The Coaches and Board Members of The Half Moon Bay Surf Team are parents of our surfers and other dedicated community members who volunteer their time to help encourage the youth of the coastside to get in the water, show up, and be kind.
Get to know our crew below and feel free to contact any of the following via email with any questions you might have about our organization.
TODD JOHNSON, HIGH SCHOOL & MIDDLE SCHOOL COACH
THOMAS CHALKLEY, ASSISTANT COACH & BOARD MEMBER
When and where did you start surfing? Virginia Beach and Outerbanks NC, 1987
Favorite wave you've ever surfed? Keramas, Bali on a trip with the Marine Corps.
Dream surf trip? Tour the East Coast of Australia starting on the Sunshine Coast and ending at Bells.
Favorite thing about surfing? The anticipation and prospect of getting good waves, and the satisfaction on the rare occasion that I surf a wave well!
Favorite thing about being involved with The Half Moon Bay Surf Team? Seeing the progression in the young surfers and hopefully igniting a lifelong passion (addiction!).
Pizza or Burrito? Burrito!
MONIQUE KITAMURA, SURF CLUB COACH
I’ve been surfing this treacherous coastline for over 25 years.
And I’m still learning everyday!
It takes commitment, passion, a positive growth mindset and humility to truly embrace this sport.
My main goal as club surf coach is to help each surfer better understand the ways of the ocean, build confidence, improve skills one step at a time and to first and foremost, have fun!
The ocean is our gift and playground but important to respect and approach with greater awareness.
As a team we will support each other and grow together!
With a positive, can-do mindset I will help get each surfer get to where they wanna go.
MARTY PHELPS - BOARD MEMBER, PRESIDENT
Marty Phelps co-founded the Half Moon Bay High School Surf Team and Surf Club in 2007, serving as head coach for the team from 2007 through 2010. His passion for surfing began early; he bought his first boogie board the year it was invented at Hobie Surf Shop in Dana Point when he was just 10 years old and received his first surfboard from Natural Design Surf Shop in San Clemente at age 13. Marty has been an enthusiastic surfer ever since.
Beyond surfing, Marty is an avid mountain biker and outdoor explorer. He and his wife have been integral members of the coastside community for over 40 years, raising their children in this vibrant environment. They eagerly anticipate their grandchildren joining the middle and high school surf teams in the future.
With a longstanding dedication to community service, Marty has served on several non-profits over the decades and remains deeply committed to the Half Moon Bay Surf Club, looking forward to continuing his involvement as the next generation takes to the waves.
DAN O'BRIEN, BOARD MEMBER- TREASURER
When and where did you start surfing? Bay Head, NJ 1979
Favorite wave you've ever surfed? Nembrala, Timor, Indonesia
Dream surf trip? Cloudbreak, Fiji
Favorite thing about surfing? Everyday is different, and it's incredibly challenging.
Favorite thing about being involved with The Half Moon Bay Surf Team? Seeing the kids get better and better while they learn to read the ocean.
Pizza or Burrito? Burrito everyday and twice on Sunday!
AMBER NOLAN, BOARD MEMBER
ROD WALSHA, BOARD MEMBER
When and where did you start surfing? 12 years old, Lahaina, Maui
Favorite wave you've ever surfed? Hanalei Bay
Dream surf trip? Private resort with me and the kids
Favorite thing about surfing? Everything!
Favorite thing about being involved with The Half Moon Bay Surf Team? Camaraderie and getting everyone together
Pizza or Burrito? Burrito
rodneywalc@gmail.com