Unique Summer Classes for Every Aspiring Hobbyist
Summertime is the perfect time to try new things, and Frisco is the perfect place for that given all that it has to offer. Come along as we dive headfirst into creativity and adventure right here in Frisco. From crafting elegant and one-of-a-kind wooden masterpieces to gliding serenely across tranquil waters, and even whipping up culinary delights under pressure, there’s a class for everyone itching to try something new. And, who knows, one of these unique activities and classes might just turn into a new hobby! Imagine yourself carving out stunning creations in a woodworking class that merges craftsmanship with artistic expression. Feel the thrill of balancing on water in a Stand Up Paddleboarding session while connecting with nature’s rhythm. Or perhaps, embrace the sizzle and spice of a cooking challenge where you’ll whip up gourmet dishes against the clock. Join us as we explore these exciting classes that promise not just skills, but the joy and possibility of discovering a new passion.
Rockler Woodworking
With so much of our time dominated by digital screens and instant gratification, there’s something profoundly satisfying about working with your hands and crafting something tangible from raw materials. If you’ve ever felt the itch to create, to turn a simple piece of wood into a masterpiece, Rockler Woodworking classes offer the perfect avenue to explore this timeless craft.
Known for its high-quality tools, innovative products, and comprehensive resources, Rockler has always been dedicated to supporting both amateur and professional woodworkers. But beyond providing top-notch supplies, Rockler goes a step further by offering a variety of classes designed to hone your skills, whether you’re a beginner just starting out or a seasoned pro looking to refine your technique.
Rockler’s classes are expertly structured to cater to a wide range of skill levels and interests. New to woodworking? Their beginner classes provide a solid foundation, covering essential topics like understanding wood types, basic tool usage, and fundamental joinery techniques. You’ll leave with not only newfound knowledge but also a finished project that showcases your burgeoning skills.
For those with a bit more experience under their belts, intermediate and advanced classes dive deeper into complex projects and sophisticated techniques. Learn the intricacies of dovetail joinery, master the art of woodturning, or explore the beauty of marquetry. Each class is designed to challenge you, expand your abilities, and inspire your creativity.
One of the standout features of Rockler’s woodworking classes is the hands-on approach and constant guidance during class. You won’t be sitting in a lecture hall; instead, you’ll be in the workshop, tools in hand, working on real projects. This immersive experience ensures that you not only learn the theory but also gain practical skills that you can apply to your own projects at home.
Guiding you through this journey are Rockler’s expert instructors. Under the leadership of Manager Todd Fowler, Frisco’s award-winning location has some of the very best, and we were lucky enough to meet and take a class with David Fogle, whose passion for woodworking and teaching others is incredibly evident. Dave spent 35 years in the medical field and had a woodworking hobby before eventually being asked to work at Rockler and teach classes where he brings a wealth of knowledge and a passion for woodworking that’s truly infectious.
A few of our Frisco STYLE team members took Rockler’s Wood and Epoxy Charcuterie Board class with Dave, and the results were truly stunning! During class, Dave’s easy, kind, and gentle nature made the class enjoyable as he guided participants along, all while offering tidbits of information, tips and tricks, and explaining the “why” behind the woodworking process. Safety is an absolute priority in the classroom as it boasts plenty of ventilation, safety equipment, and cleanliness.
Each participant chose their own personalized epoxy color, and Dave helped them choose the wood from which they’d make their board. As the class went on, Dave would show participants the steps they would complete in the process, and then they’d complete the step on their own piece. As Dave instructed, he stayed close while coaching and teaching, offering those valuable tips and explaining many aspects of the process.
After walking through the steps of the charcuterie board-making process under Dave’s watchful and helpful eye, the boards underwent extensive sanding and polishing before being completed with a food-safe finish. The end product was truly breathtaking!
