Photo by: RipCurl
Last summer, while I was in California, I had the chance to check out for the second year in a row, an all-girl surfing competition called the Supergirl Pro that was being held in Oceanside. Over the years I’ve been following the professional circuit of surfers as much as I can but as of late, I’ve been paying particular attention to not only the women surfers but also the up and comers. Last year, one of the names I kept hearing, was French surfer Pauline Ado. Pauline is currently ranked 13th in the ASP World Tour. Over the past year, she’s really grown into her own and has really been rivalling all of the ladies at the top of her field. What I like so much about her, is that she always seems so laid back but also incredibly focused. This past year, she’s only ben home for a few weeks, recently traveling to Mexico and up next on her itinerary will be the US as well as Europe and Hawaii to finish the year. She’s beyond talented and I’m therefore incredibly thrilled to have seen her surf and now to have her featured on the blog. Here’s are my 5 Questions With Pauline Ado:
1) When did your passion for surfing start? Do you remember the first time you surfed?
I was 8 years old the first time I started surfing. Before that I would spend all summer at the beach playing in the water, catching waves with my bodyboard and trying to stand up on it with a group of friends. The first time I really surfed though is not a clear memory. I just remember standing up and having a lot of fun. I loved it straight away !
2) What is it about surfing you love so much?
First of course, I loved the feeling on a wave. The speed, the adrenaline… I also loved being in the water. When I am surfing I forget about the rest, I like that feeling of being in the moment, focusing on the sensations. You never get twice the same wave in surfing, there’s no routine and it’s always exciting !
3) You are now a part of the ASP World Tour. You are currently ranked 13th in the Women’s World Championship Tour. How much has the sport evolved for women over the past couple of years? Do you find the women are finally starting to get the attention and respect they deserve?
I think a few years ago only a few surfers would stand out and get the attention. Right now there are so many good surfers on tour with different styles and strengths. You never know who is going to shine in a comp and the top surfers are never safe. It makes it interesting.
4) How important are finding the right sponsors and team to support you? Is France and La Côte Basque supportive of their surfers?
I have been very lucky in this area getting sponsors at an early age. Right now I am still riding for RipCurl who have been supporting me since I was 10… and my family have always had my back. Surfing is an individual sport but you can’t go anywhere alone. Being surrounded by people you trust and believe in you is the key. Having the right support gives you so many opportunities… We have good support in the South West of France, surfing is part of the culture in this area but it’s not one of the biggest sports in France… but we are slowly getting the attention.
5) Through surfing and competing you’ve been able to travel the world, what are some of the most memorable moments thus far in your career?
I have been to many countries and I feel so lucky. I have seen beautiful places, beaches and cultures. Surprisingly one my favorite place I went to was Iceland. Nature is so beautiful and powerful there. It was mind-blowing !