Monday, July 14, 2008

KODA surfing lesson in San Diego


Transcript:

Hello!!

I decide to teach Kid of Deaf Adult (KODA) surfing lessons because last year I taught some deaf children and adults. My new challenge would be to teach KODA because it's a bit different than deaf student; however they all know American Sign Language (ASL). It's perfect for me so I can communicate with anyone who knows ASL much easier. Teaching them in ASL really does inspire me. Here are some the photos that I taught 3 KODAS.

I did really had a great time teaching them. Seeing them smile influenced me to smile then I influenced them back too. It was really cool! Now you noticed the students wearing yellow shirts and I was wearing red shirt, there is a short story behind this. Remember I mentioned about last year that I was teaching deaf students as voluntary, I decided to go to Pacific Beach Surf Shop because I would to be more involved with teaching surf lessons. The owner of the shop named Randy knows me from surfing at my local spot and I asked him some questions about teaching skills and rules of teaching students.

After talking with him, he decided to ask me why not work for him. It was funny because I was asking him questions and I did not expect to work for him right away. He was asking me how long I have surfed and if I have alot of experiences with surfing. I told him yes, I have surfed for 14 years and the first time I ever surfed was about 20 years ago. Randy thought I'm qualified for the job and wondered if I could make some contacts in the deaf community. I told him yes then he said go ahead start making contacts with them. I'm shocked that I can go ahead and contact the deaf community.

Wait a minute, deaf community? How about ASL community? Yes, it's more like it. There are ASL students out there that they are taking ASL classes. Why not teach them how to surf and learn ASL at the same time?! It's win and win situation. Deaf, Children of Deaf Adult (CODA)s, KODAs, and ASL students, please come and check this website out, Pacific Beach Surf School. You see this cool shirt?

Right on!!

Click on DeafVIDEO (Video Comments)

8 comments:

Todd Furlong said...

can you provide more detailed information on how signers (ASL) can sign up for lessons. I see different types of lessons offered @ PBSS website... to get you as the instructor --- do all of those available lessons apply?

Jon Savage said...

Todd,

Yes, I can do all of those available lessons. Also, you can contract them and request my name as your surf instructor.

Cheers,
JON

Anonymous said...

I love that bright idea! Can make an announcement to my ASL students to sign up the surfing lesson with u! Refer em to check the www for more info and make sure they ask for u! No flyers needed? Thanks for sharing.

Paulette

Anonymous said...

Saw this blog through Facebook... that's pretty awesome!! Several of my cheerleaders went and learned how to surf in Hawaii in 2003 while we attend the cheerleading competition.

Best of luck!

Anonymous said...

Jon,
thanks for teaching my kodas how to surf! They are still talking about it to this day, and they want to come back for more lessons. I was very impressed with the results from your teaching methods, it makes me want to take some surfing lessons myself! I will spread the word about you and your KODA surfing lessons.

nic said...

Hi Jon,
I'm a deaf student and fellow surfer attending UCSD. I would love to join and get into contact with this group but I don't know how. Can you help me out?
-Nicki

nic said...

Hi,
I'm a deaf student and fellow surfer at UCSD. I was wondering how to get in contact or join this group?

Anonymous said...

jon,
do they have surfer camp for deaf? one that we stay there overnight for a week. if ya know any, let me know by email me badestdudeshark@yahoo.com

thanks

Logan Illi