Student Spotlight – Evan Brownell
Evan Brownell is a 15 year old International Virtual Learning Academy student from St. Augustine, Florida. Like many IVLA students, Evan’s family chose online learning because the flexibility enables him to pursue something very special. In Evan’s case – surfing!
I had the privilege of asking Evan a few questions recently. Here is what he had to say.
When did you start surfing?
I started surfing as soon as I could swim, about age 3. My dad pushed me in and I was hooked.
Are you on a team?
I am not on a surf team, but I do have sponsors. My sponsors are Cobian Footware, Lost clothing, Sun Bum sunscreen and my local surf shop, The Surf Station.
(I have to ask) Have you ever seen a shark?
I have seen plenty of sharks. They live where I play, but I try to stay out of their way. New Smyrna Inlet, FL, is the shark bite capital of the world, but fortunately I have never been bitten. New Smyrna has consistent waves and is only an hour drive from my house.
What do you love best about surfing?
What I love best about surfing is the thrill of riding the biggest, longest waves. I like being in the ocean. I like that surfing takes me to new places and I get to meet new people who love to do what I do.
What are the favorite places you’ve surfed?
My most favorite surfing spot is Guiones, Costa Rica. I also love Lowers Trestles in California, minus the crowds.
What is the hardest thing about what you do?
The hardest thing about surfing is being consistent in my contests when you do not ever have a consistent playing field. The waves are constantly changing and you only have 15 or 20 minutes to show what you can do, but you don’t always get the opportunity if it goes flat or you’re sitting in the wrong position and can’t catch a wave. Also trying to learn the latest airs when you live in flat Florida is almost impossible.
How does attending school at IVLA fit into the picture? (www.internationalvla.com)
IVLA gives me the flexibility to be able to do school and travel. I am able to surf during the early morning hours, come home and do school, surf again in the afternoon and finish my schooling at night.
What accomplishments have you achieved?
I compete in NSSA, ESA, Surfing America Prime, Costa Rican tour events as well as other contests, like Rip Curl Grom Search and Volcom VQS when I can. I have won lots of contests, but never a national title and that’s what I’m aiming for. I would also like to be on the Surfing America USA team one day and represent my county in the ISA games.
What are your future goals?
I surf because I love it and being in the ocean, not to win contests. I am hoping one day to travel the world, surf every place I’ve seen and read about in books and magazines and get a job in the surf industry.
You can see Evan in action in this video:
It is always wonderful to find high school students doing what they love and shaping their learning around their passions. All the best to you, Evan!