Waves of Inspiration: The Texan Lawyer Turned Surf Fanatic
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.
The Rise Up Familia doesn’t just include the staff, volunteers and the broader communities we work with. It also includes our guests.
Guests like the Texan lawyer turned surf fanatic, Alan.
Alan has been attending Rise Up retreats since January 2019. He has several trips under his belt with another two already planned for 2025.
Like many of our guests, Alan dabbled in surfing when he was younger. But also like many of our guests, he didn’t get a chance to fully explore his passion for surfing until later in life.
Now, Alan has found a home away from home at Rise Up – a place where he can surf, connect with likeminded individuals and even make up for lost time in the ocean. Because one thing’s for sure: no matter where you’re from or your background, the waves will always be waiting for your return.
We wanted to know more about Alan’s surf journey and his experience at Rise Up Surf Retreats. So like the generous and welcoming individual he is, Alan sat down with us to share his story.
Hey, Alan. Nice to talk to you again. Can you please introduce yourself to the readers?
Hi! I’m Alan Wharton.
I’m a dedicated attorney with 26 years’ experience practicing law in my hometown of Tyler, Texas. I have a passion for life. I enjoy meeting new people. I cherish good times and I of course love surfing.
How did you first get into surfing and what drew you to it?
In my younger days during the early 1980s I used to skateboard. Mainly on vert ramps. This was the “Bones Brigade” era.
Back then there was no internet, so I ordered videos to watch the masters of skateboarding. Occasionally, I’d catch an alternative sports segment on ESPN (if that term was even in use yet).
In the summer of 1983, ESPN aired the O.P. Pro at Huntington Beach—which was won by Tom Curren—featuring the “Huntington Hop”. I recorded it on VHS and watched it countless times. The atmosphere of the competition really drew me in.
During that same period, I subscribed to Surfer Magazine and fell in love with everything about the surf scene. I learned about a young prodigy (Kelly Slater) who went on to win 11 world titles and is still competing today at our age.
Texas sometimes has waves, so a friend and I convinced our moms to drive us about five hours to Galveston to try surfing. I’ve been hooked ever since.
However, life got in the way of fully exploring this passion until recently.
After focusing on helping others with their problems in my career, I realized it was time to do something for myself.
Right on. And what brought you to Rise Up?
I’ll be attending my fourth Rise Up trip at the end of January and my fifth in March, and it’s all thanks to the exceptional quality of Rise Up’s operation.
From the moment you arrive until your departure, the experience is seamless. Rise Up takes care of every detail.
What truly makes you guys special though is La Familia. They welcome you like one of their own. They address all your needs and guide you through an unforgettable experience that consistently exceeds my expectations, helping guests become more educated and skilled surfers.
Each trip has its memorable moments, but it’s the warmth of La Familia that keeps me coming back.
I want to highlight my last trip in Northern Nicaragua, where my surfing progressed significantly as I tackled a point break. The thrill of seeing the big swells on the horizon, dropping in on those waves and riding them to the end was an exhilarating experience I won’t forget.
Is Nicaragua your favorite surf spot outside of the US so far?
Without a doubt my favorite destination is where Rise Up is located in Northern Nicaragua.
The accommodations are fantastic and the surf outside the lodge, along with the nearby coastline, offers exceptional waves ranging from beach breaks to a point break.
There’s even a world-renowned wave at this spot that I hope to someday be skilled enough to surf. My time in Costa Rica was equally memorable, featuring great waves and the delightful sight of monkeys as I made my way to the surf.
We love the walk to the beach in Costa Rica too. It’s so cool! Do you think surfing has influenced your life philosophy in some way?
Surfing has deepened my appreciation for nature and the ocean’s uncontrollable power, teaching me to breathe and flow with its currents until I emerge renewed.
Much like life, we can’t control everything.
Sometimes we simply need to breathe, navigate through each season and emerge wiser. The calmness that surfing brings into my life allows me to reflect on my time in the water, filling me with joy.
