We are very pleased to be backing Claire Smail in her efforts to be crowned Longboarding Champion once again in the 2013 season.
We caught up with her at her local break at Saunton in Devon for a few Q&A's!
Q. How old were you when you started Surfing?
A. I started surfing when i was 16 with my Dads worthy tuition
Q. Can you remeber your first wave, where was it?
A. Polzeath a long time ago during the school summer holidays
Q. How long have you been competing on the Longboarding circuit?
A. Ive just completed my 2nd year and cant wait to do it all over again
Q. Why Longboarding and not the more popular competitive route of Shortboarding?
A. My Dad is a Longboarder so it was the first board i was introduced to and have been in love with it ever since
Q. What's your biggest Surfing achievement to date?
A. I have just walked away with the 2012 British Woman's Longboarding Title which im very proud to have won.
Q. Whats your magic stick at the moment?
A. Diplock Pheonix Surfboards have shaped me a beautiful 9" compeption board.
Q. Top 3 favourite waves in the UK?
A. Saunton, Bantham, and Langland
Q. Where do you want to Surf that you haven't had the chance to just yet?
A. The Maldives would be amazing!
Q. Favourite after Surf meal?
A. You cant beat a proper Devonshire Cream Tea.
Q. Whats your advice for all of our Riders coming on our TTRide Trips in the near future who have only just into Surfing?
A. Practise makes perfect in surfing – Regardless of the weather or conditions get out there and have fun! All you need is one good wave and you be hooked!
Q. Whats are your goals, Is the European Longboard Tour in your sights?
A. Obviously i would love to be competing at that level but for now im just going to keep having fun and hopefully keep getting the results i need to concor the Woman's Longboarding world!
Thanks Claire, best of luck for the 2013 Season from all of the Ticket to Ride Team.