Life & Work with Jenny Brown

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jenny Brown.

Hi Jenny, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
The humble beginnings of Shaka Surf School started with a desire to work near the ocean and help others enjoy and appreciate the gifts mother ocean gives us. I saw the need for a surf school that could provide a holistic approach to surfing and the lifestyle of surfing. With years of experience traveling and surfing, my best friend Moira and I knew we could offer children and adults the tools they needed to get started on a surfing journey. We gave one another confidence in the slow beginnings of what is now a lively, fun surf camp!

Fast forward four years and I am running the camps and lessons along with a dream team of instructors and of course the backbone of my business, my family. Our surf camps started with 1-3 kids and now we teach at times, as many as 25-30. Wow, how far we have come on all levels! We also offer weekends dedicated just to women. Teaching safety, etiquette, and ocean awareness with yoga and meditation to bring individuals into the present moment.

Traveling and adventuring have always made me come alive and I LOVE guiding women on surf and yoga adventures! We travel to beautiful waves and places off the beaten path. My intentions to lead with reverence to the earth and the ocean help everyone ground into what is really important. We think we choose what we are paying attention to but in reality, most of us are driven by habit and impulse.

By immersing in mother nature and choosing an activity, like surfing, we are able to slow things down and allow ourselves to become aware of the process of attending and perhaps how little control we have over it. In my experience, it is a deep form of spirituality. We are all moved by our experiences on these trips and the level of support and encouragement towards other women is nothing short of magic.

We have offered many different nonprofit surf days for young adults and our ongoing missions with Courageous Kidz is our favorite. These brave young people are fighting cancer and they come out and surf with us and conquer many fears and inhibitions. The ocean treats everyone the same and this feeling of tackling the elements brings so much joy and courage to these beautiful humans! Every single person involved benefits.

I have learned that water is really a metaphor for life and love. It is intuitive, creative, and intelligent, opening all of our senses. Also meditative, it offers a wellspring of peace that is always present. It changes the way you see the world, the way you act and feel. Teaches us to trust the uncertainty of life.

It is said that you can program water and our bodies are made of water and always moving. If we can relate to and program water, we can relate to and program our bodies and minds.

I think I’ll go program awhile, see ya, I’m going surfing!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Yes, there are struggles and large learning curves associated with owning a small business. We had to borrow a truck for the first three years to carry boards and equipment for kids’ surf camps. There was no money coming in, only a deep desire and faith that held it all together.

There are always the obstacles of the weather, ocean environment, and elements to contend with.
These things keep you on your toes and super alert. Calming nervous kids and adults is an ongoing process. Tropical storms, covid, helicopter parents, jellyfish wars, and sunburn to name a few.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
The beginnings of creation can be fueled exclusively by passion. Creating an experience around surfing and ocean awareness had many obstacles so we borrowed different trucks for the first three years to transport boards and gear. We finally purchased a killer, used van painted her up many times, and had the surf machine. The slow roll of the tides and many sunny days later and the rest is her story.

Prior to and through owning a surf school, I completed in surf contest both locally and abroad. I was East Coast women’s champion in 2004! I received my teacher training in yoga 24 years ago and have taught yoga on the beach, in studios, on clifftops, and just about everywhere. I could. My family and I lived on a sailboat for 7 years and my firstborn Grace lived on board until she was 3. Water surrounds my existence and I feel held and safe in the water.

It has many teachings and learning to “go with the flow” or create ripples when needed is especially helpful. I always incorporate yoga into surf coaching and surf camps and it’s really prevalent how this resinates and inspires our younger generations. Breathing Mother Oceans thick air is nothing short of deep healing. I don’t take any of it for granted. In our camps, we sit in circles and discuss ways to help care for our Oceans and what our impact means for the greater good. It’s powerful, really. Listen to the children.

I am most proud of my courage. There is so much uncertainty on and in the ocean. To feel fear, as I do some days and release and remember to breathe and trust. I know it helps me and my path to have that faith.

I love nothing more than traveling, adventuring, and surfing turquoise waters. Through guiding Wemoon’s Surf and Yoga adventures I have the heart-felt experience of connecting with each lady while we take our time remembering our deep connections to land and water. I am extremely grateful for every one of the strong, brave women that come along for the journey. Over the years other women have stepped up to assist on the trips and they always bring their light! No words can really explain these magical trips.

I specialize in this local, drawn-out southern yell… yeehaw! When I get super happy and stoked!

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My family is my biggest supporter. My husband just says, “you got this ” all the time. My oldest daughter Grace is 2nd in command and really is a powerhouse of a leader and mentor for young girls. Georgia is my youngest and she mostly surfs, HA! But she inspires everyone with her mad surf skills! My parents also really support me in doing what I feel passionate about and they have always had my back. My brother Wade is such an inspiration and incredible writer who tells me to “just be myself”.

I have a DREAM TEAM of surf instructors who love kids and love surfing and it shows in and out of the water. One of my best friends and surf buddies Moira Gil and I started Shaka together and she and I worked hard to create a fun, safe experience for everyone. She inspires me as she works in Argentina building her own surf school and creating art. The ladies that travel and adventure with me also deserve a shoot-out as their trust helps me do what I love.

Contact Info:

• Email: follybeach@shakasurfschool.com
• Website: Shakasurfschool.com
• Instagram: @shakasurfschool
• Facebook: Shaka Surf School

Image Credits
Nica Waves, Mike Dennison, Weatherly Meadors, Franziska Lewis Photography, Stello Photography, and  Brianna Stello