How to Look like Alana Blanchard (Pt. 6: Lifestyle)
Alana has literally the perfect lifestyle. I mean, she's earning money everyday for doing what she loves—surfing! To live the pro surfing lifestyle, you need to move near a beach if you don't live near one already. (If you can't move right away, think about gathering a group of friends that also enjoy surfing where you live, and raising money to go on a trip every year, or as frequently as possible. All extra proceeds could go to charity, too.) However, do not skip college or change your mind about going just because you want to get a career in pro surfing. Honestly, becoming a pro surfer is not very likely, as most pro surfers have been ripping since they were old enough to. I'm not trying to discourage you at all. By all means, if you want to move to Kauai, Florida, Cali, or wherever to take on your surfing career, go right ahead! Trying can be one of the greatest experiences of your life. Make sure you have a back-up plan, however! This means, find another occupation that you would enjoy doing that is more realistic and has good pay. That way, if pro surfing doesn't work for you, you can fall back on this. Also, go to college! Look into attending the University of Hawaii on the Big Island if you're moving there, so you can surf in your free time. I find that Kauai is prominent with pro surfers, meaning that you may possibly have an increased chance of surfing for a living. Also, try to surf in areas where you know there are a lot of sponsors scoping out the surfers. Surf school is optional. Asking someone on the beach who looks like a decent surfer is also not a bad idea. Don't feel ashamed that you don't know how to surf.
Now, prepare for the future. If you aren't moving to Kauai, look into attending the university where you're going. The next thing you're going to need when you move to your desired destination is get a job! It sounds hard (balancing college, surfing, your job, and more), but with great determination and perseverance, I promise you'll be able to do it. After you get an adequate job to support yourself, rent a decent apartment or home to live in that's not too expensive (at least what you can afford for the time being). Maybe try to move in with someone else, so the two of you (or more) can split the rent fee. Of course, the next step is to purchase a surfboard. If you're a beginner, you're probably going to need a longboard to begin on, but talk to an employee or surfboard specialist at the store you're purchasing your board at to make sure you get the right board for you! Some beginners start on shortboards, which is fine, but it will probably take a month or longer to even begin to stand up on it. It might be easier to find a happy medium, and purchase a funboard. If you have your mind set on learning on a shortboard, then I recommend looking into Quiet Flight surfboards. They're a little wider than your average shortboard, and a bit more buoyant, as well. Also, I recommend swimming in the ocean for week or two if you haven't in the past. This will help you get a feel for the ocean before you begin surfing. Even if you're a great swimmer in a swimming pool, that doesn't mean you will be in the ocean. A wave could easily topple over you and you could injure yourself. Once you think you're ready to begin, I'll direct you to my guide on how to surf if you're a beginner.
Now, prepare for the future. If you aren't moving to Kauai, look into attending the university where you're going. The next thing you're going to need when you move to your desired destination is get a job! It sounds hard (balancing college, surfing, your job, and more), but with great determination and perseverance, I promise you'll be able to do it. After you get an adequate job to support yourself, rent a decent apartment or home to live in that's not too expensive (at least what you can afford for the time being). Maybe try to move in with someone else, so the two of you (or more) can split the rent fee. Of course, the next step is to purchase a surfboard. If you're a beginner, you're probably going to need a longboard to begin on, but talk to an employee or surfboard specialist at the store you're purchasing your board at to make sure you get the right board for you! Some beginners start on shortboards, which is fine, but it will probably take a month or longer to even begin to stand up on it. It might be easier to find a happy medium, and purchase a funboard. If you have your mind set on learning on a shortboard, then I recommend looking into Quiet Flight surfboards. They're a little wider than your average shortboard, and a bit more buoyant, as well. Also, I recommend swimming in the ocean for week or two if you haven't in the past. This will help you get a feel for the ocean before you begin surfing. Even if you're a great swimmer in a swimming pool, that doesn't mean you will be in the ocean. A wave could easily topple over you and you could injure yourself. Once you think you're ready to begin, I'll direct you to my guide on how to surf if you're a beginner.