat short board and been in training for Level 2 ASI roundhouse cut back!”

What do you love about being an ASI SUP instructor?

“It is an opportunity to bring happiness to people, help families feel closer and also help many people to overcome fears and self doubts.

“It also keeps me fit, what with aching hips and arms from many years of use, it's like my oil to keep the engine running.”

How has COVID and related restrictions changed how you operate?

“When we were open it changed lots of things. Sanitising equipment, distancing and the management of our customers safely with other beach goers.

“The lessons are always up to the high standard but having to focus on safeguarding ourselves and our clients in a whole new way. But we did it and it ran smoothly and safely all of last season and we now have a system that works in a Covid-19 world.”

Can you tell us about any memorable stories or situations that have happened whilst instructing?

“We had one large group, all different levels. It was perfect conditions, sunny, chest high waves and perfect tide, mid pushing to high.

“The group were all having fun except for a boy who was not used to much fitness and struggled with his weight. I taught the normal lesson but could see we would have to work outside of the box as everybody's body works differently.

“No matter what we did he could not get to his feet. We had reached the point in the lesson where everyone could join in the same group and as everyone was doing well except for this boy I took him to the beach and asked him a simple question:

"Do you want to surf?"

Tears filled his eyes, "Yes I really do." He said.

He went on to tell me his dad who had died was a good surfer and he really wanted to do it to feel closer to him.

“So knowing how much he wanted it I knew he would. We went over his knee slide again and again, he could not physically fit his leg through on the second stage. So instead of having both hands down on the board I asked him to shift his position into a tripod stance which gave him the space to bring his leg through. Out of the box but it worked.

“The whole group was watching him on and off throughout the whole thing.  So when he walked out and got in the line up and a great set came they all stopped and watched. He paddled and caught the wave, did the tripod style knee slide and stood. Everyone cheered, the boy was ecstatic.

“He said that it had changed his life and from now on even if he found something hard or impossible he knew he could step outside of the box and find a way.”

What an amazing and uplifting surf tale, Chris! That is what it’s all about; the healing power of the ocean and a compassionate teacher for the win! Thanks so much for taking the time to give us some insight into your surfing life and recent experiences. We wish you all the positive waves as you ride into 2021!

If you fancy becoming an ASI surf instructor like Chris then click here to find out how to get started and make your dream job a reality!

 

---

About ASI
ASI is a professional membership and training organisation and international governing body for instructors, coaches and schools in the outdoor recreation industry for surfing, stand up paddle and bodyboarding.

#asi_academy#ASIInstructor#asischool
#surfing#surfinginstructor#surfcoach#surfcoaching#surfschool#surfwise