I grew up surfing in the emerald green waters of Florida’s Gulf Coast. Drawn to the ocean from a young age, I picked up boogie boarding until learning to stand on my Dad’s old 1980’s single fin. Naturally, the desire to surf continually grew out of those early experiences. In my teens, I would hang around my cousin’s surf shop until he eventually gave me a job where I learned the in’s and out’s of the surf industry, saw behind the scenes of owning a small business and began teaching surf lessons at the summer surf camps. I was super lucky to have the generous support, not only from being around the shop community, but also from my older brother who had innate style and a natural surfing ability. It was through observing my brother and being immersed in surfing culture that I developed my own style and surfing skills. Surfing is ultimately about a relationship with the ocean, but also it is about the people who guide you along the way. Without the help of others and without the respect that comes from banding together towards a mutual pursuit there is no surfing. Having someone who cares enough to pay attention to your practice is super helpful; my practice has evolved from everyone who has helped me along the way and the numerous hours spent in the water.