A Q&A with Schuyler McFerran
photos courtesy of Schuyler McFerran
by Marlise Kast
posted 2006-09-12
Schuyler McFerran of Encinitas recently sat down with AllAboutSurf to discuss her life since becoming the first ever ASP Women's World Longboard Champion. A pro surfer less than three years, the 19-year-old has managed to fast-track her way to the top more quickly than almost any other surfer in history. Determined and focused, Schuyler shares how she balances her life in and out of the water, as a pro surfer and student at Point Loma University.
photo courtesy of ASP
How did you get your start in surfing?
I started surfing when I was 10 years old. Both my parents grew up in Orange County and have been surfing together since they were in high school. When I was old enough, they took me out and pushed me into a couple of tiny waves. After I rode them all the way in, I was hooked!
How supportive are your parents of your career?
I have the most supportive parents that anyone could ask for. They have encouraged my surfing from day one. They never pressured me into surfing or competing, but they were always behind me 100%. They have played a huge part in my surfing career by taking me to contests, traveling with me all over the globe and helping me with sponsors.
How has your life changed since becoming the first ASP Women's World Longboard Champion?
Since this was the first ASP Women's World Longboard Championships, the media seemed to really take notice. After TV shows aired the event and articles were published, people come up to congratulate me and say how stoked they were for me. It seems that people are recognizing me a little bit more.
photo by Jim Pidgeon
Did you ever imagine that you would make it this far?
Ever since I was a little kid, it has been my dream to be really good at one sport and to take it as far as I could. When I started really getting into surfing competitions, I thought that, if I really put my heart into it, I could become world champion one day.
What's the greatest perk of being a pro surfer?
The perks are being able to travel all over the world and see so many different countries and cultures. I've also been able to meet a lot of different people while getting paid to do something that you love. Surfing has been such a huge blessing.
Are you planning any big splurges with the $4,500 winnings?
No, I am trying to save money for college.
What was your training/preparation for the July 8th competition?
The physical training that I did was simply surfing, surfing, and more surfing. Mentally I prepared by focusing on the contest and getting amped for it!
Whom do you consider to be your greatest competitor?
Definitely, without a doubt, myself. I try very hard to keep my head together and not psych myself out and to keep my head in the game.
photo by Scott McFerran
What is your favorite surf spot and why?
I don't have just one favorite surf spot, I have four. They are The Pass in Australia, Tweeners here in San Diego, Surfers in Puerto Rico and the beach at my uncle's sheep station in New Zealand.
How do you balance your life as a nineteen year-old with that of a pro-surfer?
Being able to go to Point Loma Nazarene University has really helped to balance my life. It has enabled me to do all the fun stuff that other 19 year olds are doing at college while maintaining my surfing career. The professors have been very understanding of my unique situation. They have worked with me around my travel schedule so that I can stay caught up on my schoolwork.
What are your hobbies/passions outside of surfing?
I love being active and have a lot of different interests. Skiing, bodysurfing, sailing, tennis with my younger brother, running and rollerblading are all fun. I also love art, particularly ceramics and photography.
Have you had to relinquish any of those interests as a result of your schedule?
No, thankfully I have been able to keep doing what I love while pursuing my other interests as well.
