etnies

How long have you been surfing?
Eight years. I started in 1997.

How did you get started?
I was raised by the beach and my three older brothers all surfed, so I just kind of went out with them and started surfing.

Who gave you your first surfboard?
I bought one from one of the local shops here.

Who were some early influences on your surfing?
My brothers all surfed, so they got me out in the water.

What inspires you to surf?
Everything about it inspires me. Being out in the water is so calm you feel like you're being cleansed, if that makes sense. I've also met my best friends in the water up and down the [California] coast.

Do you prefer free surfing or competing?
I competed so much when I was younger that now I really like to free surf. I'm less competitive than I used to be, and I like not having to think too much when I'm in the water.

Would you rather tour or stay at home?
I like being on the road.

Would you rather surf with girls or guys?
Guys. There aren't many girls that surf in my town.

Where do you think surfing will be in 20 years?
Very overpopulated! I'm sure there will be new inventions and surfers will be testing more limits and traveling to more remote places.

What have been the highlights of your surfing career?
The highlights have been all of the travel I've done to different countries, being part of MTV's Surf Girls, being able to work with different photographers and magazines and all of the friends I've met through surfing.
Who are your favorite surfers?
Brandon at etnies and my brothers.

What are your favorite surf spots?
Rincon, Solimar, Ventura, my home, is always a great place to be. I like going to Hawaii. I really like everywhere, to be honest, just as long as the water is warm!

What is the last book you read?
I can't remember the name of it, but it was actually really good.

Do you collect anything?
No.

What have you always wanted to do?
Maybe skydiving or something. I'm scared of heights, though, so it would be really hard.

If you had $1,000 in your pocket and 15 minutes to spend it, what would you buy?
I'd probably just go shopping with it. I never have enough money to go shopping. No, no, no! I take that back! If I had it right now, I'd buy a plane ticket and go somewhere just for a quick trip. Then I'd buy some clothes or something.

What is something about you that might surprise people?
I'm addicted to eBay right now.

Fill in the blank. In my past life, I was a cat!

What are your hobbies?
I don't have any hobbies. I like being home with my family and friends. I'm always at the beach just hanging out.

What is your favorite etnies shoe?
Trixie.

What music have you been listening to lately?
I listen to everything.

Where would you rather be right now?
On some random island. Not in L.A. traffic, that's for sure! I'm dying right now!

What is your advice for beginners?
Keep doing what your heart tells you.