Tahiti Talks with Reef Athletes // Tia Blanco

  

When I first met Tia Blanco in Tahiti I was blown away. Gorgeous, sweet, wise beyond her years. And then I saw her surf... Woah. This humble beauty was killing it in waves way over her head with the confidence of a surfer with twice the experience. Her polished maneuvers and insightful approach is sure to take her surfing career to new levels, and her genuine, loveable demeanor will have the world enamored. Such a fan of this girl and can't wait to see her take the world by storm!

INTRODUCE YOURSELF, LET'S START WITH NAME, AGE AND HOMETOWN:
Tia, 15, San Clemente

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SURFING?
I have been surfing for 12 years now. I learned to surf at 3 years old. When I was 12 years old thats when I started practicing hard and competing in contest.

WAS THERE ONE MAIN PERSON IN YOUR LIFE THAT INFLUENCED YOU OR INSPIRED YOU TO SURF MORE THAN ANYONE?
My dad is my inspiration to surf. He was the person who taught me how to surf and is my favorite person to surf with. I wouldn't be who I am today without my dad!

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BOARDS TO SURF RIGHT NOW?
My favorite boards are my 5'6 and 5'4 J7 boards. They work amazing and are incredibly fun to ride.

ON WHAT I THINK WAS OUR THIRD DAY IN TAHITI, YOU CHARGED OVERHEAD TEAHU'POO! IT WAS SUCH A COOL MOMENT FOR ME TO WATCH, WHAT WERE THINKING AND FEELING?
At first I was scared and didn't want to do it, but everyone was so encouraging! They helped me overcome my fears and get passed all my negative thoughts. It was for sure one of the best moments in my life with all the Tahitian locals and the boats cheering for me and watching me get the best waves of my life! It was an unforgettable experience.

HOW WAS IT HAVING RAIMANA TOW YOU IN ON THE SKI? DID YOU LIKE HAVING HIS GUIDANCE ON THE TRIP?
Honestly, I don't know what I would do without Raimana being there! He was so helpful with all his local knowledge and his support for Paige and I. By the end of the trip I got to know Raimana very well and he is like an Uncle to me.

 DO YOU THINK THAT GAVE YOU SOME EXTRA CONFIDENCE GOING INTO THE CONTEST THE FOLLOWING WEEK?
 Surfing Teahu'poo was a very good warm-up for the Pro-Junior in Tahiti. Raimana kept telling me at Teahu'poo, "You can do anything if you set your mind to it". So I had that same mindset going into the
contest.

WHEN YOU'RE FREE SURFING DO YOU THINK ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL STYLE IN THE LINEUP?
While I am surfing my style is usually bright colors. Volcom makes many bright bikinis, cover ups, and board shorts so its perfect. I love bright surf equipment because it just gives me that summer feeling even when it's mid winter. Plus it makes your skin look tanner ;)

AFTER HAVING SO MUCH FUN PLAYING DRESS UP WITH YOU EVERY DAY IN TAHITI, I AM COMING TO CALIFORNIA AND WE ARE GOING SHOPPING FOR SURE! :) WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE ITEM IN YOUR CLOSET RIGHT NOW?
I wish you can dress me every single day! I can't wait to go shopping with you. Right now my favorite thing in my closet is my tight black volcom dress. It fits perfectly on just about anyone and has pink,

purple, and yellow flowers on it. Its to die for. 

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT TAHITI?
 I don't really have one favorite part. Everything was just so magical. There was clear water, perfect tanning weather, amazing stylists dressing me, incredible food 3 times a day, and unbelievable waves. It was the best trip of my life!