New Hampshire Inspiring Teen Gavin Cieplik (2024)

​The Nomination: Gavin Cieplik is an inspiring teen surfer. "As soon as I caught my first wave, I realized how exhilarating surfing is. Everything else disappears and all that matters is how you handle every inch of your body. From that moment on, I knew every time that I saw good sets coming in on the forecast, that I have to do everything I can to get out there." This is how Gavin describes the moment he knew surfing was his thing. Where has he surfed and where is he going? "I have surfed in ME, NH, MA, Hawaii and Aruba. Although Hawaii was my dream surf spot, my next up would be Australia." He is always perfecting his sport. This is what he is working on: "I'd like to get airs down and be able to just throw myself off of a wave and get back onto it again." Gavin also is inspiring as he is an avid snowboarder and teacher in the winter, runs cross country in the fall, challenges himself and friends with skateboarding tricks, is a consistent honor roll student, is a self taught guitar player, plays the piano and volunteers his time teaching piano lessons to children.

​Tell me more about the moment when you caught your first wave surfing. How old were you and how did this spark your love for surfing?
When I caught my first wave, I was about 9 or 10 years old. My parents have always been very supportive and got me lessons and drove me when I was starting. My first wave, while being small, was just as exhilarating as what I catch now. After that I couldn’t get enough of it. The surfing community is very welcoming. The owner of a local surf shop was very excited for me and got me even more enthusiastic when I thought that wasn’t possible.

What is your most memorable moment from surfing? Is surfing something that you would want to do more competitively in the future?
My most memorable surfing experience would be from this year. I caught one of my best waves and when I jumped off my board, constant waves hit me and pulled me under, keeping me under for what felt like forever. By the time I got my head above the water my lungs were burning. I was thrown against the rocks and my board was launched onto me. This was one of the scariest moments of my life as I faced the powerful ocean. I don’t think I’d surf competitively, I’m afraid it wouldn’t feel as enjoyable as it does now with friends.

​Tell me about how you got started snowboarding and how you got the opportunity to teach lessons?
I started skiing when I was 2 years old and since then, every week in winter we head to the mountain for the weekend. At 8 years old I had seen a lot of snowboarders and wanted to try it. This was the same type of experience as my first time surfing - immediate love. The day I turned 16, I applied for the job and started the next week. I was so excited to be able to project my passion onto the next age group of snowboarders.

​How did you get into playing the piano? How long have you been teaching lessons and what do you like about teaching them?
I started playing piano when I was 8 years old. Off the bat I got lost in it which I continue to do to this day. I have only been teaching piano for a month or two but I will continue to as long as I can. I love seeing their faces when they really nail a song and watching them progress gets me excited about where they’ll be in even a month!

What is your favorite thing about getting to help people by volunteering? Why?
I love being able to take the benefits of opportunities I have been given and use them to open doors for others. Helping to provide food for those in need, assisting my previous teachers, and teaching piano all help me grow as a person as well.

Gavin will be published in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 38

click here to nominate an inspiring teen