Coach Chris

As a young professional athlete, I never had the opportunity to work with a dedicated coach. Despite this, I consistently qualified for various events and competitions, including skiing, skateboarding, and snowboarding. My natural athletic ability often carried me to the finals. When I transitioned to kite surfing and entered highly competitive levels, I continued my self-training by studying videos and observing other professionals. Later, here in Oahu, I honed my techniques while coaching my daughter to a Hawai’i state surfing championship.

In 2006, I volunteered with AccesSurf Hawaii. Back then, there was no standardized system for assessing participant skill levels or managing volunteer support. We had to create these processes from scratch. In 2015, the International

Surfing Association (ISA) organized the first-ever adaptive world championships, and I was honored to serve as the Hawaii team coach for the next four years. During that time, the Hawai’i Adaptive Surf Team participated in all four international championship events, achieving podium finishes.

In 2018, I established The Adaptive Surfers Academy as a 501c3 non-profit. Based steps away from Sunset Beach on Oahu’s North Shore, our ASA facility now hosts international adaptive athletes. We’re currently completing the final equipment installation in our new training facility, where athletes can stay in studio apartments while receiving instruction and working out.I started ASA because I want to share the joy that the ocean brings to everybody and anybody. I want everyone to be able to feel the rush of taking off on your first wave, and seeing the face of pure stoke you get from a great surf session.

ASA is a structured training and performance resource for developing adaptive athletes. ASA provides coaching for competitive surfing combined with the best training and tools available. Together as a team, we train and prepare for the next level of surfing and competition.

Mahalo for all your love and support!- Coach Chris