We spent a moment with beautiful pro surfer, mother and animal lover Alana Blanchard photographed by Jessica Wertheim. Make up done by Faith Bartruff.

Alana, how big are the biggest waves you’ve ever surfed and what break would you say you’re most comfortable surfing big waves in?

The biggest wave I’ve surfed is probably 15ft. I was born on Kauai so I would say I’m most comfortable surfing the hawaiian waters.

What is the most memorable part about learning to surf and the how old were you when you started?

I think the most memorable thing is just surfing with my friends and just having the best time ever even if the surf was bad. We would just get so lost in the moment and be at the beach all day.

“I think the best wisdom I would of wanted to hear as a young up and comer is just be who you want to be don’t let anyone try to change that.”

What’s your experience of surfing as a woman in a still male dominated sport? And what words of wisdom would you give to young up and coming girls in the sport?

When I first started surfing as a professional surfer it was very male dominated. We got payed less then half of what the men where getting and the men always had first pick if they wanted to surf first or let us run because the waves where not good enough for them. It has changed a ton. Women get paid equal in the contest and they make it pretty even on who gets to surf the better conditions. I think it had so much to do with how many eyes really were following the women. We just did our thing and I think it worked. I think the best wisdom I would of wanted to hear as a young up and comer is just be who you want to be don’t let anyone try to change that. I think there can be so much pressure on young kids that it can take away that creativity and really finding what is true to them.

“I think the biggest thing for me to stay at peace with my self is eating a healthy diet and being active.”

How has being a mom effected your lifestyle as a pro surfer?

Its definitely changed a lot. I think it made me appreciate surfing so much more because I don’t get to just go at the drop of a hat like I used to do before having kids. Surfing makes me so happy it doesn’t feel like a job to me anymore where before kids I think I was a little burnt out on surfing and traveling. Also my kids always come first and that in itself takes the pressure off for me because I know how lucky I am to have this little family of mine.

Who are your most important connections in your life? Who is your biggest inspiration?
And do you stay in pretty good touch with family and friends while traveling?

I think my Mom and Dad are some of my closest connections besides Banks and Jack. I call them almost everyday with things that are going on in my life. They have gone through it all so its nice to have that advice. I also have a very close nit group of friends that inspire me to be a better person and to do more with my life. If I didn’t call my people at least once a week I would feel lost so I make it a priorty to keep in touch even if im in the middle of nowhere.

What are some things that you do to find peace and to stay balanced?

I think the biggest thing for me to stay at peace with my self is eating a healthy diet and being active. If I eat junk food I feel shitty and it makes me in a bad mood. Working out for me is such an outlet if im ever feeling stressed or whatever it is, I’ll always feel better after moving my body.