The story behind Chargers

Image credit: Giora Koren

I've always loved adrenaline.

Since the very first time I windsurfed at the age of 6 and a fateful encounter with some rocks in the lagoon, I’ve pursued water sports in every shape and form - board and foil, sail and wing - to push my limits and capture that pure feeling of exhilaration and joy that only comes from going out of my comfort zone.

I’ve also always loved giving my knowledge to others.

I got my start in instructing young windsurfers in the very same place where I first learned. Over time, with more experience, and through the people I met along the way, I realized that the sea is the greatest healer and teacher, and that my mission in life is to translate this to eager students.

Growing up I wasn’t yet a charger

I didn't always feel comfortable putting myself in extreme situations. And the truth is, I was quite stressed out the first time I met those rocks in Bat Yam's lagoon. But the more experience I got, the more comfortable I became getting into (and out of) increasingly extreme conditions.

My father enrolled me in a sailing class until I was old enough to join the local windsurfing team and soon after I also started surfing - I sat in the lineup after my windsurfing training and took in how the surfers in the lineup harnessed the energy of the wave to play an intimate, unique dance with the sea.

Surfing not only opened me up to a whole new world of possibilities on how to engage with wind and water, but it also helped me improve in competitive windsurfing where I started training in a more serious and orderly way, soon collecting trophies and championships.

But it wasn’t all physical. A big part of my success as an athlete was about visualizing what I wanted to achieve and not leaving any room for fear.

Over time I continued to advance in the sport, eventually winning the title of European Champion and World Youth Vice Champion and leveraged my knowledge and experience to help the Israeli national windsurfing team to win top places in both European and world championships.

Image credit: Giora Koren

Extreme situations are now my comfort zone

The first time I realized that big waves and heavy conditions were my passion was on my first surf trip after the army. I traveled to Mexico, to a beach called Puerto Escondido and there I got my first taste of extremely powerful and consequential waves.

As my exposure to a range of challenging conditions and new breaks increased, so did my level of surfing and desire to meet new peaks - both literally and metaphorically. I knew the next step in my own personal journey was exploring the limits of my mind and body.

I set a goal to surf Jaws, the Mount Everest of big wave surfing.

It took me three months to get myself to the proper mental and physical condition required to ride this mountainous wave. I practiced breathwork in every spare moment I had. I made sure to fuel my body with nutritious food. I watched videos of big wave surfing. I visualized myself surfing there.

To get my body into shape I started surfing bigger waves in heavier conditions at places like Waimea, Pipeline and Sunset beach.

Arriving at Jaws I didn’t go in - I spent hours on the cliff overlooking the famous break observing and understanding how the wave works, how the currents flow, and what to do if a wave, surfboard, or leash breaks when I am in the lineup or catching a wave.

When I finally paddled into the lineup there was no room for negative energy or thoughts of past or future, there was only the now. It was freedom. It was binary choices and informed decisions that I felt confident making in the face of the unimaginable - 20 foot walls of water crashing towards you and nowhere to go.

Hours after the adrenaline was still flowing through every part of my body and even prevented me from falling asleep - I will never forget this feeling of pure happiness. I also felt that I had reached the peak. I set myself a high goal and I met it despite all the odds.

It was then I knew it was time to pass on what I learned to others.

Image credit: Liya Petersen

And from the clutches of Jaws, Chargers was born

I poured everything I learned over the years into Chargers out of a desire to give people a better way to deal with and overcome extreme situations both in and out of the water.

Everyone has their own imaginary line and when they cross it they step outside the comfort zone and that’s where true growth and transformation begins.

My perception is that with the right tools, practice, and self-discipline anyone can go out of that zone and explore new areas within themselves and the world with a sense of ease that allows them to be calm in any moment and experience it in the most positive way possible.

Chargers is a combination of practical education on waves, breaks, and wind with a side of mental focus, breathing techniques, and physical training to increase endurance, mobility, and strength under the water.

It’s for kids and adults alike, surfers and non-surfers. It’s for anyone looking to grow and accomplish their future goals just as much as it’s for finding more joy and freedom in the present.

Talk to us if you’re interested in learning more.