WHERE CONFIDENCE MEETS THE COAST: Inside RC Surf Instruction with Founder Ryan Cassidy

From the moment they first touch the water, few experiences rival the clarity, confidence, and exhilaration that surfing can bring. In a recent interview with RC Surf Instruction owner Ryan Cassidy, he shared how his personal connection to the ocean grew from a fun challenge into a lifelong passion—and eventually into a mission to help others discover that same transformative experience.

Ryan Cassidy

At RC Surf Instruction, the focus is as much on building confidence as it is on catching waves. Lessons are designed to meet each student where they are, guiding them safely and supportively from the fundamentals on land to the thrill of standing on their first wave. With an approach that blends structured instruction, encouragement, and mindfulness, students leave not only with new surfing skills but a renewed sense of capability and presence. For those curious about surfing—or even new to fitness entirely—Ryan Cassidy and his team offer more than lessons. They offer a gateway to physical strength, mental clarity, and the unparalleled joy of connecting with the ocean.

Can you share a bit about your personal background and what led you to surfing and eventually founding RC Surf Instruction?

I grew up drawn to the ocean. Surfing started as something fun and challenging, but over time it became much more than that. It became a space where I felt grounded, clear-headed, and confident. The ocean has a way of stripping everything down to the present moment. As I continued surfing, I realized how transformative that experience could be for other people. What began as giving a few lessons naturally evolved into building RC Surf Instruction. I wanted to create a space where anyone, regardless of age or ability, could experience that same sense of accomplishment and connection in the water.

Surfing is often seen as both a sport and a lifestyle. How do you view it as a pathway to fitness?

Surfing is one of the most complete forms of fitness. It builds strength, endurance, balance, mobility, and coordination all at once. But beyond the physical benefits, it’s incredibly powerful for mental wellness. When you’re in the ocean, you are fully present. You cannot rush it, control it, or distract yourself from it. That presence builds resilience and confidence. The rhythm of the waves, the salt air, and the challenge of learning something new create a unique combination of physical exertion and mental clarity that’s hard to replicate anywhere else.

What makes RC Surf Instruction unique when it comes to teaching style?

At RC Surf Instruction, confidence comes before performance. My approach is structured, safe, and supportive. I focus on meeting people exactly where they are, whether they’re an athlete or someone who has never stepped into the ocean before.

Every lesson is about building trust—with the water, and with yourself. I break skills down in a way that feels achievable, celebrate small wins, and create an environment where people feel encouraged rather than judged. The goal isn’t just to stand up on a wave. It’s to leave feeling stronger and more capable than when you arrived.

For someone who is curious about surfing what can they expect from their first lesson with you?

They can expect patience, clarity, and a lot of encouragement. We start with safety and fundamentals on the sand so nothing feels rushed. I explain the ocean in a way that makes it less intimidating and more understandable. By the time we head into the water, students feel prepared. Most people surprise themselves. Even if they don’t stand up on their first wave, they leave realizing they’re capable of more than they thought. That shift in mindset is often the most powerful part of the experience.