Over the years, surfing has become an important part of my family’s life, too. Some of our best conversations happen on the drive to the beach, between sets in the water, or cheering each other on when someone catches a great wave. For me, surfing has always been as much about the people and connections as it is about the waves.

Discover how surfer Tyler Richter found his passion at Black’s Beach, shaping his life through respect, progression, and a deep love for the ocean.

In the light before sunrise, a unique crew gathers at Turnarounds Beach in Carlsbad—surfboards under arms, coffee in hand. This is First Light Surf Club, a grassroots North County movement that’s part surf session, part community, and all about starting the day with stoke and purpose.

Using specialized equipment or techniques—whether seated, standing, or prone—para surfers compete at all levels and redefine what’s possible in the water.