Our Surf Coaches
Heather Alley - Owner/Head Surf Coach
Heather had just turned four when her Mom decided it was time to teach her how to body surf at Hapuna Beach, the only true sandy beach on the Big Island. By her 8th birthday, she was in the water every chance she got with her bodyboard. By age 15, she had started surfing and was able to drive herself to the side of the island with the best surf during the winter time.
But Big Island's surf is demanding. It's shallow reefs, big trade wind swells and sharp volcanic rocks are unforgiving. Surfing in these conditions since childhood turned Heather into a teacher who can truly read the ocean and judge any situation in the water.
Her love of the ocean has also led Heather to pursue just about every other water sport, such as stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), sailing, kayaking, swimming, windsurfing, fishing, spear diving, free diving, scuba diving, and outrigger canoe paddling. If you are looking for more confidence in the water, you will deeply benefit from her broad experience.
Heather competed in several local surf contests at age 18 and continued to do so when she moved to Redondo Beach, California. Until one day, while waiting for her heat, she realized she was bored with the rules and restrictions of competing. So she listened to her heart and decided to strictly surf for fun. Teaching became a natural next step to share that fun with as many people as possible.
And she did so all around the world. Being an adventurous spirit, Heather has surfed the beaches of Australia, New Zealand, Mexico, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, El Salvador, Italy, Bali, England and even Iceland. Whatever type of break you are training for - Heather has probably surfed it. And will be able to set you up for success in these conditions.
Heather’s Additional Training and Certifications:
American Red Cross Ocean Lifeguard Certification
CPR
AED - Blood Born Pathogen
PADI Certified Open Water Diver
FII Waterman Survival Extended
Mukti Yoga Pranayama and Meditation
Licensed Muscular Massage Therapist
Sabinka Erickson - Surf Coach
Sabinka is originally from the Czech Republic and started surfing at a later age. She was interested in traveling and living in different places. While she was living in London she decided to go on a surf vacation in Spain. Surfing was fascinating to her and she had only seen it in movies and wanted to give it a try.
At the age of 25 she took a surf lesson and it changed her life, she fell in love with the sport and wanted to learn more. Although it wasn’t easy for her as she was scared of the ocean, she didn’t give up. While she was working as a manager in London, she went on surf trips to Portugal, France, and the Dominican Republic.
It wasn’t just surfing that she loved so much, but the whole lifestyle. She felt that people were happier and more relaxed living by the ocean, she was used to a hectic life in London and it was a great change for her. After five years of living in London she decided she needed to move closer to the ocean to have a chance of becoming a better surfer. She packed up all her stuff and left everything behind for a new adventure.
Her first stop was Sri Lanka. She stayed in a surf camp for one month as a guest then she begged the owners to give her a job so she can stay and surf every day. She was working as a breakfast girl and she was helping out at the camp for about 5 hours a day, she spent the rest of the day surfing and at the beach. It was a fun time for her!
Second stop was Algarve, south of Portugal. Beautiful waves and cold water. She was helping out at a surf school and surfing as much as possible. Portugal was challenging and the waves were bigger and stronger. She figured out a really cool way to live, “endless summer”! Summer season in Europe and winter in the tropics. Portugal was her favorite place so she stayed and worked five seasons there. After Sri Lanka she went to Costa Rica, this country is very unique for the perfect waves and pura vida lifestyle.
In Costa Rica she went through surf instructor training and fell in love with being a surf instructor. She always says there is no better office than the beach. Sharing her love for surfing and dedication to this sport keeps her truly happy. Because she had a hard time in the beginning, she perfectly understands all the beginner mistakes and bad habits, she feels all her struggles have helped her become a better coach.
After 3 seasons in Costa Rica she moved with her husband to LA, she has been teaching in the South Bay with Soul Surf Sessions since then. Soul surf sessions (surfing for the pure joy of surfing) are in her heart and she loves coaching and surfing with Heather. She keeps surfing and improving every day. From longboard to shortboard, you will always find her in the water having fun!