The classes foster a sense of community, bringing together individuals who share a love for craftsmanship. This camaraderie adds a social dimension to the learning experience, making it even more enjoyable and rewarding. In addition to regular classes, Rockler also offers special workshops and events throughout the year. These events often focus on specific skills or projects, providing an in-depth look at particular aspects of woodworking.
Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, improve your existing skills, or simply find a creative outlet, Rockler Woodworking classes are the perfect place to start. With their comprehensive curriculum, expert instruction, and supportive community, you’ll find everything you need to embark on your woodworking journey. For more information and to sign up for a class, visit rockler.com.
DFW Surf
Wake surfing…Stand Up Paddleboarding…in Frisco? Yes! Consider a new possible hobby unlocked with the leading paddleboarding and watersport destination in North Texas, DFW Surf, right here in our own backyard. With seasoned pros dedicated to providing unforgettable experiences for all skill levels, DFW Surf is Frisco’s gateway to the world of stand up paddleboarding.
DFW Surf, born out of a love for water sports and community, has evolved into a thriving hub for paddleboarding enthusiasts. Their mission is clear: to share the joy of paddleboarding and foster a supportive, fun environment where everyone can revel in the water. Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) is a versatile water sport that offers a full-body workout while allowing you to explore various water bodies like oceans, lakes, and rivers. It’s a breeze to learn, making it a popular choice for recreation, fitness, and even yoga on the water.
The team at DFW Surf has curated a number of unique classes that allow for a range of activities designed to cater to all interests and skill levels. The Beginner Paddleboard Class is ideal for newcomers as they teach the basics of paddleboarding and participants learn about equipment, safety, and techniques to help them feel confident on the water. For those who enjoy a more social experience, DFW Surf’s “Paddle and a Pint” is a must-try. Held every Friday evening, this event combines a relaxing paddle session with a post-paddle pint from 3 Nations Brewing, making it a perfect way to unwind and meet fellow paddleboarders. To try something a bit more challenging, look for their SUP Yoga classes that seamlessly blend the tranquility of yoga with the serenity of the water – a truly unique way to practice mindfulness and improve balance and flexibility.
A couple of ladies from our Frisco STYLE team had the opportunity to experience DFW Surf’s Women’s Wednesday (held each Wednesday until October), which they found to be an incredible experience for women who want to try something new. Tina, the instructor, was welcoming, energetic, and an awesome guide. Class began with Tina leading everyone in a stretching circle after grabbing boards, and then the class headed into the water! The class paddled out and around the Hidden Cove Marina, making a few circles around the marina where Tina guided them through a “sprint,” or fast paddling, and talked them through a 3-point turn before going a bit further out on the water where they sat on their boards and chatted for about 20 minutes. When the class paddled back into the marina and back to shore, they spent time relaxing, hanging out, and enjoying the sunset afterward in a great little area with circled bright blue chairs.
Outside of paddleboarding, Frisco’s location offers wake surfing classes and sessions designed for all levels, beginner to advanced. This exciting option gives participants 20 minutes of surfing time and two hours of instruction with other students. Experienced wake surfers can opt for Surf Sessions where they can further progress in their skills.
If you prefer exploring at your own pace, DFW Surf offers rental options for paddleboards and kayaks. Whether paddling solo or with friends, you’ll have access to high-quality boards and kayaks to ensure a smooth ride. They welcome walk-ins during normal business hours, though it’s recommended to reserve boards via their online booking system for a group of five or more.
When you do become obsessed with SUP, DFW Surf even has a community for paddleboarding enthusiasts called Surf Club. Members enjoy exclusive access to special events, discounts on classes and rentals, and a chance to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for the water.
SUP offers a true trifecta for newcomers and experienced paddlers alike, as it can serve as a new hobby, a way to stay fit, or simply a fun way to spend time outdoors. DFW Surf has something for everyone, and their commitment to safety, quality instruction, and community ensures that every visit is enjoyable and enriching. Dive into the world of paddleboarding with DFW Surf and discover the thrill and tranquility of gliding across the water. For more information and to book your class or rental, visit dfwsurf.com/hidden-cove-park-and-marina.
