MARINE CORPS AIR STATION MIRAMAR, Calif. -- Exercising at local gymnasium complexes may not be enough for the Marines at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar. Some Marines take their workout activities outside of the air station and to the California beaches.

The Outdoor Adventure Center took Marines to surf with the widely known “Willis Brothers,” to become capable surfers and instructors at Del Mar Beach, Del Mar, Calif.

Milton and Michael Willis began surfing in 1962 in Solana Beach, Calif. In 1972, the Willis Brothers started the first ever physical surfing physical education class at San Dieguito High School, San Diego. They soon became experts in the surfing world, and began to share their knowledge on catching a perfect wave.

“They are very good teachers and just your normal kind of guys,” said Lance Cpl. Matthew D. Smith, aviation operations specialists, MCAS Miramar. “They explained everything so we all could understand.”

Michael and Milton are widely known for their expert techniques, easy to learn lessons, and the boards that they make. Like any other instructors they wanted to pass off their knowledge of the sport to Marines who wanted to become instructors at MCAS Miramar.

“It’s all about awareness, teamwork, motivation and courage,” said Milton. “If you don’t have the motivation or courage then you will never try anything new and exciting.”

Before each surfing session the instructors will go over safety tips that will help surfers in the ocean. All these tips are taught to all the surfers so they can teach to newcomers.

They taught things such as the safety precautions in the water. There are many things people need to learn outside the water before ever attempting to surf.

“Courtesy in the water is huge since many people in California surf. The participators in the sport need to have communication between each other so they can all enjoy their time,” said Smith.

Surfing is not only an intense sport, it is also a very hard workout. The sport imitates swimming, but carries its own aspect that works the entire body.

“When I got home I could barely move,” said Smith. “It could literally feel the calories burning.”

With the OAC offering these types of opportunities, Marines can enjoy the things they only dream of. For more information about joining the OAC and the Willis brothers, contact the OAC at 577-4150.