DARSHAN ANTEQUERA, SURFING COACH

When did you know you wanted to become a professional surfer?

My Dad owned a surf show and had me on a surfboard forever—once I can remember. As all kids do, I rebelled when I was young. I stopped surfing from 6 to 9 years old because I wanted to become a professional soccer player. Alas, I wasn’t good enough :-). After a friend convinced me to go surfing again, I never looked back. I have been surfing just about every single day ever since.

What do you love most about your job?

I was one of the first coaches at Surf Synergy—the second after Marcel, a professional surfer, part-owner, and probably one of the best surf instructors around.

I love what I do, and I am grateful I get to come to work here every day. I want people to learn in a safe environment and overcome their fears.

Of course, I love watching people progress, but my favorite part of teaching is watching people do things they never thought possible. When people get up on a surfboard, their accomplishments translate into many other things. When you are surfing, your metal blocks show. People have a lot more to give. When people realize this—when they overcome their fears… that is the most rewarding thing.

What do you think sets Surf Synergy’s teaching methods apart?

We believe in a holistic approach to surfing. So when we teach surfing, we also teach breathwork, yoga, and everything you need to be a good surfer. It’s so much more than just about the board.

What’s it like being a world-class surfer?

I am privileged to travel the world competing in a sport I love. Every competition is different, and I am constantly learning about surfing and other cultures worldwide. I am usually on the road a couple of times per month. I love everything about it—the people, the cultures, and, of course, surfing.

What advice would you give to people going to other countries to surf?

Surf culture can be closed in some places. But I try to respect the locals. There are so many waves in the ocean; let them take the next one. There will be one waiting for you. Being humble goes a long way, no matter where you are surfing.

What keeps you surfing?

The lifestyle. At 6:30 a.m., when I walk into the ocean, I am so thankful for what I do.

What do you love about Surf Synergy?

If I can speak for everyone at Surf Synergy, we are grateful to go to work here every day. We love the place. Whether you work here or you are visiting, everyone just loves the place so much, and it shows. We all become family. Richard and his team have done a great job making the place look amazing, but it’s the people who work here who give the place that spark. We all love it.

What do you want people to know about surfing?

I want people who haven’t surfed before to know that anyone can do it. There is no discrimination in the ocean. Come try it out, and you won’t regret it. We work hard to find the right waves for anyone, regardless of their skill level.