By Andrea Swayne
Age: 12, Marco Forster Middle School
When Josh Hoffman sets his mind on something, nothing stands in his way.
About a year ago he decided to learn to surf and to try out for the team at Marco Forster Middle School.
“I had a great mentor, Mark Sombrano,” Josh said. “He taught me the basics, brought me to different surf breaks to expand my knowledge. I think his help was key and I’d like to thank him for it.”
Now, this bright seventh-grader from Dana Point is a member of his school surf team and competes in the SSS and WSA. His most recent podium appearance came October 6 in WSA Event No. 3 at Huntington Beach, where he took third in U14 Longboard.
Josh’s dad surfed and his grandfather was one of the best locals at Killer Dana back in his day. This family legacy is part of what drew Josh to the sport.
“My family plays a big part in supporting my desire to be a surfer,” he said. “They support me with everything I need to be successful and really care about my passion.”
Josh is not only fiercely committed to having a pro career someday, but also to invent a new process or product that will revolutionize surfboards of the future. “I also have a drive to ride big waves and hope to travel the world in search of waves that are un-crowded, massive and powerful,” he said.
“I love the adrenaline rush and tell myself when I’m in the lineup, ‘Don’t paddle unless it’s menacing. Paddle for the biggest waves.’”
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