A Q&A with Schuyler McFerran
photos courtesy of Schuyler McFerran
by Marlise Kast
posted 2006-09-12
When you paddle into the water during a competition, is your mindset different than when you are not competing?
photo by Jim Pidgeon
Definitely! When I am in a contest I am constantly thinking about catching the best wave and surfing it to the best of my ability. When I am free surfing, it's all about having fun and being with my friends.
How has winning the title altered your vision of surfing?
I don't think that my vision of surfing has changed since winning the title. To me, surfing has always been about having fun. I am still surfing because I love it and it is such a huge part of who I am.
Is surfing still your personal passion or is it now more of a job?
Suring is still my passion as it always will be. In a way, it is now a type of "job," if you could call what we do "working."
Having gained recognition so early in life, are you concerned about burning out?
Sometimes I feel a little overwhelmed by everything, but the feeling passes and I am still stoked on surfing.
Who is your greatest influence both personally and professionally? Why?
photo courtesy of ASP
My greatest influences personally and professionally have to be my two incredible parents. I really look up to them in every way. They have a solid marriage, are wonderful parents and are amazing individuals. They have helped to shape me into who I am today and what I am becoming.
You mention that the Bible is your favorite book. Can you expand on that?
I am a Christian, and I have been raised in a Christian home. My faith is the single most important aspect of my life, after which comes my family, then surfing. I don't want to come off as an in-your-face, shove-it-down-your-throat person when it comes to my faith. I just hope that people find out for themselves how amazing and wonderful it is to have a personal relationship with our Creator and how they can know about life abundant.
How would you define your surfing style?
I would say that my surfing style is definitely on the mellower side. I try to keep things smooth but still have some juice behind my turns.
Whose style do you admire?
I most admire Joel Tudor and Dave Rastovich. They are both such beautiful surfers and they keep things flowing.
What is the hardest part of being a pro surfer?
There are so many positives to being a pro surfer that it's difficult to say there is a "hard" part. The only thing that I can think of would be certain aspects of traveling, like being away from friends and family and out of my comfort zone.
photo by Jim Pidgeon
You've traveled to some amazing places in your career. Where else would you like to surf?
I would love to travel to some more of the tropical places, like Tortola and the Caribbean. I would also like to poke around Europe some more and see what they have in the way of waves. France was beautiful and amazing but I would love to go to places like Italy that are less known for surfing.
How do you spend your time when you are home in Encinitas?
I hang out with my family and friends. I play a little tennis with my younger brother, who always beats me, surf, have barbecues, play ping pong, read, take long walks with my mom... just normal everyday stuff.
Was it difficult to adjust back to school?
So far it has not been difficult at all. I love school and since it is so close, I can go home whenever I need to. My dad works right down the street from my Point Loma University so we have lunch once a week. My mom also comes down to surf and have breakfast with me once a week. As a result, I haven't had a problem adjusting at all. I have just the right balance of family time and school time.
