Q1 : What are your deep down feelings when you surf Longboard, do you feel that you are involved with a real sport? or just a relaxing hobby type activity?

I dont feel Surfing a sport, not in the same sense as football or cricket.
For me at least, Surfing is more personal, a way of expressing my emotions, forgetting all about day to day life.
When I surf, all that is within me is my feelings and my love of being in the water where I'm happiest, its a kind of Spiritual thing.. much deeper than sport.

Q2 : Being a female in a sport that is 80% male is hard, but trying to find events to enter must be even harder, what are your thoughts on this.

I wish there were more events for Women, especially more Local events.I live at Sennen Beach, which is ideal for competitions, yet this year there is not one event for Women Surfers, and there are quite a few down here.
Its something My manager, my sponsor (Henty Surfboards) and myself feel seriously about, so much so he is trying to organise an all female surf competition for later in the year down here in Sennen.
There are many female surfers, girls and ladies, who would gladly enter competitions if sponsors and organisers could only recognise this.
Competitions bring great opportunities to meet other female surfers and discover role models. I remember my first competition in Newquay 1997 at the British championships, & I didn't get past the 1st round. But watching some of those Ladies surf totally inspired me to keep going, train harder and win.
Competing at local level gives entrants more confidence for national events, it was one of my main reasons for switching to Longboard so that I could gain more competition experience.. the best of both worlds as they say.
I suppose all in all surfing and competing in an 80% male orientated sport is hard.. but it gives you the edge, the determination, and above all else the experience.

Hmm! This is a really difficult question to answer, so many times over the last 12 years have I come out of the surf, face beaming and uttering, "that was the best surf of my life so far."
I can remember when I've been scared, even terrified, and both occasions we're in Lanzarote.
One memorable surf was at Famara beach in Lanzarote. It wasn't an awe inspiring surf, but it was a beautiful morning, light offshore winds and a clean 3 to 4ft surf.
The most memorable thing about it was I was out there with two really good friends, Russ Pierce and John Buchorski. We had a great laugh and I surfed my heart out for a couple of hours, then we had to go back to work... So yeah, if I think about a great day surfing, that always comes to mind. Hot Sun, excellent surf and the best company... what more could I ask for?

Q4 : Who in the world of water sports do you admire the most and why?

I have to say there is more than one person I admire.. and for different reasons. Lisa Anderson for her sheer determination and beautiful yet powerful surfing style.
Lisa was also the only female surfer to appear in magazines when I first began to surf, so she was and is a kind of hero.

Layne Beachley, again for her determination and grit to make it, and Boy is she 'Gutsy'... I'd love to do a tow in with her, probably kill myself but I'd give it my best shot.
Basically I admire anyone who gets up there and does what they love the most, Surfs with every effort and enjoys it.

Q5 : Who would you rather be? or are you happy with yourself?

Oh I'm perfectly happy being me.. If you'd have asked me that question 5 yrs ago, I would probably have given you a different answer.
I remember as a teenager never liking myself... too fat, too ugly, whatever, it was all wrong. I suppose I lacked confidence.
Through my surfing, I've become fitter and so much more confident, especially since I started travelling. My first trip was when I was 22, I went to Bali where I surfed my first ever reef break, & then on to Australia.
I travelled on my own, and only so I could surf new places and gain experience. I returned from that trip a different person, or rather should I say I 'Blossomed' into the real me.

Q6 : Any secret men out in the world who you have broken hearts with and will now drive them crazy with the success you are starting to experience?

I've a Closet full of broken hearted men who will be going nuts at my success!! {laugh}
Nah! those who know me well are pleased for me, and keep pushing and inspiring me onward.... thanks Guys.

Q7 : Whats your favourite food and why?

My favourite food? wow!! hard choice.. its a toss up between hot buttered toast or breakfast cereal..
My Mum does an awesome moussaka! I think it will have to be breakfast cereal....minimal preparation and always tastes good! Yum!!

Q8 : Did You do well at school?

Oh yes!! I was a model student! Okay maybe not a model student but I managed to be in the top set for all subjects & was in Cricket, Netball and Hockey teams. I loved my sports... well except netball. If I was slacking in school they would threaten me by saying I couldn't play in the the next match unless things improved. It usually worked