| 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?
Schuyler McFerran:
The best thing that happened to me in 2008 was
being able to spend a month in Europe with my
family. We started by going to Russia for my brother's
wedding, and then going to France where we spent
about 3 weeks surfing, seeing the sights, eating
gelato, and competing in the Roxy Jam Biarritz.
One of the best summers I've ever had!! As far
as 2009 goes, I have some fun adventures and projects
planned so I'm excited to get things rolling!
JG: Tell us about the first
time you ever stood up on a surfboard. Where was
it and what were you riding?
SM: The first time
I ever stood up on a surfboard was at the Cardiff
campgrounds when I was about 8 years old. We were
living in Montana at the time, and we were camping
at the state beach for two weeks. My parents had
brought a couple old longboards that they had
hung onto through the years throughout all their
moving, and one day I decided I wanted to try.
I remember that it was small, sunny, and perfect.
The first wave my mom pushed me into I rode all
the way in. I loved it. I didn't really get hooked
though until we moved back to Santa Barbara when
I was ten and was able to go a few times a week
with my parents to Rincon.
JG: What is your current
favorite board? In 2009 do you have any plans
to experiment with different surfboard designs,
materials or fin configurations?
SM: My current favorite
board is my Joel Tudor Diamond T. It has been
my favorite longboard for a few years now, as
it noserides great and is also very loose and
responsive. It's a great all around longboard.
I also still like to take out boards that I used
to ride when I was first learning. As cliche as
it sounds to say I like riding all different types
of boards, it's very true. I like keeping it fresh.
JG: Do you have any heroes?
If so, who and why?
SM: A couple people
that I really respect would be my parents and
Mark Foreman. All three are amazing people that
I am very thankful to know.
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?
SM: I think that
one of the younger girls, like Carissa or Coco,
will pull off some ridiculously crazy air.
For those of you who like to
jump around instead of going one by one, here's
the complete list of surfers...
Image
Caption: At age 19 Schuyler McFerran became the
first ASP Women's World Longboard Champion when
she showcased her formidable noseriding skills
to win the title in Biarritz, France. Balancing
college, art and professional surfing is a tough
act, but Schuyler does so with great grace and
style. Photo: Schuyler McFerran / schuylermcferran.com
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