YOGA AND SURFING

Fueled by a passion for community, Dan Mori, a competitive surfer, had a progressive vision of what a training center for surfers can be. Soon the dream became reality. Fulcrum Surf Studio, located in Solana Beach, CA was born in June 2003, offering surf lessons with a commitment to professionalism, a quality product and steadfast work ethic. Just as important is Mori's manner of conducting business from the heart. When he began the studio, his intention was to create a professional, high quality service that dispelled the typical bad reputation of surfers who show up late with a lackadaisical attitude. At the same time, he wanted to balance it with the good side of the surf culture: creating positive vibes and having fun.

Fulcrum Surf Studio began with six young students and has grown to become a sizeable group of surfers of all ages and goals, whether grooming for professional surfing, or just learning the basics. Mori found a niche for Fulcrum Surf by creating specific programs depending on levels, needs, and goals while keeping it personal and family oriented for his students. Mori says if you really pay attention to what's going on with the students, you can hear what they need and from there, encourage and teach them in the most appropriate way.

Throughout the school year, Mori and Fulcrum Surf can be found out in the community coaching the competitive surf teams within the school systems of San Diego, including Torrey Pines High School, Canyon Crest Academy, Carmel Valley Middle School, Earl Warren Middle School and Cathedral Catholic High School.

Mori’s motivation and inspiration to work hard comes from his mother, who was the most supportive person in his life. She left this earthly life just last year, but not before empowering him to work hard to build his business, take care of his employees, and contribute to the North County San Diego community that he loves so dearly.

We've all heard the advice, 'Don't follow the money, follow the passion and the money will show up.' Dan is a staunch believer in this idea. When asked about the future of Fulcrum he responded, 'I feel it in my bones that it will be successful.' He is willing to work hard to build upon the success he’s already experiencing and eventually sees the business franchising. He’s not afraid to spend some money to do what needs to be done. His instructors and employers are paid better than most industry standards and his coaches follow his philosophy to go the extra mile when needed. If a student doesn't have a ride because his/her mom has to work, a Fulcrum instructor or Mori himself will pick the student up. The employees of Fulcrum Surf may not be blood related, but it is truly a family business.

So where does yoga fit in with Fulcrum Surf Studio? While I was in Costa Rica and Mori was in San Diego, we both had a simultaneous idea to bring yoga and surfing together as a business. Together we worked to create the yoga program at Fulcrum Surf in June 2008 and it is now in full operation.

The concept has taken off outside of the U.S. as well, becoming popular in exotic surf destinations for retreats combining the two activities. However, here in San Diego, Fulcrum Surf and Yoga Studio is one of a kind.

Most of the surfing community knows both the physical and mental benefits of yoga. Surfing and yoga have many similar qualities. People who regularly surf and/or do yoga generally have a better outlook on life and feel energized and happy. This could be attributed to the fact that both are 'moving meditations,' giving people a chance to be present and not engaged in the continuous chatter of the mind (the “monkey mind” as we say in yoga). The body on a physical level reacts positively when the mind is given a chance to rest each day.

Fulcrum Surf has now implemented yoga in its surf trainings and camps that are designed to groom young surfers for professional and competitive surfing. In addition to providing surf instruction from qualified competitive coaches, the training camps include video analysis and physical fitness training. Young surfers, especially the 'grommets' (young male surfers between the ages of ten and 14) love the yoga!

Mori's philosophy of keeping it personal now extends into the yoga part of the business. He had once been hurt in a yoga class because it was too large for the teacher to help him or notice that he was doing one of the postures incorrectly. Because of this experience, Fulcrum offers yoga classes to the public by reservation only to keep classes small in order to give individual attention. Fulcrum is also offering 'on call' classes where you can make reservations for yoga outside the designated class times according to the availability of the teacher and client.

The energy at Fulcrum Surf and Yoga studio is about creating those 'good vibrations' while offering something professional, refreshing and exciting. In yoga and surfing, we create peace and self awareness during our practice or session; we take that out into the world and make it a better place.

By Fiona Gale

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