About Us

Our mission at Pure Vibes is to enrich the lives of children with special needs, their families, and our community by providing a fun and unconventional approach to learning and adapting to the world we live in.

Pure Vibes was created by Richard Sutera, a special educator who incurred a physical disability in 1997 along with mentoring a brother suffering from mild mental retardation. His personal connection to the field of special education has inspired a variety of creative ideas unseen in many conventional schools and private organizations. His educational teaching activities are always changing and becoming innovative as we speak. Unlike most educators who follow a systematic way of teaching, Richard likes to use his marketing side to think outside of the box. All instruction is performed one-on-one by Richard himself to ensure maximum comprehension. Richard has laid the foundation by creating the first and only 'Special Needs Therapeutic Surf Instruction'. He is a role model for children of all ages who live with a specific disability. Between his experience of special needs with his brother and his current physical disability which halted his dreams of becoming a pro surfer, Richard knows what it is like to be less fortunate. In his eyes he is grateful for what he has and uses that energy to pass the 'Pure Vibe' onto his kids.

Since 1978 Richard Sutera's life has revolved around the ocean and the 'Pure' feeling it has given him. Richard Sutera has spent his life traveling the world and the United States understanding the ocean and its complex moods. On his way from amateur status to pro he acquired a permanent disability that changed his life forever. With his strong believe in god (In God We Trust) it became inevitable that his road was to help give something back

to the kids. In life everything happens for a reason for which this was a calling to give a bit back to the community of San Diego.

Richard has spent his time working for Reef Brazil, Sticky Bumps, and several nationwide surf shops as a Marketing Guru and Sales Associate. His talent as a surfer has been acknowledged by his peers and corporations both International and Nationally. Numerous surfing companies have supported him through sponsorships from companies such as Rip Curl, Arnette Optical Illusions, Hamish Graham Designs, Forever Stoked, and an array of other surfing industry companies. As a well known person in the surf industry he has collaborated with well established pro surfers, business owners, instructors who all support this amazing cause for special needs children.

The Days Memories are Made of :
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His life has brought him from a small New Jersey beach community competing in amateur surf contests to the Eastern Surfing Association Championships to competing in the biggest amateur contest in the USA, the National Scholastic Surfing Association Nationals in San Clemente, CA as the Co-Captain of the San Diego Surf Team. Through his remarkable focus, perseverance, and passion “Pure Vibes” was formed.

Experience includes: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an emphasis in marketing, Special Education Credential Program and Master's of Science in Special Education experience, Certified by the American Red Cross in Infant, Child and Adult/AED First Aid and CPR, Education Director Education of the Boys and Girls of America, Elementary School Special Day Class Instructional Aide III, Sylvan Learning Center Teacher, Customized Home Tutoring for all ages and disabilities, Special Needs Surf Instruction, Mentoring, Private Autistic Workshops, and a true family understanding. Big brother mentor at a summer baseball camp for elementary mainstream and special needs kids at Seton Hall University in South Orange, NJ. Team taught sex education to all the sixth graders at Skyline Elementary School in Solana Beach, CA. Admissions Representative at Maric College:Responsible for the admission and guidance of underprivileged students into medical and computer technology careers. Accountable for teaching prospect able students the curriculum entailed in each unique course. Some special needs individuals involved in the admissions and guidance process at Maric College.

Pure Vibes is always looking for more support from the community from all types of businesses. Feel free to email us at info@purevibestutoring.com or info@purevibessurfing.com.