2009 Team Rider Profile: Sara P. Grady
Which boardsports are you into and when did you start?
I surf, and I started in 2002, or at least that’s when I bought my board and started paddling around. I’m still definitely a beginner. I probably started “for real” when I took a clinic in RI a few years after that.
Describe your first surfing session:
I paddled out and spent a lot of time figuring out the balance of my board for paddling and sitting. I spent a lot of time paddling and sitting, and occasionally managed to get into a wave, but hadn’t really been aware that you have to keep paddling (unlike body boarding) so kept dropping back. I don’t know at what point it’s considered a surfing session, but that was my first time playing around on my board and I felt so psyched just to be out there.
Where and why did you start?
I’m fortunate enough to have spent every summer at the beach, at a very popular break on the South Shore. I grew up snorkeling, bodysurfing, bodyboarding – spending my whole day in the water. I saw the surfers when the waves got “good” and had always wanted to try, but wasn’t sure how I would get started since I didn’t know anyone with a board that I could borrow and wasn’t sure if I wanted to buy a board since my money for water-based sporting goods was usually funneled to scuba gear. I ended up breaking down and buying myself a board (a 9’2”) for my birthday.
Think of a great water sesh you’ve had recently. How did you feel after?
Towards the end of last summer (2008) I paddled out on a day when the surf wasn’t big enough to attract anyone (particularly anyone with a shortboard) but was enough to longboard and get some practice. At one point I just felt something click with the way my feet and hands should be and I managed to pop up for a couple of seconds. It seems like such a small thing when you watch other people, to be able to coordinate your limbs like that, but it’s so monumental. I felt really proud.
Ever compete? Wanna try?
I should probably be able to stand for the duration of a wave first. If I got remotely good, I would probably try, but I think that’s a ways off.
Wahine Wisdom for newbies:
Spend some time trying to feel the way that waves behave and the way water moves. Once you get that rhythm, you’ll understand the timing. The primary force acting on your board is that wave, and you want it to work for you, not against you.
Favorite non-wahine activities:
Snorkeling, scuba diving, kayaking, singing with my a-cappella group (and I also sing pretty much all the time anyway)
Where have you traveled to windsurf/surf/kite?
Rhode Island. It’s a shame that I didn’t try to surf when I was in Hawaii for my wedding (I did do a lot of bodysurfing) but I wasn’t in the right place for it.
Describe the best trip you’ve taken in the last 3 years (doesn’t have to be water related).
My husband and I spent 11 days traveling through a bunch of National Parks in September ‘08 – Badlands, Devil’s Tower, Yellowstone, Grand Teton, and Glacier. We had a fantastic time seeing so many different and beautiful natural places and hiking around.
Name a few wahines who have influenced you.
I owe my connection to the Wahines to Carrie. She invited me to get involved last summer and it has been one of the best things I’ve done in a long time – meeting all the other wonderful Wahines, the positive encouragement on and off the water, the fabulous parties.
Why are you stoked about the CCW?
I don’t have a lot of local friends, particularly women, and especially very cool surfing women. I feel like it’s such a gift to be able to acquire so many wonderful friends all at the same time. I can’t wait to get to know everyone even better.
Where would you like to see the CCW a few years from now?
I think we could be advocates for coastal issues like beach access and use and pollution prevention. We could also have an outreach program to recruit young wahines and help them feel more confident about themselves via surfing. I also think we should have CCW rashguards. ;-)
Your personal water goals for 2009?
I need to practice, and maybe, just maybe, manage to stay up. I’m going to make getting on the water with my board as often as possible a priority. I may even just go for long paddles on flat water, to build my strength and start to feel completely comfortable on the board.