Lilly Fabian
Staff Writer
Seniors Noah Collins and Mason Silva hit the books at home before Collins hits the beach and Silva grabs his board. Both Collins and Silva have decided to take unconventional approaches to schooling in order to pursue their sports.
Collins left Mira Costa after his sophomore year to pursue his passion for surfing. He is currently enrolled in an online school that allows him to log on whenever he chooses to complete five lessons each day.
“Since leaving Costa, I have a more flexible schedule,” Collins said. “Now I can work ahead if I know I have a surf contest.”
Collins first got on a board when he was four years old but didn’t start surfung regularly until he was 10. He is sponsored by Dakine, Body Glove, Sanuk, Spyder Surf, and Future Fins. Collins has a contest nearly every weekend. He travels up and down the coast and abroad to practice and compete.
“I’ve traveled to El Salvador, Costa Rica, and Nicaragua,”Collins said. “I hope to make the world tour and continue traveling.”
Since the beginning of his sophomore year, Silva has been in Costa’s Independent Study Program run by teacher Michael McAvin. He comes to school once a week to get a week’s worth of schoolwork that Silva is responsible for completing on his own time.
“He is always very understanding about my schedule and continuously helps me balance my work,”Silva said.
Silva began skating at age six because he wanted to be a part of his older brother’s group of skating friends.
“I became fascinated with all aspects of skating, not just doing it, but the technical parts too,” Silva said.
Silva competed in the past in contests such as the Tampa Am which takes place every January in Tampa, Florida. Silva shifted away from competing and now prefers creating skating films with his friends.
“I don’t do well under pressure, so I am passionate about making films,” Silva said.
Silva is sponsored by Thunder Trucks, Spitfire Wheels, Etnies Shoes, and Element. In addition to making his own films, Silva has made appearances in Element videos such as “Future Nature” in 2012 and the 2013 film “Keep Discovering.”
“After the video premieres, I’ll be going on trips with Element, and I’m looking forward to wherever that takes me,” Silva said.
Both Collins and Silva agree that by taking alternative approaches to schooling, they have the opportunity to fully dedicate themselves to their passions.
“Independent Study has really helped me seriously pursue skateboarding as a career,” Silva said. “It ensures that I do not fall behind in school.”
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