This article delves into the powerful connection between music and surfing, focusing on how various wave riders have been influenced by the music that shaped their worldviews. It opens with a reflection on how songs can alter one’s life, whether through listening to records during travels or playing cassettes during early morning surf sessions. The central figure discussed is a longboarding icon, who redefined the sport by transforming it from just a competition into an art form.
She began surfing at the age of 14 at Malibu, and while she had a competitive career, her influence extended far beyond that. She contributed creatively through her wetsuit and apparel line and also through retreats she organizes. However, the conversation shifts to her love for music, which had a profound impact on her during her youth.
Growing up in Agoura Hills, she was deeply involved in skateboarding. It became a way to explore movement and space, sparking creativity and connecting her to her body in a unique way. Without older siblings to guide her, she and her friends had to discover music on their own. One pivotal moment came when she stumbled upon the Violent Femmes’ self-titled album. The cover, depicting a barefoot girl peeking through a window, caught her eye and intrigued her.
After buying the cassette, she immediately felt a deep connection to the music. The mix of nostalgic tones, romantic themes, and an edgy sound reminded her of the rush she felt from skateboarding and surfing. She shared her discovery with friends while skating, and that sense of novelty stayed with her. Songs like “Blister in the Sun” and “Kiss Off” carried energy and defiance that resonated with her then and still do today.
As she transitioned to surfing, this music continued to play a significant role in her life. She worked hard to buy a small pickup truck, which she used to drive to the beach. This truck, which other people frequently tried to buy from her, carried only a few cassettes: The Violent Femmes, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and the Grateful Dead. She reflects on her love for Pink Floyd, particularly their “Live at Pompeii” video, and how it evoked a sense of nostalgia and freedom. These influences, alongside her favorite surf film “5 Summer Stories,” fueled her passion for creativity and connection with nature.
Her teenage years were defined by this blend of surfing and music. She spent entire days at the beach, working at a bagel shop to fund her adventures and often sleeping in her truck or the nearby caves. This time shaped her outlook on life, offering endless moments to dream, surf, and contemplate new ideas for her surfing style.
As she grew older, she continued to incorporate music into her life. She recalls listening to the Violent Femmes on her iPod and experimenting with sound through new experiences, such as a sound bath introduced by a fellow surfer. Over time, her interest in sound and vibration deepened, leading her to work in vibrational therapy, a practice that she links back to the same feeling she gets from surfing and skateboarding. For her, the experience is about flow and freedom, a natural and unstructured movement, much like the music that first captivated her.
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