Taylor Okamura is from Las Vegas, Nevada. Her father was born and raised on Oʻahu and shared his love for the ocean with her on their visits to Oʻahu while she was growing up. Taylor moved to Oʻahu in 2017 after getting a full-tuition athletic scholarship to play softball at Hawaiʻi Pacific University.
Taylor started surf instructing and working as a surf photographer in 2019 and has been happily sharing her love and passion for surfing and the ocean with others since.
“One of my favorite things about teaching surf lessons is getting the opportunity to navigate others through something dichotomous. Surfing can be scary and exciting at the same time. I love empowering others to overcome their fears and am grateful I get to be a part of their experience trying something new.”
Taylor has a yoga teaching certification and values the spiritual and philosophical aspects of surfing.
“Surfing has been medicinal and healing for me. It has expanded my connection to and appreciation for nature. It has empowered me to overcome my fears and helped me become more resilient.”
Reviews from her students have described Taylor as kind, helpful, patient, and encouraging.
Taylor’s favorite place to surf is Pops, where we teach our lessons. Her favorite board to ride is a 9’ 6” shaped by local south shore shaper Brent Clem. Outside the surfing world, Taylor is a jack of all trades: poet, artist, former baker, bartender, and business owner. Taylor is the Vice-Chairperson for the Kapiʻolani Community College Board of Student Publications, where she helps and encourages students to share and publish their art and research through KCC. Taylor is also a woodworking apprentice under a canoe builder. Taylor loves art, music, and mindfulness. Taylor is currently a student at Kapiʻolani Community College and is pursuing degrees in English with an emphasis in creative writing and Cinematic Arts.