Nineteen year old Rip Curl surfer Tahlia Britton explains why surfing isn’t just great exercise - it’s fantastic stress relief. She discusses her hopes to compete in Peru at the next World Surfing Games, how she keeps fit when there are no waves, what’s in her beach kit bag and why she thinks all ladies should learn to surf.

How do you prepare for surfing and competitive surfing?

Before a free surf, I know I should stretch and warm up properly, but I just get so excited when I see good waves that too often I’ll just pull my wetsuit on and sprint out for a surf. Paddling is a pretty good warm up in itself!

Competitive surfing is totally different though. Usually I become such a bag of nerves that the only thing that will calm me down is stretching and some great tunes. The Hives’ “Tick Tick Boom” is a brilliant track to listen to before competing.

Competitive heats are relatively short, so something sweet can be good to eat for a sugar boost. Though not the best advice, but Kinder Eggs are a personal favourite!

How is competitive surfing different from free surfing?

With free surfing you can just go out and have fun and not worry about the stresses of limited time or the other competitors. It’s so much easier just to lay back and relax in free surfing, but in competitive surfing, you need a completely different frame of mind.

It takes real focus and you can’t just think about how you want to surf. You must think about what other people like the judges want or are looking for in their criteria. It is very physically and mentally demanding, but it can be also be great fun and very rewarding as you have to push yourself to really improve. You also make loads of new friends along the way.

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More surfing on Sportsister

Getting started – surfing ^[1]

Be a girl in the curl ^[2]

The Rip Curl & Hawaiian Tropic Girls Tour 2010 ^[3]

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How does a typical week in sport break down for you?

Usually I’ll try to get in the water at least three to four times a week and milk each surf session for as many daylight hours as possible. A minimum session would be 45 minutes.

With surfing you have to work with the elements like swell, tides and wave conditions, so you have to fit your routine around that rather than the other way round. Plus, I’m currently studying for my final year of exams which is a lot to balance.

I recently took up wakeboarding which keeps me in the water regularly when there is no swell, and I am very keen on Surf Life Saving (SLS) which keeps me fit and raring to go each week! I’m part of the SLS county team, which is great for building up my stamina and working all muscle groups as the training ranges from swimming and running to paddling on a SLS board.

What’s in your kit bag?

I have my Rip Curl wetsuit for the Baltic waters we have in Ireland and my six foot Simon Anderson surfboard for surfing. I always have a block of surf wax for grip, so I’m not cursing myself for forgetting to wax my board in my eagerness to get in to the water. I also have a nice big towel for changing on the beach and a really cosy Rip Curl hoodie for warming up when I get out the water. Oh, and a tummy-full of food.

What advice would you give to girls wanting to learn to surf?

I’d tell all girls to grab your sunglasses, leave the man at home and head for the beach with their friends. Learning with friends is the best advice!

The Girls Tour that is happening this summer is such a good way to learn, as it’s basically a free weekend of surfing. All the lessons and equipment are thrown in, so you don’t have to buy your own, and it’s so much fun! It’s about the real spirit of surfing: learning, inspiring others and sharing your excitement and enthusiasm! I always have such a great time at the events. We make new friends, swap surf tips and compare tan lines both in and out of the water.

Why do you love surfing?

What’s not to love? I really love it because no matter how stressed or angry I am or whatever mood or trouble I have before I hit the water it doesn’t matter. You always feel great after, as if it’s all just been washed away by the sea. Surfing just makes me happy.

Why is surfing good for your health?

Surfing provides a range of other benefits in addition to the obvious fitness and exercise perks. It is a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy the natural environment. It’s the best outlet for stress and tension I know.

What’s next for you?

I’m surfing and competing on a regular basis and hope to be selected for the Irish Surf Team to compete in Peru at the next World Surfing Games. I’m hopefully going to be competing a lot more throughout Europe. At the moment, I’m studying for my final year of exams, and when I finish I hope to go on to the University of Limerick (it’s the closest college to awesome surf) and continue studying chemistry and biology.

Louise Hudson, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine

Tahlia and the Rip Curl Girls team are bringing the party to the beach this summer with The Rip Curl and Hawaiian Tropic Girls Tour 2010. You can learn to surf, or improve your skills with tips from the pros through free surf lessons from certified Rip Curl instructors. A team of experienced female DJs will teach you how to spin summer tunes on the decks with complimentary DJ workshops. The fun continues with the Sunset Beach Sessions, as you dance into the evening on the beach.

To find out more about the events in Newquay, Fistral Beach on July 10 – 11 and Bournemouth, Boscombe Beach on July 13 – 14, as well as all the European tour dates go to: www.girlstour2010.com ^[4].