Our Staff

Joe Matera

Founder / National Director

Before the vision of FCA Surf began surfing has long played an important role in the life Joe Matera who is intent on “sharing the stoke” of riding a wave!  Since catching his first wave in the early 70's surfing has positively influenced his lifestyle, forming friendships from around the globe.

“The board-sports of surfing, skateboarding and snowboarding were a great influence to me as a teen and still reside in my being.  God has used these sports in amazing ways in my life”.

Joe has committed his life to the Lord and sees surfers as people who are already deeply in love with God’s creation. Through surfing and having a relationship with God people can change their lives and community.

Surfing now for over 40 years Joe is a Certified Master Surfing Instructor and Certified SUP Instructor associated with the National Surf Schools and Instructors Association (NSSIA).  Married 17 years to Laura, they have three daughters who enjoy surfing.

Joe has been in full time ministry since 1998.

Laura

Director of Camper Services

Laura’s love of summertime, beach culture and a healthy lifestyle telegraphs into our camps.  A multi-tasker, she always will stop what she’s doing to lend an ear or to give a helping hand. While Laura juggles surf camp, home, three daughters, cats, chickens and a demanding husband, she's completing a Masters Degree in Counseling from Liberty University.

Formally working as the director of the Family Life Center at the Atlantic City Rescue Mission, she has a heart for boys and girls and women especially.

You will usually find Laura with her hat & sunglasses on, handing out  fresh cut fruit from a Tupperware container and energy bars!

Shaun 

Lead Instructor

This is Shaun's 4th year with us. Shaun is fit and he can surf extremely well on his Firewire surfboard or even a soft foam board and make it rip!

Graduated from Ocean City High School he attends Momouth University.

Shaun has a great eye for the details of surfing and he will spot your surfing needs and show you exactly where you need to improve. Shaun will instruct you in his easy teaching style and you'll be surfing great! He's a good guy to make friends with at camp. As you can tell our instructors are a lot of fun!

Alex

Lead Instructor

Alex is an all around great guy and he started out with FCA SURF as a   Jr. Intern a few years ago. He's a great surfer, excellent teacher and SUP enthusiast and he's a lot of fun to be around.

Alex attends college at Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, and he's on the Lacrosse team and he's a smart young man..

Lexi

Lead Instructor

This is Lexi's second summer with us and she is a great instructor and a caring friend to the campers. She demonstrates true surfer style politeness out in the surf. 

Lexi is always a bright and sunny personality who is easy to like and she swims competitively.

Mariel

Lead Instructor 

Mariel has an energetic personality that will make you smile, even at 7 in the morning.

As a proficient surfer she can help you with your balance and confidence in the surf. If you want to be good friends with her just be prepared to share your snacks at lunch and enjoy a laugh with her.

When Mariel isn't on the beach she's traveling for lacrosse or getting ready for her new college career.

Tim

Instructor

Tim started out as a camper and came to camp for years, graduating on to Jr. Internship. This is his first year on staff. He's a sophomore at Springfield High School in Pennsylvania. He enjoys playing lacrosse in the spring, surfs all summer and runs cross country in the fall. In the winter Tim trades the cold ocean for the ski slopes as he's an avid skier.

John "Big Cat"

Instructor

John loves hanging out on the beach, and plays water polo and lacrosse for the William Penn Charter in Philadelphia. His favorite thing is surfing and having fun out in the water with the students! He knows what it like to be a beginner surfer as he's worked his way up from a camper to being on staff. We're glad to have him back again with us this summer.

Ben "Fish"

Instructor

Ben (AKA Fish) has been attending surf camp as long as he can remember - since he was a guppy. 

Ben is always ready to help campers surf and he's got an easy style. He attends Ocean City High School, also enjoys playing the piano, and he tells some of the corniest jokes in existence.

Claire

Camper Services

Claire is celebrating her tenth summer at surf camp! She's loves summertime and being with the campers at camp. Her job is to help and serve you at the beach, whether you need a band-aid, another board or some encouragement, she's your friend at the beach. 

You'll see her catching a few waves too, she's taken to longboards and likes the graceful surfing style!

Kate

Jr. Intern

Kate grew up in surf camp and she's loves to help out new surfers. She started competing last summer in a few surfing contests and joined the ESA. If she had her wish she'd be in Hawaii right now surfing the bigger waves with longer rides!

Kate loves playing the ukulele. She's always a lot of fun and she's a good friend to have at camp.

Ryan

Instructor & Missions

Ryan has been a great help with our surf camps for awhile now. He's a radical guy and he knows the benefit of practicing and he's a great teacher and coach!

Ryan leads our 609 Surf  club in Margate NJ and runs the summer surf mission trip to Panama.

Contact Information

Joe Matera

245 Tuckahoe Road
Marmora, NJ 08223-1354
609-390-5662

surf@fca.org