"It was different for me. Studies were very important," Mathias says as they near the beach. He shifts the surfboard, hoping there are some decent waves for him to practice on today. "Very rigid. There was class, then lunch, then more class and when we went home, we were required to finish all our homework, usually prepare for the next day."

He smiles a little. "I'm not sad that Sam is missing out on that. It was too much at times."