Hagal Sheli Team 2 - הגל שלי

"HaGal Sheli" Team

The team at “HaGal Sheli” is composed of inspiring educators and people of the sea.

The team is carefully selected and goes through specially designed training sessions taught by the best trainers and mentors in the country.

The training sessions are held once every two weeks throughout the year; during which the intructors acquire new tools to enrich the educational process. The sessions focus on a variety of topics such as: resilience factors in adolescence, psycho-educational theories, positives psychology, incident and response analysis, bridging the gap between research and practice, the educational model that we developed, safety, compassionate communication and more.

With professionalism and determination, the “HaGal Sheli” team, both employees and volunteers, prove that anything is possible, no matter what!

The Leading Team

Yaron Waksman

Founder & CEO

Yaron Waksman

Yaron received his MA in Educational Systems Management from Tel Aviv University, and a BA with honors in Democratic Education from the ‘seminar Ha-kibbutzim’ College. He is a certified beach lifeguard, as well as a surfing instructor with over 15 years of experience. Yaron loves the sea and loves people. "I believe everyone deserves a chance to ‘catch the wave’ and if we truly want something and are willing to invest – we can succeed. I invite you to join our family and to take part in a life-altering experience".

Omer Tulchinsky

Founder and Pedagogical Director

Omer Tulchinsky

Omer holds a certificate in Nature Therapy, as well as a BA and MA in Education and a teaching certificate. He is a certified beach lifeguard, as well as a surfing instructor with certification from the Wingate Institute. "We started "HaGal Sheli" out of a dream to combine our two greatest loves – educating young people and surfing. Over the past few years I have witnessed the incredible change that hundreds of young people experienced with us. I have seen young people whose self-esteem and learning habits have improved immensely. For me, surfing and the sea are a way of life".

Ronny Osterer

VP of Development and Operations

Ronny Osterer

Ronny holds a B.A in communication from the Sapir College. She started her path with “HaGal sheli” as the CEO of the social business "Al HaGal". Ronny grew up in the Israeli Scouts and has been active in informal education ever since."I believe that with good people, clear goals and faith in your trainees – we can create a significant process in each of our participants.Surfing is a tool that allows the participants to stare the challenge right in the eye,catch the wave and reach the top, there,just like along the way, we will be standing alongside them.

Liron Aduk

Education Department Director

Liron Aduk

Liron is a M.A student in Educational Administration and Leadership at Tel Aviv University,and has a B.A in Management and Social-Business Entrepreneurship from the “Kibbutzim” College. "It has always been important to me to be involved in educational work through love and faith in people.Surfing has become a way of life for me and over the past 4 years I have developed “HaGal Sheli” graduates programs. I am happy and privileged to be a part of "HaGal Sheli".

Sean Shochat Sheingarten

Head of Resource Development Team

Sean Shochat sheingarten

Sean lives in Jaffa and holds a B.A in Education and Sustainability: "I have always been drawn to all kinds of extreme sports: Snowboarding, skateboarding and Surfing. When I came to "HaGal sheli" I discovered the possibility of educating through the sea and through sports. This opened up a new world to me.To me, the sea is the perfect place to take in the values and strength needed in order to deal with life's challenges. Don't go with the flow, lead yourselves to better places in life, and I'll see you on the wave!"

Elinor Zur

Finance Manager

Elinor Zur

Elinor lives in Givatayim, she Earned her BA in Communications from the Sapir College. "I am very much connected to the sea, and I think it is an amazing tool to understand myself and the world. I love doing things all-out and enjoying every moment. I do a lot of sports and especially love extreme sports. I hope you come and get to know the sea, differently !"

Uri Koler

Educational Coordinator - Kfar Galim

Uri Koler

Uri has a BA in Early Childhood Education, as well as a teaching certificate. "I began my path as an educator working with preschoolers as a kindergarten teacher. In addition, I always recruited nature to help me with various educational tasks. I have been a rafting, kayak, snowboard, Roller-blading and surfing instructor, and I am a pool and beach lifeguard. Ehud Banai (an Israeli singer) says in one of his songs: "you should listen to your heart, to the sea and to the pain" and that is what I have been doing ever since."

Aviad Peleg

Operations Coordinator

Aviad Peleg

Aviad comes from 'Yad Rambam' and is a B.A student in Democratic Education at "Ha-Kibbutzim" College. Aviad's love for education began at the age of 15, out of his faith in mankind and the uniqueness of each individual:"The sea is my escape from the daily routine; it always puts a smile on my face. Being part of "HaGal Sheli" means combining my two greatest loves: the sea and education. For me, being an instructor at "HaGal Sheli" is an opportunity to help young people connect with the sea and themselves. Hope to see you on the beach!"

