Whether you like it or not, 19-year-old Alana Blanchard, with her waterdrop frame, seductive eyes, and seamless carve is the new face of women’s surfing. Young, beautiful, and talented, when a photo of Alana appears in a glossy monthly, whether she be clad in bikini or draped in neoprene, you know it’s going to be a page-stopper. At a time when the women’s tour is undoubtedly on shakey footing, having someone like Alana at the helm that not only surfs supreme but has garnered international media coverage (Rolling Stone, Vanity Fair) only helps ensure the sport’s survival. Recently, we caught up with Alana to get her impression on her first year on the CT and how she handles all of the … err … attention.
Growing up, who did you look to for inspiration in your surfing?
I really looked up to Rochelle Ballard, Keala Kennely and Sena Seamur. They were all from Kauai. I also looked up to the Oahu girls like Megan Abubo, Melanie Bartels and Shea Hodges. I just wanted to surf as good as them. I grew up with Bethany Hamilton and she has definitely given me a lot inspiration.
You’re almost done with your first year on the Tour, is it anything like you thought it would be?
It’s a little different than what I thought it would be. I thought I would be traveling way more because I am doing the WQS and the WCT but it’s been pretty relaxed so far because the WQS had a few less events this year and the WCT only has seven events for 2009. This year the WQS has more competition than last year and I’m sure it will get even harder next year with all the younger girls coming up. Being away from home and all the traveling is the thing that doesn’t change. It can get pretty hard sometimes.
It’s hard to deny that there’s a gap between your generation of girls on Tour and the older generation. Is there any bad blood between the two or do you guys get along or does each group stick to themselves?
All the girl get along really well and every one is really nice. I don’t think there’s any bad blood or anything like that between the veterans and the rookies. I definitely know that they don’t want to lose to us though.
Do you feel that sometimes people look at you like just a pretty face, and forget that you’re a very talented surfer? If so, does it bother you?
I never really thought about that until Megan Abubo mentioned it on her blog. My first WCT season has started off on the slow side [Alana has posted two ninth-place results] but there are still five contests to go so hopefully I can get some good results and prove that I deserve to be on the World Tour.
Where do you see the women’s tour in 2010?
We have Sunset again, and with the new event in New Zealand, 2010 is looking very promising. Hopefully we get Haleiwa again next year.
Is there someone alive right now that you look to and say to yourself, “This person has their act together, that’s the way to do it.”?
I think Steph Gilmore seems to really have it together. She keeps her composure whether she’s winning or is behind in a heat. She is a really good speaker. She is always smiling and is just a really nice person.