David Sierra
David was born in Queens, New York, and has always been a "beachgoer" at Rockaway since his early childhood. At a young age, he decided to visit Florida, where he caught his first wave at Daytona Beach and became a surfer for life. Surfing as much as he could at his home break in Rockaway, he began to develop a unique rhythm with the ocean.
In 2008, he studied in Los Angeles, where he frequently surfed at Venice Beach. He then traveled to Peru, where he started giving lessons during the North American winter months. People from many parts of the world came to Makaha Beach in Lima, where he taught. His teaching experience there gave him the ability to work in demanding conditions and prepared him to provide a safe environment for future students.
In 2015, he launched his surf lesson services in the city where he was born and raised. David looks forward to becoming a leader, not only in instructing in the water but also in promoting sustainable and healthy living practices. He wants his students to focus not only on surfing but also on appreciating the unique and beautiful nature of the sport, reminding them that it wouldn't be the same without "Mother Nature.
Derek Delgado
Derek Delgado started surfing when he was 13 in Puerto Rico. After moving to Luquillo, a small town on the east coast of Puerto Rico, he began to focus more on surfing by going to the beach every day after school to practice and improve his skills. At 15, he started competing, which further fueled his passion for surfing and the environment. Derek worked at Boardriders, a local surf shop in Puerto Rico, for three years, where he began teaching at a surf school. He also teaches bodyboarding and skimboarding.
In 2015, Derek graduated from high school and moved to Atlanta, where he longed to be near the sea. In 2016, he decided to move to New York, where he discovered his new local surf spot, Rockaway. He loves it there and surfs whenever there’s a swell or a wave. Derek’s life goal is to compete in the WSL (World Surf League) and surf big waves at iconic spots like Mavericks in California, Jaws in Hawaii, and Puerto Escondido in Mexico. Derek invites you to take a lesson with him, saying, “If you never try, you’ll never know the wave that is waiting for you.
Nicholas Warwick
Nicholas started surfing at the young age of 11 when his father first introduced him to the sport. Initially, Nick enjoyed bodyboarding and skimboarding, but after watching the surfers at 90th Street (Rockaway), he became intrigued and wanted to try it himself. When his father's friend took Nick out for his first surf session, he knew it was something he would always want to do.
Nick developed a passion for the sport and quickly progressed over the years. Now, at 20 years old, he is NSSIA surf instructor certified, as well as Lifeguard/First Aid/CPR/AED certified. He has worked with Breakwater Surf Shop, giving private lessons, and has also helped with Locals Surf School’s summer camp. Nick considers both Rockaway Beach and Long Beach his second homes because of the strong ties he has with the local communities. His deep knowledge of the waves at many Rockaway and Long Island beaches makes him an ideal instructor.
Nick has traveled up and down the East Coast, tracking hurricanes, Nor’easters, and other significant swells. He has also spent time surfing in Puerto Rico for 3 years and in Peru for 4 months, riding world-class waves to improve his skills.
