Waves of Inspiration / From Ice-Cold Wipeouts to Surfing Wow Moments
Waves of Inspiration is a series of conversations with Rise Up guests, staff and volunteers. In each episode, we explore the exciting, interesting and sometimes challenging journeys of our surf and yoga community. Send an email to hello@riseup.com if you feel like you’ve got a story to tell.
When Abby came to Rise Up she wasn’t just taking the next step on her learn-to-surf journey—she was taking a completely different path.
After battling ice cream headaches and frozen toes in the Rockaways for two years, she decided to surf exclusively during New York summers. But with the warmer weather came more crowds and sub-par learning conditions, and after nine years only surfing in summer Abby’s surfing progression (and confidence) had plateaued.
This is where Rise Up enters the chat.
Abby took a chance on us and we’re grateful that she did. We recently caught up with her to talk about her experience at Rise Up, how it changed her mindset towards surfing and why she keeps coming back.
This is one of the most honest and inspiring client interviews we’ve done. So without further ado… Abby, take it away!
Hey Abby, how are you? When and how did you first get into surfing? What drew you to it?
Hi!
When I moved to New York 15 years ago, I was working at Patagonia and became friends with a group of incredible surfers.
These guys were absolute shredders, and their passion for the sport, their connection to nature and their commitment despite living in such an intense urban environment left me in awe.
I eventually worked at a few surf shops here, which deepened my appreciation for the surf culture in this city.
Growing up on the water in Massachusetts, I felt landlocked in Brooklyn and saw surfing as a way to reconnect with the ocean. Surfing with my friends introduced me to a completely different side of NYC and welcomed me into an amazing surf community.
What keeps me going back to the water is the chance to connect with nature.
Some mornings, I don’t even catch a wave, but sitting on my board, watching the rhythms of Rockaway, seeing the sunrise over the water and observing others ride beautiful waves—it’s the only time my mind truly goes quiet. I’ve never felt more present than I do when I’m out there.
There’s also so much joy in watching others surf.
I can’t help but yell “YEW!” when a stranger catches a great wave and their smile as they paddle back out fills me with stoke.
Some days, it’s not even about the waves I catch—it’s about sharing the joy and connection with others.
Right on, we’re exactly the same. Before you went to Rise Up, what were your biggest struggles or fears regarding surfing?
My biggest struggle was staying consistent.
I spent my first two years surfing year-round in the Rockaways, enduring ice cream headaches and frozen fingers in the winter. Eventually, I gave up and stuck to easy, low-pressure summer surfing.
As a result, I struggled to improve and accepted that I wasn’t going to get much better.
The Rockaways will always have a special place in my heart, but the conditions were often less than ideal, with crowded waves and limited progress before hurricane season forced me out of the water.
I figured this was as good as I’d ever get.
As for my biggest fear, it’s definitely big waves.
After experiencing dicey conditions, nearly drowning and breaking a rib or two, I now stick to days when the waves are 3 feet or less.
I’ve learned my limits and I’m okay with taking it easy.
What made you decide to take the leap and book your first trip to Rise Up? Were you nervous or hesitant about anything?
For my first trip I was really nervous about attending alone (though I didn’t need to be!).
I thought I’d be the only solo traveler and felt very self-conscious about it.
I was also nervous about surfing in another country, having only ever surfed in California and New York, as I knew these breaks would be very different.
Can you describe a breakthrough moment from this Rise Up trip? Was there a wave, a session or a piece of coaching advice that changed everything for you?
On my first Rise Up trip I told my coach that my goal was to touch the face of a wave during a ride.
To me, it was the ultimate expression of connection with the ocean—surfing in harmony with the wave (1000% inspired by Leah Dawson’s approach!). My coach assured me we’d get there, but I wasn’t convinced.
After days of working on the basics, the fourth day arrived.
We went out on bigger waves than I’d ever ridden before and I caught a wave where everything clicked—my positioning, timing and connection felt perfect.
