Sam Hammer

Sam Hammer is a name that always comes up when discussing the hard-charging surfers of the Northeast. All the East Coast, for that matter.

He thrives in cold water surf and was one of the surfers in the classic Chris Burkhard film "Under an Artic Sky". Alongside an impressive career as a professional surfer, and a reputation for chasing swells up and down the coast, he also gives back to the surf community through two long-standing projects: 

Hammer Surf School - he operates 5  surf schools on the East Coast teaching surfers of all ages, backgrounds and abilities how to improve their level. He also runs surf retreats in Costa Rica. 

Surf Health Pro - is a venture with Dave Santamaria. With the mission to "Surf longer, Live Healthy" they've developed a dry land program that helps surfers perform when they get in the water. 

While he's happy to jump into the ISURUS wetsuit top during the warm summer months, the swell really gets pumping in the winter.

In the past Sam wore a 5mm wetsuit during the colder months of the year (we won't name his previous sponsor!).

Thanks to the improved performance of the ISURUS wetsuits he's comfortable in a 4.3 Hooded Evade all winter, (except for a handful of freezing days when the 5mm gets wet).

In his own words, "they are the best wetsuits I have ever worn, flat out... The Hooded 4.3 is my go-to in the winter. They are by far the warmest, most flexible, softest suits I've ever put on".

Still surfing to an incredibly high level, his own performance is testament to the training regime he's created.

A 2021 New Jersey Surfing Hall of Fame inductee, Sam Hammer's unique approach to coaching has earned him a reputation as a sought-after surf coach.

His years of experience have taught him how to maximize his athletes' potential. He believes in the power of repetition, often saying the same thing to an athlete in 1,000 different ways until he finds the one that resonates. His focus is on helping his clients unlock the key to deep barrels and surf longevity.

While many East Coast surfers eventually find themselves drawn to the West Coast and other distant ports, Sam Hammer has always been drawn back to his NJ Shore roots. His love for the East Coast stems from the solitude it offers-a stark contrast to the crowded lineups of California or Hawaii. This preference for the East Coast is a testament to his deep connection to the region.

Sam Hammer's dedication to surfing is evident in his resilience in the face of East Coast winters. He embraces the cold, knowing that it keeps the crowds away and brings the best surf to the region. With Isurus wetsuits, he can now brave most of the winter in a 4mm suit, only resorting to his 5mm suit on the most extreme, bone-chilling days.

Isurus is honored to have Sam on the Ambassador team.

Click the links below:

Sam Hammer
Hammer Surf School
Surf Health Pro