The Indo Jax® Mission:
Started by Jack Viorel in 2006, Indo Jax® Surf School was built slowly on the foundation of teaching surf lessons with a purpose; learn how to surf. Jack developed a surf lesson program based on his many years as a decorated school teacher, and instilled in each instructor that the goal was for everyone to get better at all aspects of surfing, from paddling and getting up, to wave selection and ocean confidence. From the very beginning, Indo Jax® Surf School has been a leader in area surf programs.
Jack decided to pass the surf school on after 15 years of dedicated work to a former instructor, Dave French. In 2021, Dave became the the new owner. He knew what Indo Jax® meant to so many, and had no plans of changing a great program. Dave did however add a layer of safety training for instructors, which in turn gets passed on to each person participating in our programs. Under new leadership, brought up in the original mission, Indo Jax® Surf School continues to create trends in our community.
Dave French
Dave was born and raised in Richmond, Va. He began surfing at age 15 in Virginia Beach, and by the following year, began surfing around the Outer Banks of North Carolina, eventually moving to Rodanthe, NC at age 18.
Surfing and surf adventures was his sole motivation in those years, so in 1998 he moved to Hilo, Hawaii at age 21 with only a backpack and 6’4” WRV.
For the next 9 years Dave called the Big Island of Hawaii his home, but also took shoestring surf trips to South and Central America, South Africa and all around the West Coast of the U.S.
Dave returned to North Carolina in 2008.
Over the years Dave has seen through first-hand experiences how surfing and the love of the ocean can unite all people, and he continues that belief through each surf camp, charity event and lesson.
The surf culture has given Dave so much joy, he feels it is necessary to share his experience and passion to anyone who wants to learn to surf. Spreading Aloha, one wave at a time.
Our ultimate goals are:
- teach people to surf in a fun and safe learning environment
- bring surfing to people who might otherwise not have a chance to do so.
- use the stoke of wave riding to build self-esteem in people
- promote a love of the ocean environment
- set an example of charity for others to follow. All while having a great time!
Hours of Operation
- Reservations, registration and information available year round.
- Private lessons available May - September. Reservations are required. 24 hour notice preferred.
- Summer surf camps weekly June, July and August.
- Closed on Sundays