| 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?
Tammy-Lee Smith:
In 2008 I didn't produce any international results
but locally in South Africa I had a good year
all round. I signed with Mazda which I was
happy about and won the ASP Africa tour.
I have mixed feelings right now about 2009 but
if I get sufficent funds to do the tour my hope
will be to qualify and start a NPO (Non-Profit
Organisation) in South Africa.
JG: Tell us about the first
time you ever stood up on a surfboard. Where was
it and what were you riding?
TLS: The first time
I stood up properly and cut across a wave was
actually on a bodyboard at my local beach (Salt
Rock). I was 14 years old! All the
locals boys cheered me on and were super stoked.
One of the boys came by my house that afternoon
and handed me one of his old surfboards.
Passing on the stoke!
JG: What is your current
favorite board? In 2009 do you have any plans
to experiment with different surfboard designs,
materials or fin configurations?
TLS: My current favorite
board is a 5'7" Bilt that I have worked on
for the last 2 years with Elton. It was
taken off one of Davey Weare's models.
JG: Do you have any heroes?
If so, who and why?
TLS: My surfing heroes
would be Sofia and Mel both because they rip and
are humble! Another hero would be Nelson
Mandela. He did wonders for my country!
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?
TLS: I would say
Mel. I'm not sure what it would be but she
blows me away every time I watch her surf.
Also, it's going to be interesting to see Maya
Gabeira pushing the boundries of her big wave
surfing!
For those of you who like to
jump around instead of going one by one, here's
the complete list of surfers...
Image
Caption: I was so stoked to meet Tammy-Lee Smith
this year. We weren't able to connect during the
US Open but she dropped by California on her way
to the North Shore this winter and we met up one
day for a couple of surfs in HB and Newport. I
am still kicking myself for not shooting from
the water that day. Tammy rides the barrel about
as good as anyone I've ever seen. Photo: Chris
Grant / JettyGirl.com
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