From our own local state park to the perfect turquoise waves of Waikiki Hawaii with views of Diamond Head and rainbows out over the ocean, or taking a van up to see the rugged beauty of the upper peninsula,  assistant principal Mike Roberson is a passionate surfer and camper who has seen it all.

“It is really meditative”, said Roberson. “To catch a wave you have to be so focused that everything else just kind of melts away.  One of the best parts can be just sitting out beyond where the waves are breaking, feeling the energy of the water, the sights and sounds, you are really immersed and connected to nature.”

Not only has surfing had a mental impact on Roberson, but it’s also made another significant impact on him. Surfing provides many benefits to physical health, some of which include increased levels of cardiovascular fitness, shoulder and back strength, and leg and core strength.

“Surfing is the best exercise I have ever done.  It has the cardio, strength and stamina benefits of swimming and balance/core requirements of snowboarding or skating.  It really is the most fun you can have working out,” said Roberson.

Roberson uses a camping van which has served him faithfully on trips as short as getting to school or heading up north to see what the Upper Peninsula has to offer. Roberson always makes sure to bring one or two boards along in case of good waves.

Roberson has been making his own boards for 15 years out of reclaimed wood and keeps most of them in the back of his camping van. He’s accumulated an impressive collection of boogie boards and longboards.

“It is definitely addictive, being immersed in nature and feeling the energy of the water. The sensation of speed as you cut across the face of a wave almost feels like flying.”.