The professional surfer and skateboarder creates content featuring various action sport brands , but , with homes in both Laguna Beach and Palm Springs , he also works as a real estate agent and manages the Palm Springs Surf Club , a wave pool for surfing started by a local .

“ The Palm Springs Surf Club has been such an amazing project to be part of from the beginning , thanks to Laguna legend James Dunlop ,” Gaul says , adding that he feels fortunate his passion has led to a career in the wave pool industry .

“ I ’ ll be doing this for a long time . When you love what you do , you never work a day in your life ,” he says .

Gaul , now 27 , started surfing while he was still a toddler . “ My dad , Aaron Gaul , is an avid waterman and had me surfing , skateboarding and skimming by the time I was 2 1 / 2 years old ,” Chance Gaul recalls . “ We would wake up early and I would stand on the skateboard in between his legs down to the beach .”

He quickly fell in love with both sports . “ There ’ s no feeling in the world like riding fast down the line on a surfboard ,” he says . “ It ’ s the closest thing to walking on water .”

He ’ s sponsored by Volcom , Electric sunglasses ,

Chance Gaul grabs some air .

GO-TO PLACES IN TOWN “ Laguna Surf & Sport is a staple in town and a must-go for anyone visiting Laguna . My favorite coffee can be found at Laguna Coffee Co . and my favorite restaurant is Selenne Steak Tavern .” FAVORITE SURF SPOT “ My favorite place in the world to surf is definitely at home in Laguna . We have incredible scenery and coastal diversity , creating very unique and funky waves around every cove .” FAVORITE SURF / SKATE TRIP Puerto Rico BUCKET LIST SURF DESTINATION Teahupoo , Tahiti SURFING STYLE Fast and aggressive — I love being in the air . HIS BOARD Grape Boards OTHER HOBBIES Golf , riding motorcycles and building stuff for my wife

Grape Boards , Creatures of Leisure and , of course , the Laguna Surf & Sport team .

“ Being part of the LS & S team is like being part of a tight family ,” he says . “ My uncles and dad were part of the Surf & Sport team . I grew up hanging out in the shop as early as I can remember . It ’ s been awesome to see multiple generations cycle through LS & S and , once you ’ re part of the team / family , you represent for life .”

While he doesn ’ t compete much , he loves taking part in Laguna ’ s contests , like Brooks Street Surfing Classic and the Spring Fever Surfabout . When it comes to riding boards with four wheels , he says , “ I used to travel constantly for my skateboarding career , but as I get older , it ’ s much nicer to fall on water when surfing than [ on ] hard pavement .”

Gaul credits growing up in Laguna with helping to shape him into the person he is now . “ My mom saw the impact the Laguna Beach community had on me in such a positive way , and did everything she could to keep me in this incredible environment .

“… Being a part of the tight Laguna community not only helped curate an amazing childhood , but helped lead to my success as an adult . There have been endless opportunities that have come from this amazing town and I will forever be grateful .”

He ’ s now part of the Meital Taub Luxury Group with Livel Real Estate and enjoys helping people find a home . Gaul is also a new dad : He and wife Sophia welcomed a son , Walker , earlier this year .

“ Being a dad is the most incredible experience in the world ,” he says . “… Walker is a constant motivator for me and I hope to showcase what a hardworking father and good husband should be .”

TOP LEFT : NATHAN SWEET ; MIDDLE : KALANI CUMMINS ; BOTTOM LEFT : JON ROBERTS

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