March was probably the best month so far this year. It was my birthday, I got my driver's permit, and I got to surf! The first weekend of March was amazing because it was my birthday and the Surfing America Prime in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. I turned 15 on March 1st and celebrated with my family. There was a Prime in New Smyrna that I went to that same weekend. The waves were not the best, but I had fun on my new shortboard that was custom made for me by Shea Lopez. It was a great learning experience and I was glad to be able to surf against such great competition.

Shortly after surfing the Surfing America Prime, I went to Hawaii for the ESA All Star Girls Training Trip. It was so much fun. I was able to longboard and shortboard on the trip on some amazing waves. My favorite spot that we went to was Makaha because the waves were so much fun and I was able to get some amazing rides. Another favorite spot we went to was Pupakea on the last day we were there. I scored some good rides and had a lot of fun.

While we were in Hawaii, we were able to work with professional coaches Kahea Hart and Tamayo & Emilia Perry. I loved working on longboard with Kahea; he really helped me make my turns better. Working with Tamayo and Emilia was awesome, too, because they helped me get some great waves at Sunset and they focused on helping me make stronger turns. Overall, the trip was amazing and I cannot wait for the next surf trip!

A couple of weeks after my birthday, I got my driver’s permit. The test was easy and I was able to drive home. The drive home was a little scary because I really didn’t have any practice driving a car before then. I made it home safely, didn’t wreck the car, and drove again later that same weekend!

Overall, the month of March was pretty incredible. I will always remember my time in Hawaii, and will make sure to bring the skills I learned while there with me on my next surf trip. Next stop, NSB for the NSSA Regional Championships!