"Anticipating what the waves are going to do, is definitely the hardest part."

Are you a local?

No, I’m originally from Michigan. I moved out here about 4 years ago.

How long have you been surfing?

I have been surfing for 4 years. I grew up wakeboarding and waterskiing in Michigan. When I moved to Mission Beach, I had a month before I started working, so my buddies and I just surfed every day.

What surprised you the most when you were learning to surf?

Learning how to balance on my board. That was harder than I thought it would be. That, and reading the ocean. Anticipating what the waves are going to do, is definitely the hardest part.

What do you love most about surfing?

You are constantly learning and getting better. It’s a sport where there are never ending moments of improvement.

Advice for newbies?

Start in the summer when the water is warm and the waves are small.

Do you have a favorite surf moment?

I did a surf trip to Tahiti last year. That was amazing trip. I saw whales, dolphins, and sharks.

What's your favorite beach to surf?

I live in Point Loma, so I surf Sunset Cliffs a lot. I really like Scripps and Blacks too.

Do you have any surfing pet peeves?

No, I mean there is always stuff to get annoyed at but for me it’s just not really worth it.

Do you take your Michigan friends surfing when they come to visit?

Yeah, I don’t know how much they learn though!