Getting Schooled
By Chelsea Johns
“Eli was surfing before he could swim,” says proud pops, Eric Olson. Like most North Shore grown groms, surfing is as intrinsic as walking and breathing. So it comes as no surprise that Eli recently became the youngest certified surf instructor in Hawai‘i, teaching novice wave riders twice his age how to navigate the impact zone at Uncle Brian’s [Surratt] Surf School. While Eli works to raise his Kahuku High GPA, boost his contest results and refine his contest strategy at the upcoming HASA and NSSA events this year, this dedicated grom will continue to spread the surf stoke to those he teaches and encounters every day.
“If you notice Eli's favorite surfers, he is really into style. I hope we will be able to compare him to Michael Ho. Michael has mastered every major wave on the north shore and has the trophies to prove it. He is in my opinion the best coach on the market today Mike and Derek are surfing analysts. They have contributed to the progression of contest strategy and have always been in the forefront of surfing technology.”—Eric Olson


Name: Eli Olson
Age: 14
Stance: Regular
Sponsors: Lost, Osiris, Sobe, Victory
School: Kahuku High
Home Break: Waimea Bay
Favorite Post-Session Grinds: Shoyu chicken plate lunch from Ted’s Bakery
Favorite Video Game System: X-Box
Favorite Movie: Bruce Almighty
Best Placing: Ranked first for the Boys division in the HASA 2006.
Favorite Music: “I like all types of music. Anything to get me amped.”
Favorite Artist: Lassen
Favorite Activity When Not Surfing: Open water or cave diving.
Favorite Surfers: Bruce Irons, Matt Archbold, Kelly Slater and Ryan Carlson.
Favorite Maneuvers: Barrels, Airs, Snaps and The Reverse.
Friend’s List: West Side crew, North shore boys and outer-island buddies.
Favorite Animals: Dogs, roosters and my little brother.
Favorite Place To Travel To: Mainland and Baha Mexico.
Surf Trip Dream Destination: Boat trip to Mentawais, Gold Coast and J-bay.
Contest Results: “I need improvement. I train hard. Got to get more consistent.”
Best Advice From Pops: “Respect everyone. Do your best. Stay low. Attack.”