"A good coach can change a game. A great coach can change a life." - Coach John Wooden. Ricky is exactly the great coach that Coach Wooden spoke of. He genuinely knows how to connect with his students and develop them not only into great surfers and athletes, but more importantly as role models and upstanding members of our community. As a retired Marine Corps veteran, I have been fortunate enough to be influenced in life by great leaders and mentors; Ricky is cut from the same cloth as those great leaders. It is inspiring to see how Ricky connects with everyone both in and out of the water and to see his passion for giving back to our community's youth. Pairing up with Ricky has certainly been a true godsend and blessing for my autistic son, Bodhi and our family. It's simply amazing to see how Ricky is able to accommodate and connect with Bodhi at such a deep level. He has helped my son Bodhi overcome so many challenges in surfing and with life. The two now share a special bond. The ability to really connect with his students is what sets Ricky apart. There are so many good coaches and managers out there, but if you want a great coach and life mentor, give Ricky Whitlock a call today.

James Otto Myung - Lieutenant Colonel, USMC (retired)

Parent of Client

I started doing surf lessons with Ricky when I was around 8-10 years old. He taught me many lessons, such as how to stand up correctly, proper paddling technique, how to do turns, wave selection, and surf 1Q. Most importantly, he taught me how to conduct myself in public, and that I never know who's around me and watching. He took us on a few field trips, including a sponsorship opportunity with Sector 9. He had us write a resume and present ourselves to the company. Ricky taught me many surfing tips and tricks, but also taught me how to be an all-around respectful and good person.

Kai Lynds

Client

Ricky started coaching Kellar at 14 years old, he struggled with severe ADHD, but Ricky helped guide him into using it as his superpower. Kellar went to UCLA / MiT and works at the fasted growing fintech company in the world.

Kellar Moore

Client

Throughout my middle school and high school years, I benefitted from Ricky's unique ability to analyze every aspect of my surfing style and performance and clearly communicate strategies to improve my surfing. Ricky's amount of knowledge related to surfing, competing, and the ocean transformed my surfing and was important to me reaching my potential in both my competitive and free surfing. Just as important, Ricky emphasized critical life lessons that I carry with me today. For instance, Ricky emphasized sportsmanship, academics, and respect for others. To this day I often reflect on his teachings, and how if we acted with integrity, others would hold us in high regard. I have seen the benefits of this guidance throughout my life. As I enter my third year studying Applied Health Science at Point Loma Nazarene University, I attribute many of my successes to Ricky, his advice, and his genuine interest in me and my development not only as a surfer, but as a person. I am confident that the guidance Ricky provided will benefit me as I further my academics and personal growth.

Nolan Adams

Client

I wanted to take a moment to share some thoughts about my former surf coach, Ricky Whitlock, and the impact he's had on my growth both in and out of the water. Ricky wasn't just focused on teaching surf technique although he certainly excelled at that. His coaching emphasized respect and punctuation. Teaching me how to respect others especially in the water when your surfing with a lot of older people its important to respect those guys and just anyone in and out of the water. He also taught me how important punctuation is and how its always important to be on time no matter what it is. Ricky also was understanding and knows that education is first. Ricky had a way of making sure everyone understood the importance of discipline and humility, no matter their skill level.

Ryder Kessinger

Client

I started doing surf training with Ricky in 6th grade. Around that time I started to do surf contests and Ricky really helped me with not only my technique, but also my surfing IQ during contests. Ricky not only helped me grow as a surfer but also as a person. He is a great role model and taught me not only about surfing, but important aspects of life. Every time I trained with Ricky, it was some of my best surf sessions ever. Even though I no longer surf competitively, I still possess the surfing knowledge and life lessons Ricky has given me throughout the years.

Jayden Lynds

Client

When I was in middle school I started getting really into surfing competitively. I was fortunate enough to find a mentor like Ricky, someone who knows well about the ocean and has history in the sport at high level. This made me understand it was time to listen up and learn as much as possible. We had a good little group of friends that all wanted to progress in surfing and Ricky made sure that he would do what he could to help us do that. I'm very grateful for all the sick waves and fun activities that he would put on for us. Ricky made sure to let all of us know before that wanted to be known as a mentor and not a surf coach. He did great job a doing that for me and friends! Thanks Ricky!

Mason McBride

Client

Ricky's coaching style is truly one-of-a-kind-exactly what you need to take your surfing to the next level. Rather than following a generic, one-size-fits-all approach, Ricky helps you uncover and cultivate your unique strengths. His method emphasizes individuality, creativity, and progression that feels both authentic and sustainable. Beyond the water, Ricky instills the importance of maintaining a respectful image and prioritizing education, shaping well-rounded individuals-not just skilled surfers. After working with Ricky for over five years, I can confidently say that his guidance was instrumental in my development, not only as an athlete but as a person.

Kai Williams

Client

My husband and I can't speak highly enough of Ricky Whitlock and what he offers as a Surf and Wellness coach. He commands respect by his intentional words which are modeled by his authentic actions. He not only brings to the table, years of experience as a professional surfer and coach, he holds integrity in the community with his history as a pro surfer, a paramedic, years of coaching, a husband and father and a longtime resident of North County San Diego. He cares about the entire individual, the character of each of his student clients, applying the principles of discipline and hard work to daily life, as well as helping each person with skill development. Our son absolutely loves having Ricky as his coach and mentor. You won't be disappointed!

Gretchen Vurbeff

Parent of Client