Kobi Zaken

Staff and Security coordinator

Kobi Zaken

29 years old from moshav Yatzitz Married to Ofhir and is a certified surfing instructor. "I started surfing when i was 13 years old and fell in love. surfing for me is a way of life that combines endless enjoyment alongside dealing with challenges. The sea is my way to connect to myself and to nature, to stop for a moment and to connect to creation.I see surfing as much more than a sport and believe that anyone can be good at it with a lot of will power and perseverance."

Ily Ferbstein

Educational Coordinator - Tel Aviv

Ily Ferbstein

Ily grew up in Giva'at Ella and now lives in Tel Aviv. In 2010 he joined the Israeli Navy and served as a diver, where he was exposed to the of the sea. Since then he tries to spend as much time in the sea as possible. "I see the sea as the essence of life's challenges, its ability to create and mold one's character. To me, the sea is a unique tool for education and therapy. Over the past three years I have been able to see the real magic that the sea can crate, so all i have to do is to continue passing this gift on to the next people in line".

Guy Rotem

Training and Junior Staff Coordinator

Guy Rotem

Guy is a student of Democratic Education and Social Business Management,formerly a Neuroscience and Psychology student. "To me, being able to work in education and being a meaningful part of the lives of young people is a privilege. The sea is my second home and surfing is a way of life,a journey filled with intensity and freedom, so there was simply no choice but to combine the three. Waiting for you in the water".

Yarden Sokolovsci

Programs Coordinator: "Lighthouse" & "A Place for life"

Yarden Sokolovsci

With a BA in Special Education and a teaching certificate Yarden is now a M.A student in learning technologies . “Through my connection with the sea and surfing I have learned I can do and achieve anything. The sea takes us out of our comfort zone and bring us to face exciting challenges therefor combining education and surfing, creates a unique opportunity to develop. I am happy and proud to be part of the "HaGal Sheli" family!"

Gal Elyashiv

Research Development Coordinator

Gal Elyashiv

28 years old from Tel Aviv, holds a B.A in social work. “I was always involved in educational and social work. I started as a scout continued with doing my service year (a Gap year befor the army) in “Malkishua” rehab institute and all the way to my studies. I love the sea and the feeling it gives you and therefore believe it is an amazing educational and therapeutic tool. Surfing encounters the students with challenges that allow them to connect to their inner strengths, we get to join the ride and enjoy every second of it.”

Tal Zmiri

Personal Assistant to the CEO

Tal Zmiri

Tal is a student for education and Business management at "Ha-kibutzim" collage. "I am a big believer in people and in the ability each oh has to take responsibility over our lives. That is why education was always a big part of my life. I grew up in a youth movement and was a youth counselor in a boarding school. Anyone can be meaningful to himself and to the society he lives in, he just needs to know himself and his abilities ,to believe in himself and understand his environment and the challenges it brings. Here at "HaGal Sheli" we do all of this using the sea and surfing and we love it."

Mor Peleg

Manager of 'Al Hagal' Social Business

Mor Peleg

Mor, 30 years old from 'Yad Rambam' holds a B.A in law and international relations. Mor joined our team as an instroctor in 2014. Since then, Mor worked with dozens of groups and was the manager of dozens of events at "Al HaGal" our social business which employs our graduates as surf instructors and supports "HaGal Sheli". In 2019 Mor started to head the 'Al HaGal' operation.

Noa Eshet

Resource Development Coordinator

Noa Eshet

Noa is currently studying for her MA in alternative education and holds a B.A in Psychology and Cognitive science. She believes in the power of positive experiences in creating real change and in the power of people and nature coming together.

Instructors 2018-2019

Ziv Amitai

24 years old from Kibbutz Nitzanim; works at “HaGal sheli” as a full time instructor. Ziv Has been surfing from a young age, and is a true man of the sea . Ziv has been involved in education since he was 16. "I believe the sea is an amazing tool which can help any man or woman and can truly create miracles. You just need the right guidance g, and that is where we come in."

