This is my first NSSA event that I had ever won when I was about 8 years old in the Open Mini Groms division at Huntington Beach. Looking back, this is probably the most important moment of my life haha. Right here, taking this photo was when I realized how much fun competitive surfing was to me and how bad I wanted to do it for the rest of my life. Just take a look at my ear to ear smile! Just moments after this photo was taken and I won my first contest, Brandon Guilmette, the Hurley team manager, walked up to me and asked me if I wanted to be apart of the Hurley surf team. I’m pretty sure I almost broke out in tears I was so excited. Since this moment, I have pretty much never looked back, and I tell you what, that smile is still there 11 years later after every heat win and every good session ! 
