When did you start surfing?
I first paddled out at Tofino Canada in 1990.  I didn’t catch any waves and the water was a frigid 45F, maybe explaining why I didn’t venture out again until May 2003.

Why did you start surfing? 
My friend Dana Buckman had just moved to San Diego from LA, where she had been learning to surf.  After seeing her catch waves in San Diego, I decided that this was a sport that I would enjoy.  After two weeks “surfing”, I bought my first board and I’ve been hooked ever since.

Shortboard or longboard?
Longboard!  Shortboarding can be fun, but you can catch lots more waves on a longboard.  I also like the gracefulness of a longboard.

Where is your favorite place to surf? 
Somewhere where the water is warm and the glassy break is deserted … but that doesn’t exist in San Diego, so I surf Pipes because it’s nearby and not too crowded.

Who is you favorite shaper?
I don’t know who shaped my two favorite boards so I’m still searching for a favorite shaper.

What's your favorite aspect about SDSL?
My favorite thing about SDSL is the wonderful community of woman who surf together and have fun together.  We’ve had lots of good times, surfing breaks all over the world.  Because of SDSL, I’ve surfed breaks I would have never have dared to go out on my own.

Has anyone influenced your surfing?
I’ve been most influenced by the many varied and wonderful “styles” of the San Diego surf ladies.

Where have you traveled to surf? 
I’ve surfed Baja Mexico quite often.  I’ve also surfed Costa Rica, Hawaii and Canada.

How does surfing affect you? 
Surfing helps me keep me in shape and helps me keep in touch with a wonderful community of woman surfers.  It’s had a very positive influence on my life.

If you were to tell a newbie some advice, what would it be?
The best surfer is the one having the most fun.  Also, be patient, it takes a long time to learn how to surf but it’s worth it!

What's the weirdest thing you've ever seen or experienced while surfing?
One of the first times I ever paddled out on the west coast of Canada, a baby grey whale surfaced about 50 ft away from me.  It was a surreal moment, and time seemed to freeze as we frantically paddled in.  It was just a curious (giant) baby whale but I didn’t surf again for over 15 years (did I mention the water was about 45F?)

What's on your iPod?
An eclectic mix of 80s music, Reggae, Yoga tunes and hypno-birthing music (I was intending to use for my son’s birth last June)