Erin Paris

When did you start surfing? I started surfing seriously about 4 years ago. Before that, I would paddle out when the weather and water was warm, just messing around with friends. Why did you start surfing?  Surfing is my escape. I have always been drawn to the ocean and the beach. My brother started surfing at a young age and my dad was an incredible body surfer. He used to take me out on my boogie board when I was really little and push me into the face of waves. The rush and stoke I felt then, has always stayed with me. My brother and I would stay in the water until our lips were blue. I've always felt so connected to the ocean, so surfing was a natural transition.
	Shortboard or longboard? I actually learned how to surf on a shortboard. Skateboarding was a huge part of my life growing up. I always wanted to tag along with my brother and his friends, and they were always skating. Shortboarding is more natural to me because it is so closely related to skateboarding. However, I want to start longboarding this summer when the waves are small so I can catch more waves. Where is your favorite place to surf? In the summer, my favorite place to surf is "D" street in Encinitas. I also love surfing Raul's in Mex. However, last summer I experienced a wave about two-hours from Puerto Vallarta. It is a left that is just amazing! I constatnly dream of this wave.
Who is you favorite shaper? I have a great collection of boards all from different shapers. Recently, I've been very attached to my DHD. Although, I must say that my very first shortboard was shaped by a great friend of mine, Chris Goody from Hawaii. It was a really thick 6'0, swallow-tail. I gave that board a beating, and it lasted forever! Chris is a phenomenal surfer and shaper. His label is called, "Makau", which is Hawaiian for fish hook. All of his boards are unbelievable! What's your favorite aspect about SDSL? Where do I begin? SDSL has been a dream come true for me. I love the energy between all the girls in and out of the water. SDSL has pushed my surfing to a higher level. I feel so much more relaxed in the water, due to all the encouragement and support we give each other. We are all out there for the same reason - to feel stoked and to have fun. The friendships I have made with many of the girls will last a lifetime. SDSL is the answer to female surfing.
Has anyone influenced your surfing? I would have to say that watching videos of girls surfing has influenced my surfing the most. I study their style and technique and try to emulate it when I'm in the water. I think to myself, that if they can do it, so can I! Where have you traveled to surf? I have traveled to Australia twice, Costa Rica a handful of times, Oahu and Mainland Mexico. Surfing in other countries is priceless. I love paddling out to a new break, surfing all day, every day. Fortunately, as a teacher, I can travel all summer long.
	Have you surfed competitively? If so, what kind of results? Nope. How does surfing affect you? It's hard to put into words how surfing affects my life. It is all I think about. When I've had a bad or stressful day, I leave it all on the beach when I paddle out. Surfing is a part of my soul, that just lets me be me. It is my meditation, my release. It is so incredible how I feel when I first touch the water, there is a sense of peace that overcomes me. And, after having a great session, well, we all know how that feels.
If you were to tell a newbie some advice, what would it be? The first thing I would tell a newbie is to have patience. The only way to become a better surfer is to surf as much as you possibly can. Also, to always be aware of your surroundings. Watch the best surfers in the water and try to learn from them. Never paddle towards the face of a wave if a surfer is on it to avoid the white water. And finally, make sure to relax and have fun. What's the weirdest thing you've ever seen or experienced while surfing? The weirdest thing that I've ever experienced while surfing happened on the north shore of Maroochy River in Australia. My friend Chris from Hawaii and another Australian and I were the only 3 out in the water. This crazy Australian on a jet ski started hacking circles around us. He was fully decked out in bright neoprene. Chris and the other Australian surfer were screaming profanities at him, and I was certain a fight was going to break out. It was so hilarious because the guy had the entire ocean to himself, yet it was obvious that he had something against surfers.

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