We hope your week is off to a great start! We’re kicking it off by recognizing our latest Arbor Real Estate Stoke a Student contest winner, Cole Borggreve! Cole is an outstanding sixth grade student at Newport Elementary whose good grades (and love of surfing!) qualified him to enter the contest at Surfside Sports in Costa Mesa. He was this month’s lucky winner of a rad Almond Surfboards & Designs board and Arbor Real Estate Founder Chris Brigandi and surf industry legend Bob Hurley were on hand to congratulate him. At Arbor, we are committed to supporting our community in many ways – by being involved in and donating to local organizations and nonprofits, by coaching youth sports, by volunteering in our schools and by encouraging kids to be well-rounded by getting good grades and having fun. We’re launching our next Stoke a Student contest now, so get to Surfside Sports to enter and win.
We had the opportunity to ask Cole a few questions about school and surfing – and wanted to share his insightful and fun thoughts with you. We can all learn a thing or two from this great local student and athlete.
Q: What did you think when you found out you’d won Arbor’s Stoke a Student contest?
A: When my mom told me Mr. Brigandi had called with the news, I was so excited! I couldn’t believe it. When she told me that Mr. Hurley was going to be there too, that made me even more excited, but also a bit nervous. I mean, he is with great surfers every day! I’m just a little kid that is learning to surf. It was so cool to be with them at Surfside Sports where everyone was so nice to me. Mr. Brigandi even helped my dad and I pick out a fin and bag for the board. Thank you to everyone for their generosity and help!
Q: What is your favorite subject in school?
A: I like them all, but I really like science. I like to see how things work from the inside out. I also like to read a lot.
Q: Why do you love surfing?
A: I really like to hang out with my friends at the beach and in the water. I’m still learning and it’s a humbling sport, but nothing feels better than catching a wave and getting that good ride.
Q: How long have you been surfing and what is your favorite surf spot?
A: I have been surfing for about three or four years. I started surfing at Orange Street beach when it was small and my dad would push me in. Now, I like Blackies, 40th Street and San O’, where we get to BBQ and have fun with our friends.
Q: What is your advice for doing well in school?
A: I just listen to my teachers, pay attention and do my work. When I get home, I do my homework immediately so I can get to my team practices and games. If I don’t have B’s or better, my parents won’t let me play the sports I love.
From all of us at Arbor Real Estate, keep up the good grades, Cole – and get out there with your new board! And, don’t forget to have YOUR student enter our Stoke a Student contest! We’ve already started a new round – just visit Surfside Sports in Costa Mesa for more information and to enter!
