So how did you get so good at surfing? Both of my older brothers surf, so I started tagging along with them. We lived a block from the beach and we would surf everyday. In the summer, I would spend all day at the beach surfing and body surfing. All that time I spent at the beach help me become a good surfer.

How were your years on the 'CT, how old were you when you first
qualified? The first time I qualified on the WCT I was 20 and again when I was 23. Being on the WCT was hard for me because I was the only girl from Cali and I had no travel partner, I was always traveling by myself and meeting up with the other girls. Also I had to surf waves like Teahupoo and here in Cali there are no waves to prepare you. I learned a lot and did better the second time. I enjoyed my time getting to go to new places, I've been lucky to see so much of the world.

Can you tell us about some of the highlights of your career? For me the best highlight was winning the US Open in 2005. I've also won some other big WQS events in France, Hawaii, Costa Rica, Lowers and the East Coast. Also winning the ISA Gold medal was really important. I took a lot of pride representing the USA and bringing home a gold medal.

Where are you living now? I'm between Carlsbad, California and Lima, Peru.

What were/are your most challenging moments in the contest
atmosphere? At contests it hard not to get nervous, but usually after the first heat it's better.

Is your dream trip still Peru? Yes because I always score good waves when I go there. There are really long lefts that are uncrowded.

Can you talk about the differences surfing Peru and California? California is mostly beach breaks and Peru there are point breaks. Peru is more consistent for waves and has bigger swells. The climates are about the same and the water temp too.

What was it like training with Magoo de la Rosa? Magoo is a great coach, he really helped me become a more fluid surfer. He also pushes you in bigger surf. He loves surfing and is very passionate about the sport and it rubs off on you.

Who would you say has influenced you the most as a surfer? It would be a combination of my brother and the local guys that I grew up with. I probably wouldn't be a surfer if I didn't have my brothers. When I was learning a lot of the local guys encouraged me and gave me waves. I get a lot of support for them too.

Is there other things in your life you are just as passionate about? My family and friends, without them life would be boring.

Are you married or single? I just got married in Nov. on the north shore [of Oahu] to Magoo De La Rosa.

Sponsors? Rip Curl, Channel Islands, Electric and Surfride

Do you still love Metallica? Which album do you like better Ride
the Lightning or Black and why? I love Metallica and I still have it painted on some of my boards. It always pumps me up to surf. My favorite album is And Justice for All.

You have traveled with some of surfing's most elite, who has been your toughest competitor? It's hard to single out just one of the girls because there are so many girls that are ripping. There are a lot of younger girls coming up and it's inspiring to see how good there are getting.

Who are your favorite surfers? Tom Curren; I just love his style.

Is there anyone who has inspired you who isn't necessarily in the
industry? My parents. They showed me that with hard work you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to.

How would you describe the progression/evolution of women's surfing? You just have to take a look and Carissa Moore or Coco Ho, those girls are so young and are already polished surfers.

Future plans or aspirations? Right now I'm just enjoying being on tour.