Meet the Founder
Chris "Stingray" Stiegler
Navigating the ever-changing tides of life, my journey began amidst the golden shores of Malibu and unfolded into a tapestry woven with the threads of education, adventure, and a deep-rooted passion for the ocean. A two-time graduate, my earlier days were as much about surfing the big waves as they were about studying amidst the tranquil beauty of Hawaii. It was Hawaii's North Shore where I found my passion and humility in 'big wave surfing'. Realizing psychology's allure, I ventured Down Under to Australia to further my studies in psychology, as well as new oceans. My academic pursuits eventually took an unexpected turn into the realm of Spanish waves and minds.
For five exhilarating years, I worked as an accredited Spanish Lifeguard while embracing the role of Head Coach and General Manager, steering the prestigious Quicksilver Surf School in the Canary Islands with the precision and grace of a seasoned wave rider. The same adventurous spirit that led me across continents also shaped my role as the dynamic GM of Surf Camps in Los Angeles, where I have cultivated the next generation of surf enthusiasts and champions for over a decade.
On the waves of success, I coached the Malibu High Surf Team, as well as created and coached the Venice Beach Westside Boardriders Surf Team, solidifying my commitment to coastal communities' surfing cultures.
In my younger years through college, I competed in surf competitions up and down the California coastline as well as in Hawaii. Carving out a life dedicated to the art of riding waves, my extensive experience spans over 30 years, making each dive into the surf a wellspring of knowledge and connection.
Today, as the founder of Malibu Surf Coach, I continue to pay it forward, sharing the boundless beauty and raw power of the ocean with students and fellow surfers alike. Embraced by the surf community around the globe, I stand as a beacon for those seeking to harmonize with the rhythm of the sea, offering lessons not just in a sport but in a way of life.
Mahalo,
The Malibu Surf Coach
Featured on MotorTrend
When MotorTrend came to Malibu, they needed the real thing. Chris was cast as himself — named on screen as Malibu Surf Coach, coaching the talent on the beach, taking them into the water, and surfing these breaks on camera. Because there's no one more qualified to show what Malibu surf culture actually looks like.
4 CORE PRINCIPLES
1: SEEK TO UNDERSTAND THE OCEAN
The ocean has so much to offer. One of the benefits of spending hours on the water is getting to deepen our understanding of the ocean and learning everything she has to teach.
2: A GOOD LIFE IS A HEALTHY LIFE
We believe a good life is about growth, and when you're healthy, you can push yourself to your full potential and surprise yourself with how much you can grow.
3: SURFING SHOULD ALWAYS BE FUN
Many of our students come to us because they want to go into the competitive scene. Even then, we try to make sure they never forget that, at its essence, surfing is all about having fun.
4: A HUMBLE SURFER IS A SAFE SURFER
Mother Ocean has her bad days. We teach with patience and humility so our surfers learn to stay safe - whether with us - or on their own.