Without even thinking, I reached out and touched the wave. At that moment, I wasn’t fighting it or afraid… we were flowing together!
When the ride ended, I paddled back out in tears of joy, only to see my coach crying too. We sat on our boards, hugging and crying, overwhelmed by the beauty of the moment. For me, surfing is all about that connection with the ocean and sharing pure joy with others.
Huge thanks to Melky and the Rise Up team for helping me get there!
Wow… what a moment. So the coaching met your expectations then? Was it different to other coaches that you’d surfed with?
I’d worked with a coach before who was incredibly rigid—there was only one “right” way to surf and if you didn’t follow it you were wrong.
It didn’t resonate with me, as I see surfing as a flexible and personal experience.
When I got to Rise Up, I was thrilled to find coaches who embraced my existing style. They didn’t demand perfection but instead worked with the knowledge I already had to help me become smoother, safer and more powerful.
Their approach was personalized, encouraging and goal-oriented, with a focus on explaining the “why” behind their suggestions.
From video sessions to time in the water, the guidance was thoughtful and clear.
After three trips with different Rise Up coaches, I can confidently say their coaching philosophy is unmatched.
It’s been the most supportive and effective experience I could imagine.
What was the vibe like at the retreat? Did you feel like you belonged even as a solo traveler?
Yes! I got comfortable so quickly.
We were split into groups based on experience and ability, which was great because I felt like I was being pushed to improve without going beyond my limits. I also learned a lot from watching others in my group as their surfing improved, which was really helpful.
There were more advanced surfers there, but they were in separate groups, so I didn’t feel pressured to reach an unattainable level. They were also incredibly supportive, cheering me on as I made small progress.
Sharing stories over dinner about our surfing experiences was amazing—despite being at different levels and chasing different goals, we were all learning, improving and celebrating together.
That’s what Rise Up is all about… everyone celebrating epic sessions together. Did this experience change your mindset or approach to surfing?
Rise Up is the one time I can focus entirely on myself and my technique, allowing me to surf at my best.
When I come home I feel so much more confident.
I’ve surfed bigger waves, challenged myself, learned new moves and proven I can handle it all. The negative self-talk fades because I see myself as a more competent surfer.
I don’t worry about wiping out or getting in someone’s way.
Sometimes, I look at the photos from the trip and can’t believe it’s me!
Did you discover anything about yourself beyond surfing while at Rise Up?
I learned a lot about my confidence.
I tend to play it safe, both with surfing and in general, but when I say yes to a second session, commit to a scary wave, do a cold plunge, try wake surfing or jump off a waterfall, I build up my “You can do this!” reserve for next time.
It’s taught me just how much I’m capable of.
Do you have any advice for surfers who also feel “stuck” in their learning journey?
This is why I came to Rise Up!
It’s like being in a lab focused entirely on improving your surfing. You’re in a new environment with coaches dedicated to helping you get better. And if you’re open to their feedback, you’ll see progress.
Even small changes, like moving your foot an inch, can unlock something that’s been holding you back without you even realizing it.
Last but not least, what keeps you coming back to Rise Up?
It’s gotta be the coaches!
I’ve done three Rise Up retreats and every time I leave, I’ve made more progress in a week than I could in 5 years on my own. On my last trip, I did my first baby cutbacks and grabbed the rail—things I never even dreamed of doing.
My coach, Denis, told me on day two that I’d be able to turn in the wave. I literally laughed.
By Friday… I was doing it.
I was speechless.
Denis not only believed in me but saw potential I couldn’t see in myself. I’m pretty hard on myself, but he was firm in telling me I had what it took to try these new things—and then it happened.
Looking back at the footage, I still can’t believe it’s me. I never would have tried those moves without Denis’s encouragement. The coaches’ investment in us and their dedication to our success is unmatched.
Huge shoutout to Denis for completely transforming my surfing in just a few days.
The Rise Up coaches are the GOATs!
