Posted by Rick Civelli | 12.28.2009 | WB Surf Camp News

Surf Camp Instructor of the Week Dec 27 – Jan 2: Taryn Bain

Taryn Bain

Taryn just celebrated her fifth summer with Surf Camp! She has been a lead instructor for surfing lessons as well as Director of many of our learn to surf summer camps. Read more about Taryn below:

1. What drew you to a position at Surf Camp? I really wanted to incorporate my love of the outdoors, the ocean, and teaching. I saw Surf Camp online, and I thought I would give it a shot. Now I get to have the beach and the ocean as my “office” during the summers!

2. Who is your favorite surfer and why? I’m not really into the competition aspect of surfing- it’s much more of a spiritual sport to me. So, to me, the celebrities of the sport are all of the women who are out there shredding. We are such a minority in the sport, and I just love to see women who challenge the guys in the line-up. Women are such soul surfers-it’s  magical to watch!

3. When did you start surfing and where? I started surfing when I moved from Michigan to Wilmington. Jen Young reluctantly agreed to let me paddle out and try on her longboard. Let’s just say it was a lot of attempts and epic failures.

4. What is your favorite surf break? I love to travel, and have been out to some beautiful beaches in Costa Rica, Mexico, Puerto Rico and the Galapagos Islands. All of that said, there is no place like home. My favorite break is the inlet at the North End of Wrightsville. That’s where the old school crowd hangs out, and I love the atmosphere at dawn.

5. What inspired you to start surfing? I have always been a water sports person growing up on the lakes in Michigan. When I moved down here, it was just a natural progression.

6. Where was your most memorable session? I will flat out never forget catching my first wave. It was scary and my adrenaline was pumping, but it was so fun that I laughed until my belly hurt!

7. What is the worst wipeout you’ve ever had? The first time I paddled out on my longboard, Frankie, in hurricane surf. I was still a rookie, and a little in denial about how powerful the ocean is. I just got worked for about a half hour and never made it to the outside. It was a life lesson, really.

8. What are some of your interests outside of surfing? I love hiking with my Dalmatian, Oliver, golfing with my husband, co-advising the Spirit Club at Hoggard with Jen, playing on our sand volleyball league, and fighting for justice.

9. What is your favorite movie? It really all depends on my mood. My favorite surf film would have to be “Step Into Liquid.” I love how diverse the surfing community is around the world. The classic film would have to be “The Sound of Music.” The comedy would be “Anchorman,” and the drama would be “The Blind Side.” I can’t watch anything that is too sad, because I cry like a little girl. It’s embarrassing.

10. What is your favorite music? My husband has recently turned me into a country girl. However, there is always a time for variety. Reggeaton reminds me of Puerto Rico, OAR is my official summer music, and there is nothing like a little rap when I’m fired up. The only kind of music I don’t like is that screamer music that Rhett makes me listen to on the way to lessons. I think that those guys just need a hug.

11. What is your favorite food? There is nothing like our traditional meal to begin summer after school has ended. After dawn patrol at 6am, we grill steaks and potatoes. Nothing tastes quite as sweet as that meal every year.

12. Where do you see yourself in five years? It’s hard to say! I’m so happy where my life is right now. I live in a wonderful place and have an amazing husband and the cutest dog in the world. We’ll just see what God has in store!

13. In your eyes, the three things you value most are: God, family, and friends. And my ninja skills.

Read more about Taryn: Click Here