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Tofino, BC
How did you discover your talent?
I grew up as a dancer and always loved movement! When I first started surfing it felt like dancing! I was immediately addicted to surfing!
What got you started?
I grew up on the surfless side of Vancouver Island but had been out to Tofino as a little kid and since then I always wanted to live the surf life here! I moved from Nanaimo to Tofino when I was 18 and never looked back! Haha
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I wanted to be a mermaid of course!
Who was your biggest inspiration?
My dad. He is a legend. Hard working, dedicated and hilarious.
What makes you keep innovating and pushing your skills to new heights? What’s the intrinsic driver or motivation?
Just meeting new people and learning from others keeps me pushing my skill! Also, my dreams. I dream about surfing a lot, the feeling of different maneuvers on different waves. It helps me try new stuff and go for waves I usually wouldn't go for!
So far, what has been your favourite highlight of your career? An achievement? A specific moment?
Definitely my favourite highlight of my career so far has been winning the Canadian National Title in Women's longboard. For a lot of years prior I had been competing with men in a mixed longboard category. I kept pressuring RipCurl to create a Women's longboard division and the year they did I took it home and won the category! I was so happy and so proud at the awesome turn out of all the ladies for the category. Nothing is more fun than surfing with friends!
In regards to your career, where do you want to be in 5 or 10 years?
I want to be doing exactly what I'm doing now. Surfing, loving life, gardening, chilling. If there could be some surf contests again soon, that'd be awesome. I basically feel like I'm living the dream and wouldn't change anything though.
In terms of healthy habits, what are your thoughts on the current beverage options out there? (I.e. Energy Drinks, high sugar drinks etc)
I definitely think there's way too many sugar overloaded beverages out there in the world. I usually don't buy anything, just drink good ol' water. I started drinking Wize when I got back into landscaping recently I wanted a bit of energy and something cold and I tried it and was hooked! So delicious and refreshing!
How does Wize fit into your current lifestyle? And why do you choose Wize?
Just like I said the question before, it's so refreshing and just that perfect amount of caffeine that you don't feel jittery! Keeps me going for surfs, landscaping or just relaxing in my garden!
What are the next projects coming down the pipeline?
Working with my guy on new photos and video!
What’s your favourite flavour of Wize tea? When do you typically drink it?
Grapefruit, baby!! It's the perfect flavour with the coffee leaf tea!
Where can our audience find out more about you?
Instagram! @emily_surfballard
