Destin Magazine Summer 2008

BEACHBAG

Ride On Surf School photos by Romona Robbins - www.romonasphotography.com.

Ride On Surf School Announces Billabong Surf Camps

Ride On Surf School, located behind Pompano Joe’s in Miramar Beach,
announces it has teamed up with Billabong USA to offer Billabong Surf Camp s
for the 2008 season. Offering 2-day, 3-day and weekend camps, the surf
camps will run throughout the summer each day from 9:00 a.m. - noon.
“We are really pleased to be working with Ride On Surf School,” said Jim

Kempton, Director of Camps for Billabong USA. “Billabong’s Camps Program only partners with the best surf camps and Ride On Surf School’s program is top notch. They are great to work with and there is no one we are more confident of than Ride On Surf School.” ^ABOVE^{: Ride} ^On ^Surf ^School ^founderThe Billabong Surf Camps feature surfing instruction ^Matt ^Cassidy ^with ^wife, ^Vanessa,and lessons on ocean awareness, wave breaks, ocean ^and ^their ^son, ^Reif. ^LEFT^{: Matt}conditions, water safety, wave etiquette, paddling, push ^Cassidy ^demonstrates ^proper ^pad-up and pop up techniques and balancing. ^dling ^technique ^to ^students; ^Ride“Billabong is one of the world’s leading manufacturers ^On ^Surf ^School ^student, ^Colleenof surf wear and accessories and I’m so excited to have ^Cooper, ^catches ^her ^first ^wave.their support. This enables us to offer the best surf camp in

Northwest Florida if not the Southeast,” said Matt Cassidy, founder of Ride On Surf School. After proper instruction and practice lessons, the camps conclude with a surf contest and beach relay race. Each child will receive a Billabong grab bag complete with fun goodies including a t-shirt, DVD and stickers. The surf camps include a surfboard rental, leash, rash guard and/or wetsuit. Students are encouraged to bring a light snack, water, towel and sunscreen.

Founded in 2004 by local resident Matt Cassidy, Ride On Surf School has quickly gained the reputation as the Emerald Coast’s premier surf school among local residents and vacationers alike. “I couldn’t be more thrilled that Matt and his team will be bringing the Billabong surf camps to the Emerald Coast. I look forward to offering this fun and exciting opportunity to our Billabong customers,” said Frank Sims, owner of Billabong Destin and Aloha Surf Company.

In addition to surf camps, Ride On Surf School also offers group, adult and private lessons, as well as
surf parties which are popular for birthdays and corporate retreats.
As a safe environment and individual attention are the number one priority for Ride On Surf School, all surf instructors are CPR and First Aid certified
and the student-to-instructor ratio is 4-1.
“Since a very young age, I have always had a huge love for surfing and I feel so fortunate to be able to share my passion and enthusiasm with others.
The excitement on children’s faces after spending a day learning to surf is priceless and the parent’s couldn’t be more pleased,” added Cassidy.
For more information on surf rates and camp schedules, please call (850) 582-2593 or visit www.RideOnSurf.com.

30th Annual Destin Seafood Festival Returns to the Destin Harbor

For its 30th anniversary, the Destin Seafood Festival is returning to the spot of its origin, the Destin harbor. On October 3-5, more than 25,000 visitors and locals will pack Harbor Walk Village alongside the harbor docks to enjoy fresh local seafood, live entertainment, arts and crafts booths, children’s activities, and more.

The Destin Seafood Festival is the official kickoff for the Destin Fishing Rodeo, which takes place the entire month of October. For more information on sponsorships, vendor booths, and volunteer opportunities, please call (850) 837-2711 ext. 2.