Surf's Up Swim Programs
Meet the Team
Instructor - Westchester
Sam S.
With over four years of experience as a lifeguard, Coach Sam has built a solid foundation in water safety and aquatic instruction. Recently, she has further enhanced her skillset by training as a swim instructor with Surfs Up, starting earlier this year. Her expertise in water safety makes her proficient in teaching children of all ages and skill levels—from beginners taking their first splash to those perfecting their strokes. Known for her patience, kindness, and caring nature, Coach Sam now offers her very own private lessons, providing an ideal environment to gain confidence and make the most out of every pool session. Make sure you secure your spot and enjoy a truly enriching experience with her!
Instructor - Westchester
Leo R.
With over five years of experience teaching swim lessons, Coach Leo has been with Surf’s Up since the very beginning, helping shape the program into what it is today. A proud graduate of Loyola Marymount University (LMU), Leo brings both energy and expertise to every lesson. His fun and outgoing personality creates an engaging, confidence-building environment for kiddos of all ages and levels — from first-time swimmers to those perfecting their technique. Coach Leo’s passion for swimming and dedication to his students make every session enjoyable, safe, and full of progress. Secure your spot with Leo and experience lessons that are as motivating as they are memorable!
Instructor - Westchester
Abigail S
With eight years of competitive swimming experience and over four years of teaching swimmers of all ages, Coach Abigail brings a thoughtful, engaging, and safety-focused approach to every lesson. She specializes in helping younger children build water confidence through clear communication, empathy, and a strong emphasis on water safety. For older swimmers, Abigail focuses on developing proper stroke technique early, setting the foundation for lifelong swimming skills.
Her lessons are filled with variety and fun, incorporating games and interactive activities to keep students engaged while they learn. Outside the pool, Abigail is an actress, avid horseback rider, and advanced open water diver—always finding new ways to embrace adventure both in and out of the water.
Instructor - Westchester
Andrea R
Coach Andrea has over 5 years competitive swimming experience, and was varsity swim captain. She has over a year swim teacher and lifeguard experience, but has been working with kids since she was 12. She is from Pismo Beach, California, and I enjoy going to the gym, tide-pooling at beaches, hiking, coloring, and anything adventurous. She uses her own background and skill set to ensure my lessons are practical, safe, and fun!
Instructor - Westchester
Samm L.
Coach Samm is a Los Angeles native who has spent over 15 years in the water teaching swimmers of all ages, from infants to adults. A former competitive swimmer, ocean safety instructor, and EMT-certified professional, they bring a strong foundation of safety, skill, and experience to every lesson. Bilingual in English and Spanish, they focus on creating a supportive, confidence-building environment with a playful touch—because learning to swim should always feel positive, empowering, and fun.
Assistant/Cover - Westchester
Kai T.
Coach Kai is a passionate and energetic swimming instructor from Los Angeles with a love for helping swimmers of all ages — from kids to adults — build confidence, skills, and a lifelong love for the water. With years of experience teaching every level, he focuses on creating a fun, safe, and supportive environment where learning feels exciting and achievable. His lessons blend strong technique, encouragement, and plenty of smiles so each swimmer feels motivated, successful, and proud of their progress.
Instructor - Westchester
Esme Z.
With over 5 years of lifeguarding experience and 7 years of teaching competitive watersports to all ages, Esme is very experienced with both participating in aquatic activities and working directly with kids. She focuses on not only ensuring her students are learning something new, but are also comfortable in what can be an unfamiliar environment. Esme is from New York and loves kayaking, skateboarding, and waterskiing.
Instructor - Westchester
Jackson Y.
Coach Jackson has been instructing swim lessons for over 4 years and life guarding for over 3. He also has done competitive swimming for over 6 years from club to collegiate. He combines his background in child to adult lessons with his personal experience of swimming to teach mindful and efficiently. He pushes to have engaging, fun and experienced swim lessons with people of any age.