Travelers Learn More in Virginia

(Richmond, Va.) Eric Coulson knows how to get the best out of people. No matter their age, experience or comfort level, once someone signs on to surf lessons with Eric, they are on to a life-changing experience. Travelers with a quest for knowledge put their trust in Eric as he channels the power of the ocean into a personal playground of waves. Surf camp with Eric along the sandy shores of Virginia Beach is just one of Virginia's learning vacations that turn personal passions into life-long skills.

Sandbridge, a natural and secluded stretch of paradise along the Atlantic Ocean, in the southern part of Virginia Beach, is where Eric was raised and is his home base for Surf & Adventure Co. Eric has poured his heart and soul into this outdoor outfitter business, where his passion for life spills over into adventurous learning vacations. From kayaking lessons through the Back Bay Wildlife Refuge to surf lessons and paddle surfing school, Eric infuses everything he does with genuine excitement and zeal.

Eric explains how his passion for nature and outdoor adventure drive his desire to share his world with others in his Portraits of Passion video clip on www.Virginia.org.

"The reason I really love it is, it's got to be the feeling it gives you," explains Coulson. "These ocean waves are like a visible energy, coming towards you, and it's really like a free ride."

Lessons travelers learn on vacation in Virginia go way beyond catching a wave. People looking for more out of their vacation, looking to do more to be more, and to be better for it when they return home, are quenching their thirst for knowledge and adventure in Virginia.

Live out artistic passions with a trip to Jacksonville Art Center near Floyd in Southwest Virginia. The center's residential programs envelop travelers in arts of all distinctions, from blacksmithing to painting to sculpture, for a total art immersion experience.

Feed an intense need for speed with the Richard Petty Driving Experience at raceways in Richmond and Bristol. NASCAR dreams become a reality as adrenaline junkies learn from a professional driving instructor in a real stockcar racer. After the lessons, additional laps around the track are available to feel the speed full force.

Become a bluegrass legend at jam sessions every Tuesday night at the Mount Rogers Community jam along The Crooked Road. Join with Whitetop, one of Southwest Virginia's most accomplished bluegrass bands, and learn the secrets from the masters. The classes are free and available on most stringed instruments.

The Skydive Orange parachute club in Central Virginia is a U.S. Parachute Association affiliated center that's been teaching jumps since 1970's. They swear that one jump leads to a lifetime of skydiving. Their instructors will teach the basics to help dare devils soar through the clouds.

Travelers will find experiences where they can live out passions for wine, music, heritage, outdoor adventure and other fulfilling experiences that make Virginia one of the top destinations in the country.