We are excited to introduce our 2023 Summer Teen Camp Staff! We’ve asked our staff a few questions to introduce themselves, and to help break the ice with the 40 (over two weeks) teens that will be coming to camp later this month!
Dustin – Camp Director
Dustin started Maui Surfer Girls in 2001 with a mission to build self-confidence in women through the sport of surfing. What began as a teen summer camp has blossomed into a year round company, with surf lessons, women’s surf camps, and of course the teen camps, all selling out months in advance. In 2022, Dustin was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Mayor’s Small Business Awards.
What’s on your playlist this week?
Anomal, Willie Nelson and Groundation!
What’s your favorite snack from a convenience store?
Potato Wedges from Minit Stop
When you were a teenager, what meant SUMMER to you?
The smell of Sex Wax reminds me of summer, and Alligator sunscreen.
Carole – Camp Manager
Aloha! My name is Carole and I live in Wailuku, Maui. I co-direct our camps alongside the “Big Wig”, Dustin Tester, so we are the conductors of the beautiful symphony that is an MSG Surf Camp. I manage the logistics side of our camps so I am the person who organizes camper/staff schedules, makes sure everything happens when it is supposed to and that everyone is aware of what is happening next/where they need to be.You can also call me the “Tetris Master”! There are a lot of moving pieces behind the scenes of our camps and it can be a big task keeping it all together but the end product and the amazing changes I have seen our program make in the lives of our campers is so amazing and totally worth the work! It’s hard work but it’s heart work 🙂
How did you first get introduced to Maui Surfer Girls?
I was first introduced to MSG through the previous camp co-director, Lucy, when she told me that MSG was hiring surf instructors back in 2014. I got hired and haven’t been able to live without this amazing group of humans ever since! After dealing with back injuries that kept me from being able to teach lessons, I moved into the retail and social media side of the biz and later took over Lucy’s position when she decided to become an EMT. Funny how those circles come around in life, isn’t it?
When you are not surfing what do you like to do?
I love to be in nature, either hanging at the beach, dipping in Iao stream or camping. I also love to read!
Who is on your Spotify Playlist THIS WEEK?
Well I don’t have Spotify but if I did, it would be Stevie Wonder or Ma’oli.
What’s your favorite snack to buy at a convenience store?
Gummy bears for the win!
When you were a teenager, what meant SUMMER to you?
Bicycles. We spent all summer cruising the neighborhood on our bikes or riding to the beach.
Nicole – CIT Trainer
I live in Lahaina and I have a small private practice as a therapist.
How did you first get introduced to Maui Surfer Girls?
I found out about Maui Surfer Girls around 2003/4 through Seventeen magazine. I attended camp that summer and came back as a CIT.
When you are not surfing what do you like to do?
I love to journal, reading, hula, spend time with friends and my partner, and cooking
Who is on your Spotify Playlist THIS WEEK?
Oh a random list but mostly Ziggy Alberts
What’s your favorite snack to buy at a convenience store?
Potato chips 🙂
When you were a teenager, what meant SUMMER to you?
Summer was humid, warm weather
Sitting in my rooftop watching the sunset
Guitar by the fire, dancing to live music and roaming around my small town taking pictures with friends
Amara- Assistant CIT Trainer
I am from Yakima, Washington and I just graduated from Gonzaga University with an English Writing Degree in May of 2022. After traveling through Europe by myself for a few months I moved out to Bozeman, Montana to work (and ski) full time at the Bridger Bowl ski resort!
How did you first get introduced to Maui Surfer Girls?
I was first introduced to MSG when I was a teenager myself. On a family trip to Hawaii when I was about 15 or so my mom signed us up for surf lessons through the company. I really hit it off with the surf instructors and they recommended I attend a teen camp they put on every summer. Now, 7 years later, I’m still coming back for camp!
When you are not surfing what do you like to do?
When I’m not surfing or skiing I like to play guitar, read, go out on long hikes, go and see live music and enjoy nature and time with my friends! 🙂 I’m also very adventurous, so anything that involves traveling or trying new things is going to spark my excitement!
Who is on your Spotify Playlist THIS WEEK?
I love to listen to music so it’s changing all the time but THIS WEEK the songs I have on repeat are Windows by Jaypitts, Wichita by the Cavves, Frog Song by Gus Glasser, Cancel Me by Dominic Fike, Where’d All The Time Go by Dr. Dog, and Weekend Friend by Goth Babe.
What’s your favorite snack to buy at a convenience store?
For a road trip I’m going for white cheddar cheezits, for a quick snack I’m always getting Tim’s Salt and Vinegar chips and for a sweet something I’m going to get sour skittles!