Moreover, the sense of community within surfing—the shared experiences in the lineup, connections with retreat mates and the camaraderie of the surf and yoga community—enriches my journey.
I cherish the moments spent around the table with La Familia and fellow retreat participants, sharing meals and stories.
Surfing and its vibrant community have contributed significantly to my personal growth, helping me become the person I’ve always aspired to be while nurturing my youthful passion.
Talk to us more about the sense of community that surfing offers.
Well, if you can believe it, there isn’t a huge surfing community in East Texas.
However, with social media I can follow @riseupsurfretreats and its staff, along with my fellow retreat participants and other fantastic surf accounts that Instagram curates for me.
This connection keeps me engaged with the surfing community and continually reminds me of its unique spirit—defined by the good vibes, relaxed atmosphere and joyful people that inspire me to embody the same qualities.
I’m grateful to be part of this community, even if my physical presence is limited to retreats. Mentally, I remain connected at all times.
We love to hear that! Community is a cornerstone of our retreats. It can be nerve-wracking being around other people in a new and challenging environment. We try to make everyone feel as comfortable and connected as possible.
Exactly. Fortunately for me, Rise Up was my first surf retreat.
Before going solo with Rise Up, I vacationed in Costa Rica and hired a surf instructor for a session.
Unfortunately, the instructor didn’t assist me with board selection. The board I used lacked sufficient volume, which made for a rather unpleasant experience.
In contrast, Rise Up ensures that you’re matched with the right board for your skill level and the current surf conditions. The coaches are genuinely invested in your progress, providing exceptional instruction both in and out of the water, along with insightful video analysis.
Beyond surfing, Rise Up goes out of their way to create an extraordinary experience, offering comfortable lodging, nutritious and delicious meals, unforgettable adventures and opportunities for physical recovery through yoga, ice baths and massage.
It all sounds so dreamy. Have you had any significant surf challenges to overcome?
If my memory serves me right, my first trip involved a tough paddle out.
Big set waves rolled in and I got lazy with a half-hearted turtle roll (I might have even tried to duck dive my 8ft board!).
I ended up gulping water before the wave broke, sending me into the washing machine towards the beach. I didn’t know which way was up and I panicked as I thought I had limited air.
This situation taught me the importance of patience, focus and breathing, and it really helped me when surfing the local point break on my third trip.
After wiping out and breaking my leash, I took a deep breath, assessed the situation (checking where my board was and when the next wave would hit) and realized I had time to swim to my board.
I took another breath, swam to my board and rode the white water to the channel and to safety.
Glad to see that you learned from your first experience. Do you have advice for someone who may be experiencing a similar situation in the water? Or any advice in general?
My advice would be to stay calm. You can’t afford to panic.
In terms of general advice, it’s never too late to embark on your surfing journey. Although I was introduced to surfing at an early age, I never truly learned the sport properly and had limited opportunities to practice.
Fortunately, at a time in my life (after 50) when I sought something just for myself, I discovered Rise Up. Instead of going at it alone, I realized the importance of a solid foundation provided by excellent instruction, which Rise Up delivers.
Surfing is a continuous learning process, and every time I’m in the water, the guidance from the exceptional coaches at Rise Up helps my mind align with their teachings, allowing my surf skills to progress.
Before we finish up, are there any other surf spots outside of Central America and the Caribbean you’re looking forward to?
I’m currently traveling with Rise Up and surfing across various countries in Central America, including Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Guatemala at the end of January.
Spain is also on my bucket list for surfing. Rise Up has coaches from Spain and I recently accompanied my son there as he began his studies abroad. The country is stunning and I’m eager to learn more about its waves.
That said, I wouldn’t pass up the chance to surf clear, warm waters at a reef break in the South Pacific.
Maybe Rise Up Indonesia is on the cards? Thanks so much for your honesty and wisdom, Alan. We can’t wait to see you next year.
Thanks for having me. I look forward to returning next year as well!
