25-year-old Sam Tapia surfs San Elijo Beach.

Are you a local?

Yeah, I grew up in the area.

Favorite surf spot?

Right now, Cardiff, but it changes.

How long have you been surfing?

Probably since I was 4 or 5. My parents taught me.

How many surf boards do you have?

Around ten. My favorite are my 9’4" and my 5’7".

Do you always take multiple boards out with you?

No, there was just some swell in the water today and I wasn’t sure which one I wanted to ride.

Have you had any surf injuries?

I cut my head open surfing down in Mexico. I had to go to the hospital down there. It was fun. It was during Covid. Luckily, they just gave me the stitches and I left.

Do you surf in Mexico a lot?

I’ve gone down recently. I have a buddy down there in Oaxaca.

What advice would you give new surfers?

Start on a longboard not a shortboard.

What has been your favorite surfing moment?

I was surfing at Swamis one time and I saw a whale.

What’s your biggest surfing pet Peeve?

Back paddling, definitely back paddling.

If you could surf anywhere in the world, where would you surf?

I haven’t been to Australia yet. I’d like to surf the gold coast.