Where do you get your inspiration to surf?
Surfing is a little tricky sometimes so when you get some success with it, you just want more…
The place you call home?
Lovely little market town called Knaresborough in North Yorkshire, but I’m currently torn between Tignes in the winter and Messanges near Seignosse in the summers. Not bad eh?!
How many years have you clocked up on a surfboard?
Time spent actually on the board admittedly doesn’t add up to much. Falling off and attempting to paddle out however, would probably result in years…
What do you do for a living?
Enough general skivvying to put a roof over my head, get food down the hatch and make me the proud owner of a surfboard, snowboard and a season pass. Good times!
What do you love most about surfing?
Having a giggle with your mates and enjoying the moment when you actually connect with the wave. It’s spiritual man…
Biggest achievement so far?
Technically, I’d say my Uni degree… haven’t really used it much yet though.
Favourite people to surf with and why?
Anyone who loves playing in the waves and has a laugh doing it.
UK or France for waves?
France is a hella lot warmer than the UK but there’s a fair few spots in blighty that are amazing if you’re prepared to embrace the cold. Personally, I prefer bikinis rather than head to toe wetsuits!
Most manic experience?
The first time a whole horde of dolphin fins popped up right next to me when surfing near the harbour in Aberdeen. Freaked me right out!
Any other passions that come close to surfing?
Slipping sideways down a snowy slope in the mountains. Even better when there’s loads of powder so you can pretend you’re surfing. Lifts V paddling out? I know what I’d choose!
What stops you going mad when there’s no swell?
Run, run, run, skate, run, run, shop, run, run, skate, swim, run, run, swim, run, shop, eat cake, run, run, run, shop, shop, shop, go mad.
Favourite foods?
Pancakes topped with as much nutella as is humanly possible!
Who has inspired you the most?
The mad Scottish crew up North who are in the sea for hours on end, in the dark in January, fending off the howling wind and snow, and getting sooooo many barrels.
Ever met anyone famous?
Told a few pro surfers that I loved them when I was pretty drunk in Mundaka last year… Oopsy!
Favourite time of year?
Autumn for sure. The swells are bigger and cleaner, with no crowds, and then you’re the first to shred all that powder when they open up the mountain resorts.
Should surfing be an Olympic sport?
Hell Yeah!
Where to next?
It’s gotta be a biggy. Indo?? Or maybe I’ll ask Kath for some tips on Hawaii…
Why is an all-girl surf camp such an ace idea?!
It dilutes that competitive edge and encourages more fun and games with like-minded ladies, so that those who aren’t as confident feel more able to progress. No showing off or intimidation allowed…
Give us a line to sign off with…
Slaters!