| 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?
Marissa Graham: I
would have to say the best thing that happened
to me in 2008 would be winning the WSA girls longboard
title. In 2009 I am hoping that girls longboarding
will take off and there will be an ASP sanctioned
event for the women.
JG: Tell us about the first
time you ever stood up on a surfboard. Where was
it and what were you riding?
MG: My first time
standing up was at Oceanside Harbor, South Jetty
on my dad's Iron Cross 9'0" longboard. I
was 10 years old and it was such an amazing feeling.
I was hooked. My dad's face was pricless! I felt
like I was gliding. The water was crystal blue
and the waves were perfect for learning.
JG: What is your current
favorite board? In 2009 do you have any plans
to experiment with different surfboard designs,
materials or fin configurations?
MG: My current surfboard
is a 9'0" Noah Ka Oi, Donald Takiyama. I
might experiment with different boards in 2009.
It's difficult for me to switch around with equiptment
because I am the type of person who finds something
they like and is addicted. I think that I might
try to learn how to shortboard because it's such
a neccessity for longboarding or at least surfing
in general. It helps your knowledge of the ocean
and how to read waves. It also gives me an excuse
to learn to ride the tail a bit better.
JG: Do you have any heroes?
If so, who and why?
MG: My hero would
probably be my dad...although he has no idea and
I would probably never let him know that. It's
true. We have our little arguments and get pretty
darn competitive, but he is one of the most driven,
strong, caring, and athletic people I know. It
would be so easy to say I idolize some famous
athlete but I truly believe my dad is my hero.
As a firefighter, or surfer, or even just being
my dad. He saves lives, surfs more than I do,
and no matter what he is always there for me,
not only as a dad, but as my friend. I hope that
I will grow up to be half the amazing person he
is.
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?
MG: I think it will
be Megan Godinez. I predict it will be an air.
I honestly have no idea what or who it will be
but the reason I chose her is because she is improving
and progressing faster and stronger than any female
surfer that I know of.
For those of you who like to
jump around instead of going one by one, here's
the complete list of surfers...
Image
Caption: Marissa Graham is a regular fixture in
the Oceanside Harbor lineup and has to be one
of the nicest young surfers around. We've yet
to be out surfing or shooting without seeing Marissa
paddle out with a huge smile on her face. Marissa's
surfing is progressing rapidly which comes as
no surprise since she often surfs with pros like
Jenni Flanigan, Kaitlin Maguire and Kelly Nicely.
Photo: Chris Grant / JettyGirl.com
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