In Isabela, Puerto Rico, where I started doing Physical training for surfers, my first contact was José Tavarez, who introduced me to his best friend Héctor Santamaria, Liza Cabán, Roger Torres, and other surfers, who participated in a Fitness Camp organized and directed by me. All of them are recognized surfers in Puerto Rico.

In San Juan, Puerto Rico, I had the opportunnity to meet and work some training sections with Alejandro Moreda, Tommy Bursian, Carlos Cabrero, Otto Flores, Brian Laide, Kelly Laid, Christian Rivera, Fernando Alvarez and others.

For the last 2 years, in Miami Florida, I've participated in Conventions and courses of Physical Training. These conventions and courses have given me the opportunity to expand my knowledge in the area of fitness.

In Santa Cruz, California, I spent a month taking some courses, participating in Conventions and sharing time with professionals like Scott Adams and Todd Wash, from SurfStronger, Peggy Hall, from Yoga for Surfers, and Rocky Snyder, author of "Fit to Surf" and trainer of the O'neill Family and Surf Team.

In Guayaquil, Ecuador, I spent time with the Surfing Federation of Ecuador and had the oportunity to meet Manuel Lozano, President of the Surfing Federation, who gave me the opportunity to present the work that I do to the surfers. They were very interested in adding the physical training as part of their preparation for the World Championship in 2009. I also met Marcos Conde, who is a recognized surf coach from Brazil.

The most recent and exciting opportunity I had was in North Shore, Hawaii. There, Dr. Leland Dao gave me the opportunity to be part of his medical crew, which consisted of 4 doctors, 2 massageurs and me as Physical trainer. This crew was taking care of the athletes and staff of the Billabong Pipeline Master 2008 event.

Photo: Steve Fitzpatrick