Saint Louis School is riding the new wave in Athletics, launching the school’s first Surf Team. This groundbreaking addition combines competitive spirit, ocean stewardship, and a passion for riding waves.
With Oahu’s renowned surf as their classroom, this team isn’t just making history—it’s creating a community where students can push boundaries, learn resilience, and embrace the thrill of the ocean. “It’s more than just surfing,” says coach Ida Bluhm, who grew up immersed in North Shore surf culture. “Our team is learning to read the ocean, navigate challenges, and understand the strategies behind competitive surfing. It’s a transformative experience.”
Bluhm, who grew up surfing on Oahu’s North Shore, jumped at the chance to coach. “I participated in my high school surf team from grades nine to twelve,” shares Bluhm, “and when the opportunity came up for me to coach, saying yes was automatic.” For her, the team is more than just about riding waves. It’s about teaching students how to read the ocean, understand weather conditions, and navigate the challenges of surf competitions.
Saint Louis Surf Team captain, Senior Grey Inouye’s connection to the ocean runs deep, shaping both his identity and leadership. Introduced to the water before he could walk, Grey credits his parents for teaching him respect and courage through their shared experiences by the sea. “My entire name, except my first, translates to ‘the ocean,’” he explains, reflecting on the closeness he feels to the water.
As captain, Grey channels this passion to create opportunities for teammates, especially those new to the sport. “I wanted to give students who might not have had a chance to play a sport the opportunity to learn and be part of something meaningful,” shares Grey. His leadership is grounded in inspiring others to find strength, adventure, and community through surfing.
Jamie Fong, the Saint Louis Schools Director of Counseling and the Assistant Coach for the team, emphasizes the cultural and personal growth aspects of surfing. “Surfing is healing,” shares Fong, quoting her favorite line: “The cure for anything is salt water—sweat, tears, or the ocean.” Fong also stresses values like aloha ‘āina (love for the land) and responsibility, which she believes will serve students far beyond the waves.
Though the team faces challenges like coordinating schedules and navigating competition logistics, the coaches and athletes embrace the journey. As Fong puts it, “We’re focusing on learning and growing, creating a balance between free surfing and competitive surfing.” The team’s vision extends beyond competition. They hope to raise awareness for water sports, encouraging more students to explore surfing and ocean-related activities. “Surfing isn’t just a sport—it’s a lifestyle and a community,” adds Bluhm.
The Saint Louis Surf Team welcomes the Saint Louis community to dive into the world of competitive surfing, whether you’re an experienced surfer or just starting. Coach Bluhm states that the team provides a supportive environment for new surfers to build skills and confidence.“We welcome inexperienced surfers to our club,” she adds, emphasizing the importance of strong swimming ability and understanding ocean dynamics before catching waves.
Students will need their surfboard tailored to their height, weight, and skill, but more importantly, they should bring “a positive attitude and mindset” without the expectation that the ocean will have perfect conditions. Bluhm encourages students and the community to embrace the challenge and joy of surfing, as it’s not just about riding waves—it’s about supporting one another and learning how to navigate the ocean together.
The surf meets follow an organized structure designed to showcase the skills and strategy of each team. For surfers out there, it is different from the WSL (World Surf League); over the course of the season, schools compete in five contests. Each team sends out three shortboard surfers, three longboard surfers, and two bodyboarders, with each division featuring three heats.
Surfers have 15 minutes per heat to catch six to eight waves, but the judges only score their top two rides. This format challenges athletes to balance quality and quantity, aiming to ride the best waves while making the most of limited time. The meets highlight the surfers’ athletic ability and understanding of wave selection and contest strategy.
With passion, teamwork, and a love for the ocean, the Saint Louis Surf Team is carving its place in the school’s athletic legacy, one wave at a time.
