PROFILED RIDER FOR FEBRUARY
 Holly Beck
Age - 28
Hometown - Palos Verdes now Redondo Beach, CA
Stance - goofy as they come
Home Break - this amazing closeout called burnout
Favorite Spot - can't tell you, i love it because it's uncrowded!
What kind of board was your first board? 5'6" 80s T&C hot pink and yellow quad. Got it at a garage sale for $25! Scored!
What kind of boards are in your quiver?
I think a good surfer should be able to ride anything. I like longboards, single fins, quads, fishes, thrusters, the whole deal. I'm not super into twinnies, but i try to have an open mind. I've been surfing EPS Rusty shortboards for the most part but if the waves are small, i try to mix it up, keep it fresh.
Whats was your favorite board, shaper size and dimensions?
5'11 x 18.19 x 2.1 EPS squash tail by Rick Hamon of Rusty Surfboards
Tell us about recent trips and any future trips...
I'm going to mainland Sumatra, Nicaragua, and Haiti back to back in May/June/July. Can't wait!
What is the most unique place you have ever been to?
The Andaman islands were pretty amazing. The Seychelles were incredibly beautiful. Gabon and Sao Tome were really out there. I like going to unique places.
Are there any special steps you take in being respectful and eco conscience when you travel?
It's tricky when you travel because you have to get on a jet, you likely have to rent a car, gotta buy plastic water bottles, etc. It's not easy to be eco conscious in a lot of places.
We noticed you travel to Hawaii quite often, what is it that keeps bringing you back?
It's close to home, requiring only a short flight to get to warm water and great waves. I've been going there every winter for 12 years now, so I have it pretty wired. I have a lot of friends over there to stay with, and I love Rocky Point!
We hear you have tour guiding for some up and coming girl surfers? Whats this all about?
Yeah, i've been helping out a bunch of younger girls. I dont have a ton of time to do it consistently and actually be called a coach, but I try to help them out as much as i can. I was doing some afternoon workouts with some of the local girls. Keeping them motivated, helping them with surfboards, contests, etc. I took a few to Hawaii in January. It's good for me because I feel good giving back and their excitement is contagious. I wish someone had been around to help me out when I was first starting out.
Are there any tips you can give for girls who want to make it as a successful female surfer?
Surf everyday, as much as you can. Start competing in local contests and after you've had some success at that level, work up to NSSA.
What was being a student and a competitive surfer like?
It was a little tricky. I was going to UCSD and surfing an NSSA contest every weekend. I was taking summer school and extra units to get done as quickly as possible, so I didn't get to surf every day. But it gave me some motivation too. I had a goal and I just buckled down and went after it. Once I was able to finish college in 3 years and then win a National title, I felt like I could do anything.
We noticed over the years you have done a fair bit of modeling as well, does that ever get in the way and focus of your surfing?
No, the modeling is part of it. Being able to do the surfing and the modeling is what has enabled me to be successful with sponsorships. A lot of the girls that actually surf better than i do, or have better contest results, don't have sponsors and can't afford to do the tour now because they weren't good at marketing themselves. The fact that I can do both sides of it has really helped.
What are some other activities that you do besides surfing?
I'm a full on nerd actually. I love to read and write. I'm working on a novel right now actually based on my experiences learning to surf and doing the tour. I'm kind of addicted to facebook and blogging. I also like editing videos with Final Cut. I spend too much time in front of my computer!
What would be your most idealistic surf session?
Overhead offshore beach break tubes with just a handful of friends. Best thing in the world!
Amongst all this time consuming activities have you still be able to think green? what are some things that you do to be ecologically mindful? How do you REDUCE REUSE RERIDE?
Thinking green doesnt take time, it's an attitude shift. I get really upset if I end up at the grocery store and have forgotten to bring my own bags. I recycle containers as much as possible, use them to plant in. We have a full on garden going in our little patio, growing herbs, tomatoes, onions, cucumbers, chiles, etc. I don't like driving around town. I skate to check the surf, then run down from home if it looks fun. Fortunately i live in an area with a lot of good stuff within walking distance, the bank, trader joes, the post office, jamba juice, a bunch of restaurants, etc. My Sector 9 skateboard is my best friend!
What are a few things that you think that everyone could do to make a difference?
Turn off lights when you aren't in the room, bring your own bags to get groceries, if you are getting just a couple things at some other type of store carry them out without a bag, walk, skate, or ride your bike instead of driving as often as possible, buy organic and things that were grown as close to home as possible, farmer's markets! It's good for your body and the environment.
What are few things we can teach the kids of today to do to live respectfully?
Listen, look, learn, then speak (and all the things listed above).
Are there any companies in particular that you think are making a good effort to be ecologically conscience?
Sector 9 makes amazing skateboards out of bamboo and organic cotton t-shirts. Body Glove has an ECO wetsuit with non-petroleum based neoprene and recycled plastic zippers. Simple shoes are all earth friendly, using recycled tires and other good materials. Soleo sunscreen is all-natural, good for your skin and the planet.
How important is that in a sponsor?
at this point in my career, those things are really important!
What are some of your favorite Companies/websites right now?
check out my blogs:
http://www.hollybecksurfs.blogspot.com
http://www.surflifenicaragua.blogspot.com
http://www.thesupercamper.blogspot.com
http://www.hoppydayschilenights.blogspot.com
Is there anyone you would like to say thank you to for where you are today?
thanks to my mom, for telling me I couldn't do it. It was lame then, but it gave me a massive amount of drive to prove her wrong!
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