Interview with Pauline Ado

French surfer, Pauline Ado, is shaking up the women's surf world... she's become the 1st European woman to qualify for the world tour for a second time! Although some may consider her quiet, actions speak louder than words and she's certainly making statements with her surfing! Check out her Follow Pauline videos and you'll see what I mean! With her talent, I plan to see good results from this competitor next year...

I had the privilege of interviewing Pauline and here's what she had to say- 

When did you start surfing?

Pauline: I caught my first wave on a surfboard when I was 8. Before that I was only playing on a bodyboard with my friends (only boys). We all decided to start surfing at the same time and loved it right away. I grew up in a very gentle beach, perfect for young kids to start surfing. I started competing soon after when I was 10.

When and what made you decide to surf for a living?

Pauline: Since I started competing, I think I always secretly dreamed of surfing for a living, but I realized I could do it during my first ISA World Junior Championship in Tahiti. I was 13 and it was my first international event with girls around my age.

So how does it feel to be the 1st European woman to qualify for the ASP World Tour for a 2nd year?

Pauline: It feels great! It was my goal this year and it’s a good accomplishment. Especially now the tour is getting tougher and tougher. I’ve always looked up to the French girls that made the tour before me and thought, we can do this, we have good surfers in France. I am sure plenty of other French girls will do good on tour in the next years.

How are you preparing for the 2012 season?

Pauline: There are a few things I would like to improve on in my surfing, in order to score higher, like being more radical and innovative, and to also work on consistency. I’m also physically preparing to be ready to surf all those contests in a short amount of time.

 

Where's your favorite surf spot and why?

Pauline: I’m coming back from the Philippines right now and I think Cloud 9 is my new favourite spot. This wave is very powerful and barreling! I also love the place and the people there. 

Who/what inspires you?

Pauline: In surfing, people like Parko or Dane Reynolds for their style and technique…

Otherwise I really like a French swimmer, Laure Manaudou. She was very successful a few years ago before being written off by the media. She’s now back to competing.

Any specific music you like to listen to before going out for a session?

Pauline: It changes every couple of months, but right  now it’s “Pumped up Kicks" by Foster the People.

Top 5 must-haves when traveling.

Pauline: Magic Board

                 Friends

                 Camera

                 Music

                 After sun lotion (haha)

When you're not surfing, you're...

Pauline: Playing another sport, catching up with friends, blogging 

Is there anything people don't know about you, but you'd like them to?

Pauline: I can actually speak English! haha. I recently had a few people saying that they didn't know I could. I’m just quiet so they assume I don’t…it’s pretty funny though…

Any thoughts/advice for the lady surfers out there?

Pauline: Give 100% of yourself and don’t listen to what people say you can’t do! 

Special thanks to Pauline Ado for doing this interview!!!