Chen Mualem

33 years old from Bat Yam. Holds a BA in Physical Education, specializing in special needs and nautical training. Chen is a sailing instructor at the school of Nautical Education and a graduate of the Wingate Institute. Chen works at the “youth advancement” department of Bat Yam, as a project coordinator. "My love of the sea has always been a part of me.I believe the sea is a tool to get to know ourselves and forces us to have discipline and flexibility in order to enjoy its treasures. . 'If there is a will-there's a way'

Guy Grossman

25 years old from Kfar Saba; guy is a photographer, surfer and skipper. currently a Film and Digital Media student at Tel Aviv University. "For me, the sea is an integral part of life and the place where I learned and developed as a person in the best way possible. It is my privilege to be an instructor with "HaGal Sheli" and combine my love of the sea with education. See you in the water!"

Dror Benary

27 years old. A diving instructor, windsurfer, kite surfer and now also surfing the waves. She travels the world and splits her time between Eilat and the center of Israel. "I started surfing at 19, and for me the sea is the most serene place in the world. Waiting for you in the Big Blue!"

Ilan Sinka

29 years old from Herzliya, Ilan is a B.A student for social science,leadership and social change at the open university. “I discovered “HaGal Sheli” as a participant, I found a unique and amazing place and immediately fell in love. I went through a process of introspection, learned to articulate my fears, strengthen my sense of capability and most of all- receive love and acceptance. That’s why i decided to become an instructor at “HaGal Sheli”

Hen Miriam Aspis

27 years old from tel-Aviv. Hen is an education and art student in "Ha-Kibutzim" collage. 4 years ago i discovers surfing and its amazing power to heal the soul. I believe anyone has potential and the sea is a great perfect place to discover it."

Amir Avidor

33 years old from Tel Aviv, currently working as a project manager. Holds a BA in Industrial Engineering and Management and an MBA. "I love sports and love the sea, so after years of snowboarding I decided it was time to surf the waves as well. I believe engaging in sports allows for self-learning which gives significant life tools".

Yael Levi

24 years old from Giva'at Shmuel. An undergraduate student in Democratic Education at the Kibbutzim College. "I have been surfing and involved in working with at risk youth since I was 15 years old. When I came to "HaGal Sheli", I realized I had found myself and the most magical place in the world! I believe in educating out of joy, great love and discipline which comes from respect. Come fall in love!"

Dror Livne

"The excitement of rushing in to the water with the group, the surprise of seeing a teenager overcome a barrier and experiencing a success that seemed impossible, The satisfaction of hearing a young girl sharing her success story through the waves, these are just a few of the examples. To really get the sense of it you'll have to jump in the water and see for yourselves!

Shunit Stopiky

Shunit is a high school math teacher and M.A student at the University of Haifa. Shunit has been at “HaGal sheli” for almost three years, as an instructor and the coordinator for our Northern alumni community."The sea is a significant part of my life, I do kite-surfing, wave surfing and SUP. My work at "HaGal Sheli" is magical and special to me. It combines the two worlds I am most connected to-education and surfing. See you in the water!"

Matan Crispal

28 years old, lives in Atlit. Matan Is married and is the father of two adorable children. He is a student of Middle Eastern studies,Islam and Israel studies at the University of Haifa. He has been a tour guide with the Ministry of Education for over 7 years. "when I was a kid in Haifa I fell in love with the sea.To me, education is the most important profession there is, and the sea is the most amazing tool you can use to educate. "HaGal Sheli" is a place for surfers who look at the sea and see beyond! I am happy to be a part of this family!"

Liat Segev

Yotam Ben-Zvi

32 years old, lives in Tel Aviv, Yotam earned his BA in Communications Summa Cum Laude from the IDC in Herzliya. He is a graduate of the social leadership program "Rothschild Ambassadors". "My first experience with surfing was during my post-army trip to South and Central America, but I did not pursue it seriously for many years. Only in my early 30s did I return to surfing seriously, and I fell madly in love. "HaGal Sheli" is the perfect place for me, because it allows me to combine surfing with significant social change. Surfing is a way of life that teaches us perseverance, tolerance, caring for the environment and more".

Yael Koko

28 years old, Yael is a M.A student for Social work. "I started to surf when i was 15 and spend most of my time as a teenager at sea. The sea is where i can breath, a place for freedom and love. The sea and surfing teach me lessons about life all the time and allow me to experience moments of all kinds- happiness, joy, frustration and pain. Working in education always fascinated me and i have the privilege to combine two of my greatest loves: surfing and education."