When you were a teenager, what meant SUMMER to you?
Summer time for me meant windows down, warm desert air, the song Temptation by Joey Badass blasting through the windows. I grew up in a small town, so my friends and I were either driving to the pool or just driving around town to chat and waste the day away together.
Chelsea – Surf Coach
Chelsea’s passion for the ocean can be seen through her work in marine conservation, water sports coaching, aquatic tourism, marine biology, sailing and maritime services. Connecting with the ocean through surfing is one of Chelsea’s favorite ways to experience the grace and beauty of the water, and she loves to share surfing with others through a safe, empowering and fun approach. Hailing from the Philippines, she has traveled far and wide, but the magic of Maui continues to beckon her back for more incredible adventures with Maui Surfer Girls!
Sofi Tukker, Kat Cunning, Tones and I
Kiki – Surf Coach
Meet Kiki, the vibrant Brazilian force who is making waves in the world of ocean exploration. With her exceptional surf coaching and genuine mentorship, she has become a sought-after inspiration for those eager to delve into the mysteries of the sea.
As a talented waterwoman, Kiki effortlessly navigates the waves through stand-up paddling, longboarding, and shortboard surfing at the finest breaks in Maui.
Kiki’s presence in the water brings out the best in people, instilling confidence and unlocking their full potential. Her passion for the sport is truly contagious, igniting a flame of excitement in everyone she encounters. Beyond her devotion to surfing, Kiki’s profound love and connection with the natural world, animals, and children serve as a constant source of inspiration.
Join Kiki on an extraordinary journey of exploration and personal growth as she shares her expertise, kindles a sense of wonder, and encourages a deeper appreciation for the magnificence of the ocean.
Maggie – Surf Coach
I live in Lahaina Maui and I’m a surf instructor and also work on sail boats.
How did you first get introduced to Maui Surfer Girls?
I got connected through the queen Kelly Potts!
When you are not surfing what do you like to do?
Snorkeling, cooking, and laying in my hammock
Who is on your Spotify Playlist THIS WEEK?
Remi Wolf 🙂
What’s your favorite snack to buy at a convenience store?
Ruffles Cheddar and Sour crème flavour
When you were a teenager, what meant SUMMER (activity/food/smell?) to you?
Lots of waves, boat rides, sunburns, and mosquitos bites ☺️
Brianna – Surf Coach
I live in Southern California. I’ve been an adapted PE teacher for the past 9 years – teaching physical education to students with disabilities. In the last year I’ve been working as a surf instructor in Costa Rica, as well as volunteering with a surf therapy group and a women’s outreach mentorship program.
How did you first get introduced to Maui Surfer Girls?
I heard about Maui Surfer Girls from my close friend and mentor. She had attended a Maui Surfer Girls women’s camp and loved it. I was then fortunate to experience a women’s camp myself in March 2022.
When you are not surfing what do you like to do?
I like to hang out with my family and friends, take my dog kiwi to the beach, skateboard, snowboard, and have dance parties.
Who is on your Spotify Playlist THIS WEEK?
I’ve been listening to Khruangbin, Bahamas, and Leon bridges this week.
What’s your favorite snack to buy at a convenience store?
I love popcorn or any type of sour candy!
When you were a teenager, what meant SUMMER to you?
Pool days, watermelon, family beach camping, and bbqs.
SUE – Camp Chef Week 1
I am Retired Army and I live in Fort Collins Co after spending 11 years on Maui.
How did you first get introduced to Maui Surfer Girls?
Dustin Tester 2011 and started cheffing for the camps 7 years later.
When you are not surfing what do you like to do?
I don’t surf but paddle board. I respond to disaster areas when an event happens and help the disaster survivors.
Who is on your Spotify Playlist THIS WEEK?
Any edm
What’s your favorite snack to buy at a convenience store?
Beef jerky
When you were a teenager, what meant SUMMER to you?
Camping
Erica- Camp Nurse
I live in Boulder, CO and work as a Product DesignerRachael – Camp Photographer
As Colorado skier I of course dreamt of the opposite my whole life… to glide on the waves, surfing from sunrise to sunset. Right before my thirty birthday, I still hadn’t learned to surf. Realizing I was getting any younger, I reached out to Dustin in 2019 curious if she needed a photographer from Teen Camp. Luckily she did! I packed my bags for to paradise to live my childhood dream as an adult. Little did I know this experience would change my life. The magnet of Maui and the MSG ‘ohana pulled me in with a warm hug. I officially moved to Lahaina in 2020.
Rachael will be capturing the girls on their waves and on their adventures! Learn more about Rachael here on her website : https://www.rachaelzimmerman.com
