I had the privelege of asking Lee Ann some questions and here's what she had to say-
What age did you start surfing?
Lee Ann: I think I started at about 5 or 6 years old. I don't remember really the first time I stood up on a board.
When did you decide that you wanted to surf for a living? And did your dad have any influence over that decision?
Lee Ann: I think I decided when I really got into competing, when I was 15. I always wanted to do a bunch of different sports before and to keep surfing as something I was doing for fun. But my first year competing I realized how much I liked it.
My dad I guess did have an influence on me because I admired him and thought he had the best job in the world, so of course it made me want to do the same. Also him and my mum always believed in me so that really helped. But they never really pushed me to do this, it was my decision.
Speaking of your dad, does having a surf legend as a father add a certain pressure to succeed?
Lee Ann: I think it does if you think about it a lot. Like if you listen to everybody talking around you it puts a little bit of pressure on you, but when you just focus on doing your thing and having fun and don't think about what's around there is no more pressure.
What's the most difficult part of being a professional surfer?
Lee Ann: I think the most difficult part is also the most amazing part, the fact that you are always on a trip. That's what makes our job a dream, but it can be very tiring when you are traveling alone or in places you don't really know and you also have the pressure of doing good in your contest. You learn a lot and it definitely gets easier with time.
Where is your favorite spot to surf and why?
Lee Ann: I love surfing at the beach breaks around my home, because you can get good barrels without the fear of hitting the reef.
Any particular music you like to listen to before you go out for a session?
Lee Ann: I listen to a lot of different things, but I think "empathy" from Crystal Castles is a pretty good song for that.
Who/what has inspired you, not just in your career, but in other aspects of your life as well?
Lee Ann: Gwen Stefani because I was a No Doubt fan when i was little.
Where would you like to see ASP hold a women's competition in the future?
Lee Ann: In the Mentawaiis, or in Tahiti.
Top 5 must-haves when traveling.
Lee Ann: Ipod or whatever has music on it, money, a board, your passport, and a good friend that doesn't snore.
What's something about yourself that most people wouldn't know, but you would like them to?
Lee Ann: I love watching really really really stupid shows.
Any words of advice or thoughts for the lady surfers out there?
Lee Ann: Believe in yourself and keep having fun.
Special thanks to Lee Ann Curren for taking time to do this interview!!!
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