Tre Wilcox Cooking Concepts
Cooking, baking, and being in the kitchen, in general, is largely intimidating for many laypeople. Most chefs stay “back of house” (in the kitchen) behind the scenes, but once in a while, one comes along with a passion for food and teaching and even figures out a unique and excitingly fun way to combine the two. Tre Wilcox Cooking Concepts is not just another culinary concept – it’s an immersive experience where cooking meets creativity, camaraderie, and competition.
At the helm is acclaimed Chef Tre Wilcox, whose reputation as a chef-trainer extends far beyond his James Beard Rising Star Chef nominations and appearances on Top Chef and Iron Chef America. With a passion for teaching, a flair for entertaining, and a magnetic personality, Chef Tre has crafted a unique environment and concept that promises memorable and delicious moments for everyone involved.
With a brick-and-mortar event space designed to be the most unique and chef-driven, Chef Tre’s space is home to extraordinary experiences like team building, corporate parties, cooking classes, and creative catering. Known for his inventive approach to cooking and his dynamic presence in the kitchen and on television, his space and concepts are a testament to his dedication, talent, and love for food.
His state-of-the-art venue is equipped with demonstration kitchens that rival those seen on television, providing the perfect backdrop for hands-on learning. Chef Tre and his team offer an array of services. Still, his team-building competition is one of his most popular offered experiences and has created memories, camaraderie, and confidence for most, if not all, who have been lucky enough to experience the thrill of competition.
One of their standout offerings is the team-building cooking challenge. These sessions are designed to teach participants a thing or two in the kitchen and foster teamwork, communication, and creativity in a fun, competitive environment. The challenge mimics the high-energy, fast-paced nature of cooking shows, making it an exhilarating experience for corporate groups looking to strengthen their bonds outside the office.
After being divided into teams during this thrilling competition, each team heads to one of the four well-stocked kitchens set up along the side wall of Chef Tre’s event space, where they receive a mystery basket of ingredients. (Think Chopped, Chef Tre style) Teams have 38 minutes to collaborate and create dishes without internet assistance using only the provided pantry items. They must collaborate to create dishes from scratch, often with surprise ingredients or specific culinary themes. This not only tests their cooking abilities but also their problem-solving and time-management skills. The result? A delicious meal and a strengthened sense of unity among colleagues.
Not to worry, though, during the competition, while teams prepare their dishes, Chef Tre is right where he loves to be - in the middle of the competition kitchens, offering tips, tricks, and valuable insight to participants, all while getting to know them, inciting confidence, and ensuring safety. When time is up, teams are evaluated on teamwork, taste, ingredient usage, and presentation. The winning team receives prizes, and Chef Tre provides a lighthearted critique of the dishes and team performance.
Perhaps the best part? After the competition, you won’t be eating your own creations. Instead, Chef Tre and his staff invite everyone to relax with a drink while he and the kitchen team prepare a plated three-course dinner or two-course lunch for the group. (The venue is BYOB and will provide stemware for any beverages you bring!)
Beyond team building, Tre Wilcox Cooking Concepts offers a variety of experiences for all skill levels. Chef Tre’s teaching philosophy emphasizes technique, recipes, and execution, ensuring participants walk away with practical skills they can use at home. For those seeking a more intimate culinary experience, cooking classes, private dining events, and catering are also available. These events allow guests to enjoy a personalized menu crafted by Chef Tre in a setting of their choice, whether in their home, at the Cooking Concepts venue, or another location.
With a premier venue for all things culinary, a love for teaching, and a commitment to creating engaging and educational experiences, Chef Tre remains ready to share his passion for food through teaching. So, gather your team (or spouse or friends!), roll up your sleeves, and prepare to cook some fun! For more information on services and booking, visit trewilcox.com.
