Ride On Surf School Instructors | Destin Florida Surfing

		Matt Cassidy Founder of Ride On Matt has enjoyed the surfing industry for over 20 years. Starting to surf at the age of 8, Matt has developed his childhood hobby into a way of life, managing one of Florida's largest surf shops for the last 6 years and now running Ride On Surf school. Matt's passion for surfing has taken him to such places as Hawaii, Costa Rica and all over Florida chasing Hurricane ground swells and light off shore winds.

		Austin Magee Pompano Joes Head Instructor I have been surfing for ten years and began surfing at the age of ten, starting off right here on the Gulf Coast of Florida. I am a Billabong Team Rider and have surfed in numerous contests “more than I can remember” all over the place, California, North Carolina, Florida, and Costa Rica. Other than my contest travels I have been to Hawaii and Nicaragua, chasing some of the biggest and most perfect waves in the world. Surfing is one of my biggest passions and I love sharing that with everyone.

		Vanessa Cassidy Operations Manager Besides offering unconditional love and support to Ride on's co-founder, Matt, (aka husband), Vanessa can be found signing students up, taking phone calls or sharing her vast knowledge on Destin Florida's celebrity sightings. Such celebrities as Britney Spears, Sheryl Crow and Faith Hill have been seen hanging out on Destin's beautiful sugar white sand beaches.

		Dylan Sims Ride On Surf Instructor My passion for surfing started because of my dad, Frank Sims, owner of Billabong Destin, where I also work the night shifts. I was born in Maui, Hawaii so I was immediately surrounded by the surfing lifestyle. Then four years later we moved to Destin, FL. and that’s when my dad first starting pushing me into waves. From the first day on I was hooked and knew I would never stop surfing. By the age of eight I started surfing on my own, and at eleven started competing and still do so today. I am also a Billabong team rider and sponsors include Dakine , Kustom and VZ. My travels have taken me to California, Costa Rica, North Carolina, and the Bahamas and look to continue to travel to new surf destinations.

		Reif Cassidy Junior Surf Instructor Our youngest member has graduated from eating sand to riding the waves! He does still enjoy his siesta's and loves to chow down on some chips after a long session in the water. Please stop by and say hello and give him a high five or knuckles.

		Drew Abraham Ride On Surf Instructor I have been surfing for about 4 years. I started surfing when my family and I moved here from Montgomery, Alabama in the summer of 2006 . I have surfed several competitions such as the Billabong Grom Comps. I love surfing, it is something I look forward to doing when I get home from school and when there are waves to surf, it is my passion in life. Surfing has taught me to respect the ocean and not to fear it. Surfing is a great sport to learn and I suggest you try it out for yourself.

		Mike Jeter Head Ride On Surf Instructor Mike is currently training as an Army student helicopter pilot at Ft. Rucker Ala. When he’s not buzzing treetops he’ll come down to FL to help his brother Matt teach surfing lessons. As the head instructor over the last few summers Mike’s experience in teaching is invaluable and he claims as to have never had an unsuccessful lesson. With around the world surfing experience he offers a ‘can do’ attitude and includes surfing as one of many passions in his life.

		Dan Cassidy Ride On Surf Instructor I am halfway between Matt and Mike and too have a love for surfing. A part of that love is to share it with others and to teach them what I have known for almost 20 yrs. Having traveled to some wonderful places, Destin will always be home to me. When not on the beach or surfing, I take part in manufacturing Meyer skimboards so if you are in the market for the best skimboard in America, I know where to get 'em!