Flying Above the Waves: CEHD Alumni Launch Watersports Business at Buckroe Beach

By Kiersten Caputy, Photo Credit: Kendall Warner / The Virginian-Pilot

For many, a trip to the beach is about relaxation. For College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) alumni and Hampton Roads natives Jason Brown, BS ’02 Sport Management, and Patrick Devine, BS ’07 Sport Management, it was the launchpad for something bold, unexpected, and uniquely thrilling.

What started as a moment of curiosity on a beach in Puerto Rico has grown into Green Wave Watersports, the first and only business offering eFoil boarding lessons at Buckroe Beach in Hampton, Virginia. After spotting two people gliding across the water on what looked like motorized surfboards back in 2019—one of whom turned out to be Nick Leason, the inventor of the eFoil and founder of Lift Foils—Jason couldn’t shake the image. “They weren’t riding waves,” he recalled. “They were just hovering above the surface. It didn’t look real.”

The timing wasn’t quite right then. Another company held the local watersports contract, and before long, the pandemic shut everything down. But when Patrick was laid off from a job in corporate catering a few years later, the friends saw an opportunity to finally bring the dream to life. “Jason showed me a few videos, and I was hooked,” Patrick remarks. “I’ve always felt a deep connection to the ocean, and this felt like a real chance to follow that pull while building something meaningful from the ground up.”

Their timing couldn’t have been better. As the contract at Buckroe Beach came up for renewal, the duo pulled together a proposal—submitting it during the solar eclipse in April 2024. A few weeks later, they got the green light. Green Wave Watersports was born, rooted in local pride and fueled by the vision of sharing new, unforgettable ways for people to experience the water.

Their business offers eFoil lessons, kayak and paddleboard rentals, beach gear, and concessions—all right at the beach they grew up visiting. But it’s about more than just equipment. It’s about the moment a guest lifts off the water for the first time. “That moment when they realize they’re actually flying—it never gets old,” Jason and Patrick shared. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of that, especially in a place so close to our hearts.”

Running a business like this requires more than an adventurous spirit—it takes logistical know-how, planning, and community engagement. And for that, they credit George Mason University. Jason, a proud member of Sigma Chi Fraternity during his time at George Mason, says the leadership experiences he gained both inside and outside the classroom helped lay the foundation for what he’s doing today. “Our degrees from CEHD were the launchpad,” they said. “They helped us get into the careers we had before starting Green Wave Watersports, and those jobs gave us the real-world experience we now apply to running our own business.”

Jason’s early career in campus recreation at George Mason eventually led him into municipal operations and parks management, equipping him to handle city contracts and outdoor facilities. Patrick spent years in corporate catering, managing major events at George Mason—including athletics banquets and hospitality services for games. Both paths gave them the confidence and skill set needed to take on entrepreneurship with creativity and intention.

“George Mason instilled in us a sense of leadership, adaptability, and service,” they added. “We both left with more than just a degree. Whether we’re organizing a lesson, building a website, or creating a great experience for families, those roots from George Mason continue to show up in everything we do.”

Their advice for other CEHD alumni and students thinking about a similar path? “Start with what you love and build from there. This kind of work takes hustle, creativity, and resilience. If you're willing to wear a lot of hats and truly care about the people you serve, it’s a path that can lead to something meaningful.”

They also believe in the value of being bold. “We didn’t know how to ride eFoils when we launched. We just believed in the experience and knew we could learn and grow into it. That belief is what got us here.”

Green Wave Watersports is now open at Buckroe Beach, with an invitation for fellow Patriots to stop by, try something new, or simply say hello. “If you’re ever near Hampton, come visit us. Following us on social media, sharing our story, or stopping by all go a long way.”

They’re also proud Lift Foils affiliates—offering demo rides for anyone interested in purchasing a board—and committed to making Buckroe a true regional destination.

“Our goal is to give people unforgettable experiences on the water while helping make Buckroe a true destination. Whether you live down the road or are visiting for the first time, we want you to feel welcome, excited, and ready to come back.”