| JettyGirl:
While faltering economies, political turmoil and
energy issues dominated most of the headlines
during the past year, much of 2008's good news
slipped through the cracks. What's the best thing
that happened to you in 2008 and what are you
most hopeful for in 2009?
Christa Alves: The
best thing that happened to me in 2008 was winning
the ASP North America Jr Womens title for the
third time and winning the Sebastian Inlet event.
I stayed positive and went through a lot of self
focusing due to not having a sponsor again and
it helped me realize that I'm really wanting to
do it for myself and nobody else. I worked hard
all year waitressing to pay my way through contests
and it paid off.
JG: Tell us about the first
time you ever stood up on a surfboard. Where was
it and what were you riding?
CA: I got a 6'6"
Ron Jon fun shape for Christmas when I was ten.
That following summer right after I turned eleven
I was in Cocoa Beach and my dad pushed me into
my first waves. On the third wave I caught I rode
it all the way to the beach and instantly fell
in love with the sport.
JG: What is your current
favorite board? In 2009 do you have any plans
to experiment with different surfboard designs,
materials or fin configurations?
CA: My current favorite
is a 5'9" squash tail parabolic. It works
great in small surf which I'm usually in at home
in Florida. I'm always up to try something new!
Whatever my shaper comes up with I will try.
JG: Do you have any heroes?
If so, who and why?
CA: Sofia, because
she is humble and surfs amazing. My dad because
without him I wouldn't be surfing at all and he
is my number one fan :)
JG: In 2009 we'll see the
best single maneuver ever done by a female surfer.
Who do you think will pull the move and what do
you think it will be?
CA: I don't know
what it will be but I've seen Malia Manuel pull
off some pretty big airs...so we will just have
to wait.
For those of you who like to
jump around instead of going one by one, here's
the complete list of surfers...
Image
Caption: Our vote for the most animated surfer
in this feature is Florida's Christa Alves. Christa
is classic in every sense of the word...even now
I can hear her explaining to me the differences
between bluegrass and country music. I usually
carry a good supply of wax, sunscreen, and even
hair ties...however, Christa made me rethink my
preparedness this summer when she asked me if
I had a spare bikini top in the car. She is truly
one-of-a-kind :D Photo: Chris Grant / JettyGirl.com
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