Girl On: Elise Garrigue
Jul 05 2007 / Los Angeles, CA
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Don't hate her because she's French
If anything, hate her because she's both an extremely talented surfer and a paid model. Kidding, of course.
And while her home country may be the scorn of the 'ol U.S. of A., she's been living in Maui since the age of 10, so between the hot looks, talent on the surfboard, and origins on U.S. soil, it's safe to say Elise is someone we can all like and enjoy.
Her place in the surfing community is unique. Sponsored by Rip Curl International the past seven years, Garrigue (pronounced Gher-ee) is paid equally to surf, model, and scout new surf locations.
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Not too shabby of a gig. I caught up with Elise as she was taking a few weeks off before resuming her duties representing Rip Curl International, on her beautiful home island of Maui.
Lat34: Your website, EliseGarrigue.com, has a very extensive photo gallery. Are you more prolific as a surfer, or as a model?
Elise: I think both are even, because I've done a lot of modeling in my life, ever since I was a little girl.
Lat34: How little?
Elise: Before we moved to Maui from France, I used to do more artistic photos as a little girl. And then on Maui, I got into modeling agencies. And then I got the sponsorship with Rip Curl International. I've been with them for seven years. Through those seven years, about six of those I've been their international model.
Lat34: When you travel, do you travel more for modeling or more for surfing?Elise: With Rip Curl, it's a particular job because it's not always straight modeling. They want my surfing, my personality and my modeling. It's interesting because it's a blend of all of those things that have to be well-blended. I get to work with a variety of photographers for different magazines, for different projects for Rip Curl directly, and it also involves direct 'search' surf trips.
Lat34: Is it true your dad was a pro surfer?
Elise: My dad is a surfer, but not a pro. He was, and still is, a very passionate surfer that probably started extreme surf traveling. I remember him telling me that one time he had an around-the-world ticket, and traveled for seven years.
Lat34: Is that how you got into surfing, because of your dad?
Elise: I met my dad when I was 13, and I already surfed. He was actually surprised, because in Hawaii I would surf powerful waves for my age, and I was already doing my thing and enjoying my waves. He didn't have to teach me at all. It's just in the blood, I suppose.
Lat34: How was the experience meeting your dad for the first time?
Elise: It's hard to explain the emotions and feelings. It was a complicated situation, but I was happy to meet him. Especially to know his history, and his personality. We just clicked together, and it worked really well.
Lat34: Your modeling pictures are pretty hot by the way. There are actually a few nude ones on the website. Very artistic.
Elise: I'm French! As many people know, we go topless on the beach. It's just how it goes. (Laughing)
- Cyrus Saatsaz
