GIRLS AND GUYS
It has always been the guys before the girls on Maui! In New Caledonia I was always the only girl in the boat going to the reef. We are always the minority. The men are all cool at Ho’okipa. I never felt like they treated me like I had no place out there. At first it took a little time before they realized I was taking things seriously. I train off the water as well to be in shape to handle the waves. I don’t just go out there and go crazy; I appreciate the danger and respect the ocean and the risk. At the same time you have to be confident, brave and try! I don’t have any issues with the guys out there. At Ho’okipa I have had guys burn me on waves when they don’t know me. I can see that they think that I am not going to use the whole wave. I kind of have to show them and then it is understood. People at Ho’okipa just test everyone and see what they can get away with.