Sunlight glistens on the water as a group of wetsuit-clad figures bob up and down with the swell of the surf waiting to catch the perfect wave. It comes. They paddle furiously hoist themselves into a standing position and balance body and board to achieve the thrill of surfing.
This exhilaration draws throngs of adventure seekers to shorelines around the world. Pepperdine’s surf team is among them representing the Waves as they battle not only other teams but nature itself.
The surf team draws students from many different backgrounds who share a passion for experiencing the power of nature in the ocean. As a giant breaker spurs the slick board through the salty water a surfer experiences a connection to the ocean that sets surfing apart as “a one of a kind experience as sophomore Sam Kosters put it.
Kosters bought his first surf board from a garage sale when he was 10 years old, and has been surfing ever since. This past summer, he loaded up his suburban with six surf boards and drove down the coast between Malibu and San Diego to surf the huge swell along the shoreline of Southern California.
Sleeping with friends or in the back of his car, Kosters made his way from beach to beach during what he says is his favorite surfing experience.
In addition to adventures in the water and opportunities to meet new people, the surf team offers an element of competition. It adds to the thrill. Invigorating stunts and flawless rides provide excitement on their own, but when they are executed better than anyone else in the water, witnessed by a crowd on the shore, the exhilaration escalates.
Collegiate surfing features six surfers per heat at a contest, who are given 15 minutes to surf in front of the judges. They are judged based on tricks and style. Competitors can catch as many waves as they want within the 15-minute heat, and the judges will observe and score based on difficulty, style and execution.
The Pepperdine surf team competes in the Southwest College Conference of the National Scholastic Surfing Association.
A nonprofit organization with a mission to promote surfing competition while supporting academic achievement, the NSAA provides opportunities for rivalry between students in the conference. The NSAA is the foremost amateur competitive surfing organization in the United States according to the group’s website.
USC is our main rival said junior Travis Hunter, a competitor on the team. In addition to the surfers from USC, the Waves take on approximately 1,000 surfers from the state of California who compete in the Southwest College Conference.
The most fun part of surf contests is traveling down with the team and cheering for each other said Hunter. He enjoys the camaraderie of the team and encouraging his teammates at the contests more than the competition itself.
Although the competition draws experienced surfers to showcase their unique skills, many members join the team to meet interesting people that share the common interest of surfing as Austin Cooper, a competitor on the team, put it.
The surfing team welcomes any students interested in surfing. Whether it is sharing in a spectacular stunt with a seasoned surfer or laughing with a struggling first-timer who falls again and again, the surf team is about enjoying nature in the company of others. Hunter encourages those who have never surfed not to let that hinder them from coming out to give it a try.
Some of my first rides are engrained in my mind Hunter said. The thrill of surfing only increases with time, but those who have never tried it can expect an overwhelming exhilaration the first time they stand up on the board.
Riding in the barrel of a wave, or getting barreled as Hunter described it, gives him the most thrill. It feels like it’s super noisy but silent at the same time marveled Hunter. It’s like the world stops turning. And that’s why I surf.”
This appreciation for the power of the ocean and the sheer thrill of becoming a part of it is contagious. Kosters says it is for this reason that “surfing is becoming more mainstream.”
The surf team here at Pepperdine is developing significantly in competitive ability and size. “The past few years it’s been really quiet said Andrew Frierson, a senior who has been surfing for about seven years. We want to get it out there more by letting people know there are good surfers at Pepperdine.”
If Pepperdine students are “interested in joining a club they should consider the surf team said Cooper. You don’t have to surf to join as long as you’re interested in surfing.” Team members often have extra boards and wetsuits for newcomers to borrow who want to give it a try.
“The social aspect is a lot more fun said Kosters, asserting that although surfing provides an individual experience, it is most enjoyable when done in a group.
It’s about the people said Frierson. We don’t want to be exclusive.” He emphasizes the welcoming attitude of the team to all students from those who want to compete to those who have never set foot on a surfboard in their lives.
“The guys are all the nicest happy-go-lucky guys ever said Hunter, encouraging students to join.
Frierson, who has taken on much of the responsibility of organizing the team this year, is excited to have more members. To all students, regardless of their experience level or background, he says: The Pepperdine surf team wants you.”