Omri Dor

Omri is 29 years old and lives in Tel-Aviv. Omri holds a B.A in accounting and economics for Tel-Aviv university ."I grew up in the Israeli scouts, extreme sports are a big part of my life. I believe sports develops your self esteem and self-efficacy, that is why I love what we do here at "HaGal Sheli"

Eliad Cohen

Eliad holds a BA in business management and media, he has been surfing for 10 years now. Eliad works as a surf instructor, develops and implements surf instruction programs in Israel, California and Hawaii. "I came to "HaGal Sheli" out of the urge to do something which will give me satisfaction and meaning. I am very thankful to be part of "HaGal Sheli"

Linoy Haim

24 years old from Ramat Gan; Liron is a Psychology student and manages the "Malachi HaDerech" company for medical escort and first aid training. She is a graduate of the "Yoram Loewenstein" acting preparatory program and a surfer for over a decade now. She loves to guide, change and create, crazy about the sea and believed in its power to teach and improve us and our lives.

Dor Hillel

דור הלל

23 years old from 'Petach-Tikva'. I did my army service in the elite unit- Egoz. Working with youth is an inseparable part of my life, I worked in summer camps for youth from all around the world and volunteered in the 'Acharay' organization. The sea for me represents challenge and freedom.I am here to influence others and to be influenced by others. Ill meet you in the water.

Noa Baruch

26 years old, lives in Mitzpe Ramon. Noa is a student of Marine Science at Mikhmoret and holds a surfing instructor certificate from the Wingate Institute. "I grew up on air force bases and was raised to aspire as high as possible. I discovered surfing when I was 15 years old, and ever since the sea and extreme sports have been an integral part of my life.For me, passing this knowledge and love on to others is a gift. See you in the water!"

Edoh Shaulov

Edoh is an electronics engineer and now working on his Doctorate at Tel-Aviv University. Edoh believes sports and specifally surfing, is a great character building tool which he uses to overcome lifes challenges on a daily basis. He is excited to be part of the "HaGal Sheli" team.

Tom Porat

Lives in Jaffa. Tom Has a BA in Photography and an MA in Art from the Bezalel Academy. He is a freelance photographer and communications and art teacher. "I have been a surfer since childhood, and I feel surfing has made me into who I am. I am happy to pass that on to the boys and girls here at “HaGal sheli".

Natalie Haki

30 years old from Lod, Natalie has a B.A in Humanities and Social Sciences from the Open University, as well as a certificate in Organizational Development and Conflict Resolution from the Beit Berl College.Natakie has worked at the "Bituach Yashir" company for the past 10 years and during the last three years has managed the organization's training team. "I fell In love with surfing about two year ago. It has made me become reacquainted with the sea, allowed me to meet good people who have become a family, and made me feel true enjoyment while teaching me how to deal with challenges".

Ran Stetzan

Ran holds a B.A in psychology and communication. After a successful time as a project manager in the media world. "The enormous impact of surfing i have known since i was a child and i am happy for the opportunity to share this magic with whoever is willing to jump in the water with me."

Danielle Ram

23 year old, psychology student at Haifa university. “ I spend my time at sea since i can remember, for me the sea stands for freedom and charges me up every-time I visit it. The opportunity to instruct at “HaGal Sheli” allows me to combine 3 things that are inseparable from me: friendship, education and surfing.”

Eran Vos

31 years old, with a BA in physics and Atmospheric Sciences and a MA in Astrophysics. He is a doctoral student researching the water cycle in the atmosphere of Mars at the Weizmann Institute. "I love the feeling of 'coming back to nature' which the sea gives you. I really relate to the calm and serenity of the sea on the one hand, and its force and the adrenalin on the other. I believe any person can achieve what they want with determination and the right guidance".

Alon Paltzur

27 years ol, a psychology student at Haifa university. Alon sails ever since he can remember and he incorporates education with his love of the sea since highschool out of the belife in the nautical environment as a tool for empowerment.

Shai Matan

25 years old,currently studying for her B.A in social science. "The sea is the place for me to relax, forget about the stress of daily life, and think clearly. The challenges we cope with in surfing give us a chance to learn about ourselves. I am happy for the opportunity to let Boys and Girls experience meaningful moments at sea."

Omer Adulami

29 years old, lives in Tel Aviv. "I studies Political Science and East Asia studies (anyone who needs advice in Chinese is always welcome) at Tel Aviv University. I visit the beaches of Tel Aviv and the area regularly and am always happy to join surfing sessions in new places with new people! I joined "HaGal Sheli" out of an intense desire to bring myself even closer to the sea, but at the same time I wanted to work with people.

