The SWAT Team

Serene Waters

James Shoffeitt, A.S., CADC-II, Founder

Surf Instructor/ Group Facilitator

Serene Waters Adventure Therapy had its beginnings in 2016 when it was founded by James Shoffeitt in the beautiful Orange County, California. James brings to this endeavor a profound dedication to guiding individuals of all ages in their journey to discover internal peace, nurture a sense of serenity, and fortify their character strengths. His personal journey of recovery, having maintained sobriety since 2008, has been a driving force in his mission. Additionally, James has been a certified alcohol & drug counselor since 2011. James’s connection with the ocean dates back to his childhood when he learned to surf at the tender age of 7. In 2009 after he was 1.5 years sober at the age of 20, he rekindled this deep connection with the sea and found solace. He is not only an enthusiastic waterman but also relishes spending quality time with his family, hiking, and camping in the great outdoors. James’ journey into surf therapy commenced in 2014 when he received training from a fellow surf therapist while working at a local substance abuse treatment program in Southern California. Subsequently, Serene Waters Adventure Therapy was born, with the specific goal of promoting happiness, serenity, and personal growth in an alternative therapeutic setting just a few years later.
Samantha Surf Instructor (Orange County surf therapy)

Samantha Thek

Surf Instructor/Assistant Group Facilitator 

Samantha is a California local & U.S. Air Force Veteran. She has been clean and sober for 6 years and loves working with others in the ocean. When she is not instructing with Serene Waters she is teaching at O.C.C. or spending time with her dogs. She loves dogs more than people! In fact she is the primary dog handler for our pet therapy sessions we offer.

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Lindsay Law, RADT-1 

Surf Instructor/Assistant Group Facilitator 

Lindsay started surfing when she moved to Orange County at the age of 12.  She absolutely fell in love with the sport and has been passionate about it ever since.  Learning at Huntington Beach, she picked it up very quickly and enjoys short boarding, long boarding, and body boarding.  Over the years she has come to rally enjoy the slower and easier island lifestyle, so on any given weekend you will probably find her long boarding at Doheny. As a huge lover of the water, the ocean has been a great source of healing and peace for her in her life, and on her spiritual journey, and she is passionate about teaching and helping others find this serenity as well. When she’s not surfing or teaching you might find her playing ukulele at the beach or performing sound and energy healing for those in need.

Courtney Knapp

Surf Instructor/Assistant Group Facilitator 

Courtney grew up in So Cal about 2 hours away from the coast. Her first memories of the ocean span back to when she was just 2 years old.  She remembers laughing hysterically as her dad would throw her in the air, and catch her in the rolling surf. She dreamed of learning to surf as a kid and teen. Finally as an adult. her dream came to fruition when she moved to the coast and took up the sport. She loves spreading the joy and  healing power of the ocean  with people of all ages. and is an avid long boarder, ocean swimmer and stand up paddler.

Serene Waters Surf Therapy

Felipe Bascope 

Surf Instructor/Assistant Group Facilitator

Felipe Bascope has been surfing for over 40 years, and sober for over a decade. His salt water passion has taken him on surf travels to Fiji, Peru, Hawaii, throughout Mexico, Costa Rica and El Salvador. He is on the currently competing with the Huntington Beach Long Board team and on their Board of Directors. He is a Certified Disabled Surf Instructor and a card carrying member of Red Cross First Aid and CPR as well as Narcan/Naloxone/Opiod Overdose Response Certified. Felipe is also CCAPP certified for HIPPA, Confidentiality, Ethics and Boundaries and Udemy certified in DBT, CBT and Motivational Interviewing. Felipe taught at the prestigious Art Center College of Design for over 20 years so mentoring goes without saying.Felipe’s dedicated sobriety has engaged him to leave a lucrative career in advertising and become a Certified Recovery Coach/Mentor/Companion, and Interventionist. When he is not working with clients hurting from drugs, alcohol and mental health, you will certainly find him in the ocean.

Why We Do It

We have chosen this path because our fundamental desire is for everyone to discover not just an existence on this planet, but a life brimming with peace, serenity, and joy. We aspire to serve as a vessel through which individuals can enhance their mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Our philosophy centers on the simple joys of life, and we aim to impart these lessons through our own experiences. We are dedicated to reshaping the atmosphere of the recovery community by assisting others in becoming more radiant, tranquil, and peaceful individuals through personal exploration, mindfulness, and the embrace of new experiences. At Serene Waters, our mission is grounded in three core principles: 1. Passion: We wholeheartedly believe in sharing our profound passion and boundless joy for the ocean with others. 2. Bliss: We derive immense satisfaction from helping others rediscover and rekindle their sources of joy in life. 3. Commitment: Our unwavering dedication drives us to assist and support others by wholeheartedly committing ourselves to this meaningful work.