Scram!

Name: Desiree

Age: 19

Lives in: Mira Mesa

Surfing: Torrey Pines

Occupation: Graphic designer

Pre-surf music: the Pixies

Post-surf food: Slurpees

“The first time I ever surfed was in 2005,” says Desiree, a 19-year-old Texas transplant. “I came out here to visit and my friend took me, I liked it, so I kept with it. I skate a lot, and it’s different but I love it.”

Because there wasn’t much surf to be had in Texas, she packed up and moved to California. Her favorite San Diego spot is Ocean Beach’s Dog Beach.

“A lot of places here have a locals-only attitude, like P.B. I’ve been told I can’t surf there since I’m not from there. I think that anyone can surf wherever they want as long as they are cool and there for the sport. I don’t believe in fighting, so I left. Dog Beach is awesome because you can walk pretty far out; it’s in between the two jetties, so you get two breaks. Since I’m still learning, I’m not crazy about too much open water. I stepped on a sea urchin once, and I didn’t like it very much.”

What does she think about girls in the water?

“Obviously I’m fine with it. The other girls here are really nice and always say hi. I don’t notice any competition. I’m definitely not the only girl in the lineup, but I don’t see too many others.”

Desiree is getting ready to haul her board on a few trips.

“I’m heading to Hawaii this year and to Australia next year. I’m excited to see Pipeline even though it might be too big for me to surf. My friend’s aunt won the lottery, and they are taking us to Australia…probably Sidney. There are a lot of great white sharks, but it will still be rad. I’m holding out for a Costa Rica surf trip.”