Daniel Spenser

Daniel Has a B.A in Psychology, was previously a combat soldier in the navy and always – a surfer. " The idea of combining surfing and education is so precise that you just need to serve it up and allow it, then the magic just happens on its own. That is the entire idea in a nutshell; I have had the privilege of getting to know it well enough to feel I am ready to pass it on to others".

Ofri Lerner

25 Years Old. A student of Natural Gas and Solar Energy Engineering at the Rupin Technological College. "I was introduced to surfing ten years ago and I immediately fell in love; very quickly the sea became the place where I unload all my frustration and anger. In the past I worked as a diver for a year and a half and also as an educator. Today I manage an e-commerce business and believe that through surfing you can deal with any obstacle and challenge that life brings on".

Ori Bar Shalom Agmon

Ori Bar-Shalom Agmon

23 years old, lives in Haifa. Ori is a student of Arab literature and language. "I was born in Neve-Shalom , a Jewish-Arab village in the center of Israel. The sea and nature were always a part of what i did. My dream is to spend every day i can in the water together with changing the world! "HaGal Sheli" is the perfect place to start at.

Gal Calo Livne

36 years old, an engineer, with a BA in Physics and Philosophy from Tel Aviv University.Since the age of 15 Gal has worked in various informal education programs. He joined our instructors staff in 2015 and served in various roles since: as lead instructor, a mentor and as the "Migdalor" program coordinator. "I believe the sea provides us with a great platform for personal empowerment. Surfing is a powerful tool, it has an ability to push us to the edge - and at the same time create a connection between people. See you on the beach."

Eran Shtal

32 years old from Tel Aviv. Eran has a BA in Education and is a graduate student in Social Work. Eran works with children, adolescence and young adults in a variety of programs. "I have been surfing since childhood; the sea has always been a special place for me, an island of healing and joy. I see surfing as a unique sport which incorporates challenge, a connection to nature and personal empowerment. For me the sea is a place to be free, to let go, to observe and learn about ourselves and of ourselves."if you start walking, you will get to wonderful places".

Aviad Shoshan

27 years old, lives in Ramat-Yishay, currently studying for his B.A in economics and accounting in Haifa university. "I love all kinds of nautical sports- kite surfing, wave surfing and sailing.. I grew up at sea and for me using the sea as a 'playground' for education is the most natural thing there is."

Avihai Cohen

32 years old, married and father of two. Avichai has a B.A in geography and environment studies together with a kindergarten teaching certificate which is what he does today. "I have been surfing since I was 14, I am addicted to the sea, it is my getaway place. "HaGal Sheli" is the ultimate combination between working with youth and my natural environment- the water. I hope we can reach as many boys and girls and give them the gift named surfing."

Tal Honga

טל חונגה

Tal lives in 'Geva Carmel' and is currently waiting to be drafted to the army. The place I come from is very close to the beach and that’s how I fell in love with it. I started my way in "HaGal Sheli" three years ago as an assistant instructor and instantly loved the combination of education and being at sea. This made me want to take a bigger part in "HaGal Sheli"

Daniel Walnovsky

Daniel comes from the "Hotrim" Kibutz. "The Sea has always been there for me. From a very young age it has been my best teacher, it taught me a lot about myself and about life. When I heard about "HaGal Sheli" I Couldn’t think of a better way to give back to others."

Eilon Lotem

27 years old, lives in Tel Aviv, originally from Nesher. Works in the field of computers, loves extreme sports, and has lived and breathed the sea his entire life. "I believe we all possess the ability to change and to make a difference; I think that in order to bring about change in teenagers, we need to combine an educational program with a challenging hobby. This is why I see "HaGal Sheli" as a platform to live out my world view. I feel that helping the community is my civic duty as a citizen of the state of Israel, and I am very happy to be part of the team at "HaGal Sheli".

Sol Cohen Rosenberg

25 years old from Natanya, Sol is a documentary film maker and a social activist. I first got to know 'Hagal Sheli" through am educational institute which I was working at. The "Hagal Sheli" instructors charmed me with their patience and determination to make the kids feel like real surfers. Some of the kids managed to stand up on the board, some only rowed but they all felt equal among equals. It was only a matter of time until I joined the family.

Sherut Leumi (National Service) Volunteers 2018-2019

Guy Ben Porath
Hodaya Ozeri
Iz Aldin Awisi
Bnaya Melamud
Eden Shefa