| 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?
Pauline Menczer:
The best thing for me is in the last 10 days my
body is finally feeling better after having 8
months of bad arthritis. I hope to get back in
the surf very soon as it's been 5 months without
surfing.
JG: Tell us about the first
time you ever stood up on a surfboard. Where was
it and what were you riding?
PM: It was in Bronte
Beach, Australia, on half a coolite surfboard
that my older brother snapped in two. That was
my first board or half a board...lol. I still
remember it like yesterday, the wave picking me
up and pushing me along...I was hooked from the
first day. I guess it's like driving for the first
time :)
JG: What is your current
favorite board? In 2009 do you have any plans
to experiment with different surfboard designs,
materials or fin configurations?
PM: Well, when I
get back out there I hope on New Year's it will
be on an old fav 5'10" swallow.
JG: Do you have any heroes?
If so, who and why?
PM: My heroes are
anyone with a disability that gets out there and
has a go:)
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?
PM: The little Hawaiian
girls are all doing airs and stuff and the Aussies
so one of them I guess. Three sixty airs with
a reverse. Ha.
For those of you who like to
jump around instead of going one by one, here's
the complete list of surfers...
Image
Caption: 1993 ASP Women's World Champion, Pauline
Menczer, relaxing at home with her dogs Beaute
(French for beautiful) and Lulu. A battler in
every sense of the word, Pauline won 28 events
on the WCT/WQS stage...all while suffering from
extreme arthritis. Pauline's a perfect example
of what you can achieve with grit and determination,
a true inspiration. Photo: courtesy of Pauline
Menczer
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