A Surfing Bond

A Student of Surfing And Her Teacher Are Making Waves

Each summer, surfers from all over flock to Montauk to partake in the great surfing. Over the years surfing has evolved and is no longer the pasttime of beach bums and college students alone. Today the beaches are littered with individuals from all walks of life who are searching for the rush of riding the next big wave.

Flying Point Surf School in Southampton is directed by Shane Dyckman, and is known for its friendly, laid back approach to surfing. Not only can kids there learn how to master a demanding sport, but friendships are built and lasting connections are made. Java Bailey and Selena Moberly, two surfers who love surfing Montauk, can attest to that.

Four years ago Selena started surfing and as with all beginners (and seasoned pros for that matter) she took many a flailing plunge into the depths as she learned how to keep her footing and maneuver the waves. At her side her each day was Java who is known for his surfing prowess and listed among New York's greatest surfers. Java is something of a legend. Not only an amazing surfer, Java is also the lead guitarist for the band Supercargoman and former cover boy for Eastern Surf Magazine. He is also one of the surfers highlighted in the surfing documentary, "Burning the Map." According to many of Flying Point's students, Java is the "fun" in surfing. With patience, wit and his extensive knowledge, Java creates a unique learning atmosphere for young surfers.

Java has taught all he knows to Selena and it is taking her far in the surfing world. They surf together each day and Selena (or Peanut as she is lovingly called at the school) has become quite the amazing little surfer in her own right and aspires to become a pro surfer someday. She is currently # 1 in New York in the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA) Menehune division for age 11 and under. Just last month, Selena took first place on shortboard and second place on longboard at the Rockaway Beach competition. Not only is Selena an accomplished surfer but she is also quite the inventor. This indomitable little girl has created the GirlGuard, a new piece of performance surf equipment. With the help of her mother, Janice Moberly, Selena has acquired a U.S. patent and will be launching her invention at the ASR Trade Show in San Diego this September.

If you are out in Montauk and see the two of these surfing around, stop and say hello and congratulate them on their accomplishments.

- Karma Hope

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