When did you start surfing?

I started surfing seriously when I was 15 years old, the summer after my freshman year of high school. However, my love for the ocean was well established at that time. Before that I would have considered myself a “summer surfer”, having my dad take me out on the small days at Mondoes beach ( Ventura , CA ).

Why did you start surfing? 

My father is an amazing and avid surfer and had me on the front of my board when I was a little girl. I grew up at the beach and the lifestyle is all that I know. As far as I can remember, I have always been at the beach and in the water…whether it be boogie boarding, body surfing or just swimming. I guess it was just natural for me to start surfing and I am actually surprised that it took me until high school to get hooked!

Shortboard or longboard?
My passion is longboarding—I love the grace and style it requires to ride one well. However, my goal is to be a good all-around surfer. So lately I have been experimenting with all types of sizes and shapes. I recently got a 6’2” thruster that I love. I think that it is important to ride all types of equipment, depending on what the waves call for.

Where is your favorite place to surf?

My three all-time favorite waves (depending on the season and where I am living) are Rincon and Sunset Cliffs during the winter and Secos (Leo Carillo) during the summer. But I guess Rincon would be my absolute favorite! It peels forever and is just perfect!

Who is you favorite shaper?

My favorite shaper is Wayne Rich. I get all of my boards through Clyde Beatty Products, out of Santa Barbara , and Wayne has shaped all of my longboards. He understands and knows my style of surfing and is able to translate that into custom boards that work for me. Even if I want a specific model of board, he tailors it to fit me. Every time I get a new board from him I think, “This is the best board I have ever ridden”! His designs never cease to amaze me.

What's your favorite aspect about SDSL?

SDSL has managed to bring together women (and men) surfers in the San Diego area, to form a wonderful community. It is amazing to see the amount of support, publicity and participation that SDSL has had within only it’s first year! The girls are wonderful and everyone has such a welcoming attitude. I have formed some friendships that might otherwise not have existed, and for that I am grateful. With SDSL going at the rate it is, there is no telling what we have in store for the future! J

Has anyone influenced your surfing?
Many people have influenced my surfing. My mom says that I surf a lot like my dad, especially in our style. I also try to emulate those out in the water that I admire. It goes the same way, that if I see someone doing something that I do not like, I will make a conscious effort to not do it or change it in a manner that I like. I try and learn from everyone I see out there.

Where have you traveled to surf?

I have traveled to three of the Hawaiian Islands to surf: Oahu, Maui and Kauai . I have also been down to Baja, all the way to Cabo. My most recent one was the Nicoya Penninsula of Costa Rica. Most of these trips I have done with my family. Both my dad and my little brother surf and my mom completely supports us and loves to watch, so most of our family vacations are to locations with good surf!

Have you surfed competitively? If so, what kind of results?

I have surfed competitively for about three years. I became hooked after placing at the Malibu Classic Invitational. I compete only longboard at the moment, and do most of the contests through the Coalition of Surf Clubs. Two of my most recent results are: Third place, Junior Wahine at the Roxy Wahine Classic; First place, Women 29 & under at the California Street Longboard Championships. For me, surfing contests is fun and I am always stoked just to make it through at least my first heat.

How does surfing affect you?

It may sound cliché, but surfing affects my whole life. Looking back to before I started surfing I don’t know how I spent my free time. Surfing has allowed me to create strong friendships, it has kept me living near the beach and it provides me with an out from the pressures of everyday life. I see it as my time to relax, unwind and recollect myself…and just have fun!

If you were to tell a newbie some advice, what would it be?

I would tell them that the only way to get better is just to surf as much as possible. While doing this, be respectful and mindful of the other surfers in the water, both inexperienced and experienced. Whatever you do, do not be aggressive and try to never ditch your board—as it imposes a huge threat to all those behind you! Remember to just have fun and enjoy yourself. J

What's the weirdest thing you've ever seen or experienced while surfing?

Hmm…I guess seeing a guy attempting to surf on raft made for a pool was pretty funny looking!