Long before there were such things as "surf cams," "surf schools" and slick, Escalade - driving surf teachers dubbing themselves "Malibu Mitch" or "Malibu Whomever," there was primarily one person, Joel Shultz (www.surfthebu.com ) accomplishing the lion share of private surfing lessons in Southern California.

A native Angelino, Joel, already well into his third decade of teaching, has been actively surfing these local Southern California beaches for over forty years and counting.

Considered one of Southern California's most prolific instructors, he's logged in more lessons than anyone this side of Rabbit Kekaii ! (legendary Hawaiian beach boy)

Perhaps Joel's most notable teaching qualification, aside from his steadfast patience, unbridled passion and dedication to the sport, would be that he grew up in Los Angeles in the early 60's, and this opportunity afforded him a ringside seat at world famous Malibu Surfrider Beach.

Here he could study, analyze, marvel at, and ultimately surf alongside the legendary masters of Malibu in their prime: surfing icons like Mickey "Da Cat" Dora; Lance Carson; Dewey Weber; Mike Doyle; and local heroes like "Cowboy" (Phil Henderson) and "Moto," all working their magic across the perfect ruler-edged waves of Malibu's famed first point.

Over the years, Joel has appeared as a guest on "The Today Show" (discussing teaching over-forty year old women as opposed to younger women); "The Best Damn Sports Show Period" (teaching a Playboy Bunny and her date to surf); has been quoted in "The Wall Street Journal" (El Nino's effect on surfing related injuries); and was the subject of a newspaper article in the "Los Angeles Times" ("Welcome to Zuma Beach"  -- click here to view our press release section ).

He has trained and coached several celebrities to surf (Pierce Brosnan, Steven Guttenberg, Tia Carrera, and soap star Ilene Davidson), as well as serving as an occasional stunt surfing double.

"Joel's the real deal. He's living his dream. The real life Kahuna."
- Terry Lucoff-former owner Natural Progression Surfboards, and Current Malibu Realtor

"To be sure, in Southern California Joel's a pioneer in the field."
Davey Hilton - Surfer, Hotelier and Hilton heir

"He's truly reached the darma of his profession."
Susan Dayley, San Francisco Chronicle

"Joel's the best teacher I've had at any level."
Jeff Kelly - Meteorologist, Ch. 24 TV. Tucson, Arizona

"Joel Shultz is the best in the business."
Craig Maddux -- La County Life Guard

"Joel's all about originality and integrity."
Zuma Jay - Owner of Zuma Jay's Surfboards Malibu, California / Malibu City Councilman

"I've referred Joel for 15 years without a single complaint."
Randy Beck - Owner of Safari Surf Boards, Granada Hills

"Thanks, Joel, for the great lesson! You make learning to surf a breeze! Here are some pics we took."
- All Best, Julia

"I have been meaning to e-mail you and thank-you for the great surf lesson that Ryan had with you! You were so patient and kind to him. You explained everything and he did well! It was so nice to meet you! Take care and will try to forward video of him surfing."
- Thanks again, Mary

Three of Joel's former Malibu students, Jason Roglan, Steven Geary, and Tyler Trivette have all become local standouts, featured in surf videos, mags, and surfing related ads. Geary went on to take the first place Jr. Men's title in the prestigious Malibu Club invitational 04.

Joel trained a champion -- and you might be next.  Let's go surfing today!!