Hanging out with Local’s Head Instructor, Pat Duggan

Alright Pat, so first things first. How did you become a surf instructor at Locals Surf School?

About 7 years ago, I had  been working in a hotel in Manhattan and needed a life change.  somehow, M. Rheinhart and I were following each other on the instagram -- the Locals' email was there, so I reached out, got a phone call back within like 5 minutes -- The rest is history.

Wow, that’s a long time. What keeps you engaged in being a surf instructor? 

Being a surf Instructor is deeply fulfilling. There's a lot to say about why I love it, but to keep it brief, it is very expansive and rewarding for my heart, mind, body, intellect & Soul.  The opportunity to express and translate my love for it, to continually strive to transmit it to another human -- I am grateful beyond words for that opportunity and Practice.

Is there anything you would like to tell people new to surfing that would help them out?

The number one tip all new surfers should know is to trust their instincts, make choices, and don't hesitate.  The more someone is willing to commit to a choice and go for a wave, come what may, they are allowing themselves to make mistakes or do it right -- both outcomes lead to self-awareness which will eventually lead to mastery.

I think there might be some sage life advice tucked into there. Alright, very important question next. Who is your favorite surfer, and why is it Kook Mike? 

My favorite surfer is Kook Mike because he is so damn graceful.  Both smooth and artful in his approach, it always makes me smile to see Kook ride a wave.

Yes, I agree. Kook Mike is such a great surfer, and let it be known that we are not saying this because he would cut our leashes off in the water the next time we paddled out if we didn’t.

Moving on, what’s your favorite part of surfing Rockaway?

My favorite part of surfing Rockaway is the big crowds...  always new people to make friends with and drop in on.  I'm kidding.  However, I do feel Rockaway is like a big melting pot like NYC itself -- so many walks of life and everyone kind of makes it work, and that's a lovely thing.

I definitely agree. Out of all the places I have surfed, Rockaway has always felt the most culturally diverse.  It’s also, at the same time, such a small, tight-knit community. 

That’s the best part of hanging out in rockaway. It’s really fun to know almost everyone or someone wherever I go.  It reminds me of when I worked in Soho at Mercer Hotel - for 15 years, I felt like wherever I went in the city I knew people.  That's a great feeling, for the size of Rockaway and vastness of NYC, it's a special thing to have that sense of community.

Definitely. Alright, what’s your favorite time of year to surf in NY?

 My favorite time of year for surfing in New York is September and October.

Really, not the wintertime? I always love surfing in the wintertime personally. It really feels like I have the beach all to myself. What are your thoughts on Winter surfing?

During the winter months, surfing becomes more of a challenge.  I spend a tremendous amount of time out there teaching. 

That must be very cold. How do you deal with being in the water that often in the winter time? When I started working for Locals last year, it seemed like you were teaching for multiple hours each day during the Winter months. I was like “This dude is serious”.

Thanks. I take a lot of time to mental prep -- and often like to get dressed very slowly as I prep to go out into the elements.  I most often wear a 6/5 suit, boots and gloves and hood for starters.  On super cold days like when the air is 15 degrees, and heavy wind, and 35 degree water, I will add some under armor like socks and maybe another layer on my upper body under the suit.  It is a very surreal experience -- I Highly recommend it to everyone.  Winter surfing builds character and shows you what you're made of.  And, when it warms up again, or you travel to warm weather surf mid winter, the freedom you feel from just wearing board shorts again suddenly, is simply unparalleled.

How do you deal when it’s flat?

There are no flat days, haha.

Haha, alright fair. I feel like we covered a lot of ground as far as Pat the instructor, but what do you do when you are not being the ultimate surf instructor? 

When not being the “Ultimate surf instructor” as you put it, I may be found auditioning for acting roles, perusing the stock market, writing, reading, occasionally traveling, and more often than I like to admit taking a nap.  Also, I have been taking my lovely wife Mary Helen, all over New York to pregnancy appointments, as we have a child coming in November.

Wow Congratulations Pat! That’s next month. How long have you been an actor? 

22 years

Well since you’ve opened this Pandora’s box, we’re gonna have to answer some really important questions in which your expertise in theatre will be vital. What movie do you think best portrays surfing?

Big Wednesday. It’s quote in the opening scene that encapsulates both my views of surfing, as well as the younger years of my life.

“In the old days, I remember a wind that would blow down through the canyons. It was a hot wind called a Santa Ana, and it carried with it the smell of warm places. It blew the strongest before dawn, across the Point. My friends and I would sleep in our cars, and the smell of the offshore wind would often wake us. And each morning, we knew this would be a special day."

Next question, Who would you saw describes you more Bodhi, or Johnny Utah from Point Break?

As far as Point Break goes -- I definitely identify more with Bodhi than Utah.

OK last question, but the most important one of this whole interview. When the Locals movie is finally made, who would you prefer to play the role of Pat Duggin? 

When the Locals movie is finally made I think I'd like to play myself.  To see some of my prior work, google  The Vinewood Zombie, I think you'll agree I am qualified for the role.  If I'm not available for the shoot dates, let's get Ryan Gosling.

Amazing. Thank you for your time Pat, I really appreciate you taking the time to chat with me. 

No problem. I’ll see you out there.

You can request Pat or another one of our amazing surf instructors when booking your next lesson.