Girl On: Talina Christensen

Oct 18 2007 / Los Angeles, CA

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Aussie surfer Talina Christensen has her eye set on a very specific prize: to compete regularly on the ASP's WQS (World Qualifying Series). For any surfer, that's a tall order and it's no different for this 23-year-old. Talina has sponsors who set her up with gear, but money is another thing altogether. Traveling the world for the 'QS is no easy life and without a sponsor, it can be almost impossible.

But such is the life of an up-and-coming pro and Talina takes this obstacle in stride. She competes when she can on the 'QS and keeps honing her skills waiting for the chance to do more on an even bigger stage.  Next year could be the year if she finds support.

Read our interview with Talina below and be sure to check out her MySpace Profile here to find out more about her.

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Lat34: You have been trying to do more contests in 2007 - how has that gone for you?

Talina: It's been really great competing more, I love competing and the different element that it brings to surfing. I get to hang out with girls from all over the world and they are pushing my surfing heaps.

Lat34: What have been your biggest challenges?

Talina: Financially it's really difficult for me as a World Qualifying Series Surfer. I don't actually have a financial sponsor so although I get all the product that I need to improve my surfing and surf at a top level I still have to pay for all of my flights, accommodation and contest fees and they definitely add up, I added it up to at least $20,000 to even start thinking about competing full time on the WQS.

Lat34: What has been your best contest experience?

Talina: I had a really awesome heat just last month actually that stands out. It's always tough to know that your behind in a heat and have to get a great wave to come through to get through your heat. I was sitting out of position because I was getting hassled heaps and a big bomb wave came through and I got the score that I needed with less then 30 seconds to go in the heat, those heats are the best and they give you the most awesome confidence boost going into your next heat.

Lat34: How about your biggest slam?

Talina: Hmm, I've actually been pretty lucky (touch wood) and haven't really had any super bad slams over my years. I have come close to drowning a few times as I'm sure all surfers have! I remember when I was 15 and surfing a place called Johanna in Victoria, Australia, the water was about 11 degrees Celsius (freezing) and about a meter under water there is heaps of kelp. The surf was about 8 - 10 feet and I got caught on the inside when a set came through, the kelp got caught around my leash and I couldn't get to the top.. I was so scared, but I'm here to tell the story so I guess I got out okay.

Lat34: Do you think living in Australia is better if you want to try and become a pro surfer or somewhere else?

Talina: In Australia we have heaps and heaps of opportunities to become great surfers. Surfing Australia runs a very successful Pro Junior Series to help the transition from a Junior Surfer into a World Qualifying Series Level. Unfortunately financially the Female Australian Surf Industry is not as big in America so we don't always get the financial backing that we need to have a successful financial career which can make it a little more difficult.

Lat34: I see you skate as well -- how would you rate your skill at that?

Talina: I've been skating for a while, it's more something that I do when the surf is flat or it's too windy to surf. I'm just your average have fun skater, definitely nothing pro.

Lat34: What are your favorite places to travel and why?

Talina: I love California (San Diego) and also Hawaii, I think mainly thats because I have awesome friends there, so anywhere that your friends are of course your going to have a good time!

Lat34: Where would you like to go that you haven't been?

Talina: Anywhere and everywhere!! I haven't surfed Maui or Kauai in Hawaii yet, definitely love to go and surf more in Indonesia, Tahiti, far out, I don't know, I want to go everywhere and learn about all cultures and walks of life!

Lat34: What surfers do you most admire and why?

Talina: Layne Beachley most definitely, She's started her own company in the surf industry after finding a gap there and is also helping women with her own charity to get out there and pursue their sporting dreams. Kelly Slater, anyone who has won that many world titles is a definite champion in my eyes, I'm on the Kelly camp over Andy any day, ha-ha.

I admire anyone who knows what they want and goes out and chases their dreams no matter how big or small they are, I respect that.

Lat34: Where do you see yourself in five years?

Talina: Owning and running my own successful business earning a passive income and surfing on the World Championship Tour.

Lat34: What's on your iPod right now?

Talina: Colbie Caillat, Old No Doubt, Gwen Stefani, Rogue Traders, Sneaky Sound System, Alexandra Slate, John Butler Trio, The Beautiful Girls

Lat34: Any advice for the Groms that want to be a pro surfer?

Talina: Don't ever give up and don't ever think that your not good enough despite what anyone tells you. With hard work and dedication you can achieve anything.