Jack and Finn Viorel Making Waves in the Surfing World

Meet Jack and Finn Viorel, a father and son who share a love for surfing. Jack built a legacy of giving back through surfing when he founded a local surf school that would eventually become a global success. His youngest son, Finn, grew up immersed in this environment. That early exposure sparked a passion for surfing that has carried him from local waves to the international stage, where he now competes at the highest level in the World Surf League.

Jack turns his love for teaching and surfing into something much bigger

Before joining the CFCC library team, Jack spent 20 years as an elementary school teacher. “I taught first and second grade for years,” Jack said. “I always thought surfing could be a great activity for kids with special needs.”

It wasn’t until Jack moved from California to Wilmington that he could implement his idea. “I was from Half Moon Bay, where the waves are big and the water is cold. When I moved here with the warm water and beautiful beaches, it immediately dawned on me that this would be the perfect place to put my ideas into practice.”

In 2006, after settling in Wilmington, Jack combined his passion for teaching with his love for the ocean, launching Indo Jax® Surf School.

His surf school became well-known for working with children with special needs, at-risk youth, and wounded warriors and expanding to international programs. “When we first started, surf therapy wasn’t a thing. We were kind of at the forefront. We traveled worldwide, helping programs get started and working with kids. We even had a big program in India for orphaned girls,” Jack recalled.

Finn grows to love surfing

For Finn, the youngest in the Viorel family, Indo Jax® wasn’t just a surf school; it was the backdrop of his childhood.

Despite growing up on the beach, Finn didn’t hop on a board immediately. “I didn’t always like surfing,” Finn admitted. “I loved the beach because of my dad’s surf school, but I didn’t have a thing for surfing. It kind of scared me.”

That all changed when Finn turned ten. “One day, I wasn’t scared anymore, and it was so much fun. I couldn’t stop.”

From that point on, surfing became a serious pursuit. Finn progressed through local competitions and earned a spot in the invitation-only USA Surfing Prime Series, the highest level of junior surfing in the U.S. Now, at just 17, he has made it into the World Surf League, the highest level of the sport. His first competition will occur in Cocoa Beach in a few weeks.

“He’s one of the youngest guys out there,” Jack said proudly. “He’s competing against surfers with a decade more experience.”

Jack steps back from surf school to focus on Finn

As Finn rose through the ranks, Jack shifted from teacher to manager, guiding Finn through the complex world of sponsorships, contests, and travel. After 15 years of dedication to Indo Jax®, Jack passed the surf school on to a trusted friend, allowing him to focus more time and energy on his son.

Jack now works part-time at the CFCC library, which allows him to continue assisting Finn with his surfing career. “It has been a perfect job for me,” Jack said.

“I’ve always been a teacher at heart, so I get to help students while also having the time to help Finn with everything he needs for his surfing.”

CFCC gives Finn flexibility to chase waves and stay on track in school

As Finn transitioned into high school, Cape Fear Community College became a game-changer. Through the Career and College Promise (CCP) program , Finn is dual enrolled at Laney High School and CFCC, allowing him to earn college credit while still in high school. The flexibility of the schedule allowed him to focus on both surfing and his studies in a way that traditional schooling couldn’t.

“It has been night and day,” Finn shared. The combination of in-person and online classes allowed Finn to train and compete at the highest levels while prioritizing his education.

Finn surfs with purpose

But it’s not just about the contests and trophies. For Jack, the most rewarding aspect has been watching his son grow both as a surfer and person.

A recent trip to Taiwan allowed him to connect with his roots and inspire young surfers overseas. Thanks to one of his sponsors, Finn served as an ambassador, bringing surfboards and wetsuits to donate and running clinics for the kids there.

“The kids were so excited to meet a Taiwanese-American surfer, but what really stood out was how much they appreciated Finn’s time with them in the water. The waves were decent, but the experience was powerful in a different way,” explained Jack.

Finn keeps options open

As he looks ahead, Finn looks forward to earning his degree and the next stage of his surfing career. “I want to give myself options,” Finn said. “Most surfers only focus on surfing, but if they don’t make it, they have nothing else to fall back on. I want to do my best in both school and surfing.”

Jack is proud of how his son has balanced it all. “If you want to go to college while being a professional surfer, it’s a tricky balancing act. I think if I were to give him kudos for anything, it’s that somehow, he’s been able to juggle the two,” said Jack.

Finn’s journey is just beginning, and whether it’s the next contest in the World Surf League or a university application, he’s ready to take on whatever comes his way with his dad by his side.