| 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?
Layne Beachley: My
boyfriend of 6 years, Kirk Pengilly of INXS proposed
to me on Sunset Beach in Hawaii so I'm looking
forward to a fun filled wedding in 2009. Now that
I'm retired, I'm also looking forward to spending
more time at home with family and friends.
JG: Tell us about the first
time you ever stood up on a surfboard. Where was
it and what were you riding?
LB: The first time
I stood on a board was when I was about 2 years
old. I was riding my older brother's foam board
and it was at Manly Beach.
JG: What is your current
favorite board? In 2009 do you have any plans
to experiment with different surfboard designs,
materials or fin configurations?
LB: My epoxy 5'10"
has been my favorite all year. It's light, responsive
and fast! I want to start doing some stand up
paddle surfing over summer because the generous
crew at Global Surf Industries presented me with
a board as a retirement gift! I'm so spoiled!
JG: Do you have any heroes?
If so, who and why?
LB: My dad is my
hero. He has seen, experienced and endured so
much in his life. I love him very much.
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?
LB: Is that so? The
girls continue to blow my mind and I have already
seen some pretty radical stuff! I want to see
Stephanie Gilmore do Megan Abubo's worm dance!
For those of you who like to
jump around instead of going one by one, here's
the complete list of surfers...
Image
Caption: A few weeks ago 7X ASP World Champion
Layne Beachley announced her retirement from competing
full time on tour. I was looking at some records
of the ASP and it's incredible to see how long
Layne has been at the top of her game. From my
count she has competed (and won) against three
eras of women's professional surfers...a truly
amazing feat not likely to be duplicated anytime
in the immediate future. Photo: Nikki Brooks /
nikkibrooksphotography.com
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