This week’s Meet a Mom feature is Jenn Martin, program director of South Bay's family owned BeachSports!
BeachSports is a local, family-owned and operated business that offers kids summer programs focusing on ocean safety and beach activities such as surfing and beach volleyball, as well as Skateboard programs at the Hermosa Skatepark. Their programs are well known and trusted in the community for their professionalism and safety standards. BeachSports programs start at age 4 and are located in Manhattan, Hermosa, and Redondo Beach.
Read more about this special mom’s favorite local spots and what she loves to do in the South Bay, her daily routine, how she got the inspiration to move to the South Bay and transition from teaching to working with BeachSports, and more!
How many kids do you have and what are their ages?
I have two children - a 4 year old daughter and a 20 month old son. Life is certainly busy and full of energy, but SO much fun!
What are your favorite local things to do with your kids?
Anything outdoors - but we especially love the beach! One of the best things about living in Southern California is the amazing weather, which makes it easy to enjoy outdoor activities all year long. My husband is an avid surfer and has started taking our daughter out with him. Both of our kids also absolutely love chasing seagulls—so it’s safe to say we spend a lot of time at the beach! We’re also big fans of the local parks and hiking—PV hiking trails, South Park, Veterans Park, and Greenwood Park are a few of our favorites. Our daughter loves riding her scooter, and the Strand is the perfect place for us to get outside, move our bodies, and enjoy family time together!
What do you like about living in the South Bay and why did you decide to raise your family here?
I grew up in North Carolina, and while I love the Carolinas, the cold weather and rain can make it challenging to stay active outdoors year-round. When I met my husband in college (he was born and raised in Redondo Beach!), I immediately fell in love with the South Bay—the beautiful weather, stunning beaches, close-knit community, and perfect balance of work and play. We chose to raise our family here because of the strong sense of community, excellent schools, and the incredible outdoor lifestyle. We wanted our kids to grow up in a place where they could enjoy the outdoors year-round and take advantage of everything this area has to offer!
Tell us about your company, Beach Sports, and the services you offer? What is your inspiration behind Beach Sports?
I love BeachSports. One of the most rewarding parts of this journey is the people—the incredible community we’ve built and the unlimited potential for growth. Our mission is to educate, inspire, and support not only the young kids and families who join our programs but also the teenagers stepping into their first jobs and the young adults navigating their career paths after their time with us. At its core, BeachSports is about making a lasting impact on the next generation. We offer a variety of programs, including Beach, Lacrosse, Ocean, Skateboard, Surf, and Volleyball. We provide private surf and skate lessons year-round, as well as after-school lacrosse and skate programs in Manhattan Beach elementary schools during the school year. Plus, we’re available for birthday parties year-round!
How has this community been instrumental in getting you to where you are now?
Where to begin? Nine years ago, I made the leap from a secure teaching job, packed up, and drove across the country without knowing exactly what opportunities lay ahead. Fortunately, my husband, who was born and raised here, had a community of incredible people who were eager to help me find my path. A friend suggested I explore tutoring, and during my interview, I happened to cross paths with Tommy, the owner of BeachSports. A five-minute conversation quickly turned into a discussion about a summer director position—and I was immediately hooked. Today, after transitioning from teaching to joining BeachSports full-time, I’m pursuing a career I’m truly passionate about. This journey wouldn’t have been possible without the kindness and support of this community, which welcomed me with open arms and gave me the chance to grow. To me, building and maintaining strong relationships is the foundation of both personal and professional success, and I’m incredibly grateful to be part of such a generous and uplifting network.
How do you juggle work and motherhood?
Balancing work and motherhood is something I’m continuously learning and adapting to. One of the reasons I stepped away from teaching was the demanding commute and limited flexibility, which made it challenging to prioritize family when needed. BeachSports has given me the opportunity to find a balance between a fulfilling career and being present for my family. Time management, staying organized, and knowing when to delegate have been key, but more than anything, I’ve learned the importance of leaning on my support system. The saying “it takes a village” has never felt more true, and I feel so fortunate to be surrounded by a team that values hard work while also recognizing the importance of asking for help. That team includes my BeachSports community, our family and friends, and the amazing daycare teachers who care for our little ones. Once I let go of the idea that seeking support was a weakness, I found a way to navigate my professional life while keeping my family a priority.
What does a typical weekday look like for you?
A typical weekday for me is a mix of work, family time, and finding small moments for myself when possible. My husband and I tag-team drop-off and pick-up, so I usually take one of our kids to school around 8:30. If I’m heading into the office, I’ll go in after drop-off and wrap up my workday around 4 to try and move my body before picking up the kids. On work-from-home days, I like to start with some morning movement before diving into my day, then I’ll finish up around 4:30 and go grab the kids. By 5:30, our whole family is home, and we usually take a stroller and scooter walk through the neighborhood before dinner. Eating out has become a rare occasion—mostly because with two young kids, it just feels easier (and more enjoyable) to stay in! So dinner, bath time and then off to bed! If we’re lucky, my husband and I will get a little time to ourselves before calling it a night (very rare)!
What is your best advice for another mom?
Oh wow—great question! I’ll pass along some of the best advice that other moms have shared with me. First and foremost, don’t forget to take care of yourself—you’ll be a better mom for it. It’s easy to get caught up in comparisons, especially in today’s world where we have endless information and social media at our fingertips.
One of the biggest things I’ve learned is to trust the process when it comes to milestones. My pediatrician once asked if I remembered the exact age I crawled, walked, talked, or held a spoon for the first time. Of course, I didn’t—and she reminded me that I turned out just fine. That really put things into perspective for me. Kids develop at their own pace, and once I let go of the pressure to measure every little milestone, I felt a sense of ease. Trust yourself, trust your child, and know that you’re doing a great job!
Let's Talk Local!
What is your favorite:
Family Restaurant: Hudson House
Date Night Restaurant: Sugarfish
Brunch Spot: Martha’s
Shop: Curious
Workout: Strand Run
Nature Spot: Portuguese Bend Lookout
Beach: Hermosa
For more information on BeachSports or to sign up for one of their programs, visit their website
