“If you keep do [what you love] free of doubt or hesitation, there is no telling what will happen. Your book will open up and a story will be written”
– Quinn, Outdoor Expert & Surfer.
Despite growing up in Chicago, a city where the ocean and mountains are far away, Quinn never lost his passion for the outdoors. When you really love something, nothing can stop you from thinking otherwise. So 6 years ago, he moved all the way out to California, and settled down in Los Angeles, where you can find the most beautiful beaches and a bustling city full of adventure. Amazed by the beauty SoCal has to offer, he started to show people more of it by offering various surfing and overnight camping experiences.
A surfer is not just someone who can ride the waves, but also someone who can tell a story about nature. Today, we are lucky to meet with Quinn and hear more about his life, his connection with the ocean and mountains, and the beliefs behind his endless adventures.
● Hi Quinn, can you introduce yourself and tell us about the classes that you offer?
Hi I’m Quinn. I teach surf lessons and guide surfing trips here in LA.
● When did you first become interested/passionate in surfing and outdoors?
I have been interested in the outdoors and surfing since I can remember. But it wasn’t until I was 16 that I first tried surfing. I grew up in Chicago so the ocean and the mountains, the places I like to play, were very far away. So the dream and the goal was always to move out to California. Now here I am!
● Where does your motivation come from? What is the story that made you want to pursue your passion and become a host?
Being so far from the ocean made it like a privilege every time I got to be near it. And I appreciated it so much. So I think that drove me and motivated me to really go after it. Now that I am here, and I have found the dream and get to live it every day I’m so grateful. And I want to share that with other people.
● How would you describe the link between your classes and the community around you?
I think what I do and the lifestyle that I live is something that appeals to people about California. As an instructor and a guide I get to show people all the beauty and adventure Southern California has to offer. And there is so much! For some of these people it might be their local area but they’ve just never had the chance to explore it, and other people might be visiting and coming here just for that exact experience.
● How long have you been living in Los Angeles? What would you recommend to someone who just moved to this city?
I’ve lived here for about 6 years. It took me a long time to settle in and find my niche here. There is so many people here and so many different lifestyles to choose from you really have to focus and hone in on the exact way you want to live. And you certainly can find it, it just takes time.
● Tell us about your favorite moment/ biggest achievement since you started teaching your classes.
I’ve had a lot of big moments. For me, just coming out here and starting a career doing what I love is my biggest achievement. But to name something specific, climbing the East Buttress of Mount Whitney this July was an amazing new type of accomplishment for me. It’s the highest peak in the lower 48 and it took us 11 rope lengths of 200ft on vertical rock to get there. Once you get to the point on a journey like that on vertical rock where you can no longer turn back, it’s pretty committing. And that’s scary. But to successfully finish the climb and stand on the top of the country is pretty rewarding.
● The ocean and the mountains: which one do you love most? Any spot will you recommend people to try at least once in their lifetime?
I would have to say I love them both equally. They both have the potential to provide the ultimate thrill and adventure. Lately I’ve been more into exploring the mountains because there’s more isolation.
● What are your goals for the future?
I have a lot of big climbing goals. There’s alpine rock climbs, backcountry snowboarding lines, and secret undiscovered waves all over the west coast that I want to experience. I will keep myself busy for my entire lifetime here in California.
● Any recommendations to someone who wants to pursue their passion for a career?
Just keep doing what you love and stay devoutly committed to it. If you keep do this free of doubt or hesitation there is no telling what will happen. Your book will open up and a story will be written.
● What does Verlocal mean to you?
Verlocal is a very cool service that taps into a new evolution of the travel industry that is going on. People these days want to have an immersive experience when they’re traveling. There is nothing more immersive than getting a first hand view at a local doing what they love to do and learning from them.
Did you hear the mountains and oceans are calling you? Whether you want to be closer to nature in a unique way, cross an item off your bucket list, or simply want to ride a big wave, don’t forget to keep up with his latest classes by following him on Verlocal!
Credits: All photos by Quinn Carson
What do you want to ask Quinn? Comment on our Facebook post before October 24 and one lucky commenter with the best question will receive 3000 points ($30) to take a surfing class taught by Quinn and meet him in person!
You can check out Quinn’s classes here:
Learn to Surf SoCal’s Waves! Group Surfing Class
Private Surfing Lesson in LA
Overnight Surfing Camping Trip
Share your thoughts now.
