Where did you develop your connection to the ocean? Can you share a particular moment or a memory that's shaped your personal history?
I have been a water woman all of my life. My family lived in northern California in the Bay Area, but we would travel to my father's country, Jamaica, in the winter. I remember swimming in warm Caribbean waters as a child and snorkeling the reefs chasing tropical fish with my big brother in the lead. I have always been drawn to the sea and surfed her waves in one form or another.
How and when do you feel the most supported in the work that you do?
When you are doing something that is counterculture it is difficult to measure success. My husband is my biggest cheerleader and my toughest critic. I rely on him heavily to give it to me straight and he always does it with kindness, humor, and honesty. I tend to work off of emotion, if something feels right and brings me joy that is enough reason to continue for me. His support is my measure of success. I know I'm on the right track if my toughest critic supports what I'm up to.
We think of surfing as being in communion with water. What has your relationship with the sea taught you most about yourself?
Having a strong swimming background and deep respect for the power of the ocean has taught me to trust myself. I don't typically panic if I get stuck in a rip or if I'm in a swell that is above my pay grade. I have learned so many lessons from being in this element in my lifetime, sometimes things are out of our control and the ocean is no exception. I try to relax my body and calm my mind and just let the sea take me. There is always a lull or a break in the waves when you can plan your next move.