In addition to being a competitive swimmer, runner and triathlete, he's been an ordained rabbi for sixteen years and a lifeguard for ten—all of which uniquely qualifies him to be the one to get you up on that board. Lessons are for the mind and the feet.

Rabbi Nachum Shifren, otherwise known as the Surfing Rabbi, pioneers kosher-style surfing—and no, that doesn't mean getting a side of pickles with a surfing lesson. The Surfing Rabbi teaches individual and group surf lessons at beaches of the clients choosing. All surfing equipment is provided, including soft boards that render wipeouts less painful. Throughout July, locals can hang ten with the rabbi at the California Surf Safari in Venice Beach, where aspiring Grommets spend three days getting surfing tutorials in the morning and riding the waves in the afternoon. And for those looking to test new waters, the rabbi usually goes on the road in August or September for Surf and Soul Kosher Surf Camp in Mexico. The "Surfari" includes hotel accommodations, daily two-hour surf lessons, and several non-surfing excursions like bike trips, nature preserve tours and a trip to a nearby mountain village. The rabbi offers all-female tutorials and surf camps as well. —Elisa Jacobs