Spy’s surf team manager catches a quick interview with the athlete feature of the month! It’s no other than the lovely, beautiful and talented surfing phenomenon Alana Blanchard. She’s been jetting off to crystal clear waters and perfect surf…

Hi Alana~

You’ve been sponsored by Spy now for 4 years. Time sure does go by quickly. You’ve always been a good surfer as long as I can remember but it’s amazing how much attention you have been receiving lately.

J: Is this something that you’ve always dreamed about or is it surprising to you how things are moving along?

A: Yes, when I was young I wondered what it would be like to be a professional surfer. Getting paid to surf and go on trips was a dream of mine. When I think about my life it seems surreal but its really amazing and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

J: If you could change one thing about your surfing what would it be? What is the one thing about your surfing that you like?

A: I don’t like how my butt sticks out so much I guess but other than that I wish I could do 360 airs. The thing I like best about my surfing is that I can flow with the wave.

J: Is being on the WCT what you have imagined it to be so far? How has this affected your life?

A: It been good. Its not really how I imagined it though I guess because we have only had two contests so far, but it definitely is helping my surfing and I am really trying to get better and better.

I want to go back in time and reminisce about some old photos of you that I have collected over the years. Tell me what comes to mind when you see them.

J: This is from 2005 when some of the Spy team and women’s Billabong went to Magic Mountain. Do you like amusement parks?

A: Yeah. There is nothing like it in Hawaii. The rides are fun but I hate the lines.

J: Remember before we got there? We had to do a restroom stop, so we stopped at Jack in the Box and we ran into the American Idol top 8. Did you know who they were?

A: No not really. I don’t follow American Idol but I was still happy to meet them! haha

J: This one is from NSSA Nationals, I think from 2006. Looks like fun times there. Do you miss those times? Were they good experiences for you?

A: Yeah I definitely miss that time in my life. It was so much fun and such good friends. It’s definitely a good experience doing all those contest when you’re a little kid. It helps prepare you when you get older.

J: This is from the US Open in 2006. What’s it like signing team posters during the US Open? What is it like doing promos? When you were a grom did you imagine you’d be doing them?

A: Promos are weird! Haha You feel kinda cool because people might want your autograph, but I never understand why they wanted mine (I don’t think they know me hehe). I never imagined it…

J: The first picture is our first Spy ad shoot with you back in 2005 in lovely Huntington Beach CA (ha!) and the second is from 2008 in France. You’ve done so many  and  I mean “so many” photo shoots. From your point of view do you enjoy getting pictures taken? Being a surfer I am sure you would rather shoot action photography but as a woman I am sure some of the modeling is kind of exciting?

A: At first I didn’t really like modeling. It kinda got irritating after a while, but now I’m enjoying it more and more. It gets more exciting.

J: Now let’s move onto a big part of what makes who you are. So you won two women’s surf contests at Pipeline. In 2005 and in 2007 on your 17th birthday. How good did that feel? Would you like to be known as a Pipeline specialist? Is winning a contest the best feeling in the world?

A: Yeah it was really cool winning that contest it was kinda a shock to me, but it was fun. No, I definitely don’t want to be known as a pipeline specialist! haha.

J: Above is a shot of you from I believe your home break Pine Trees and the other is from a boat trip in Indo and the third is from Australia surfing Snapper Rocks. Being a “world class” surfer you travel a lot and surf all kinds of different waves. Where is your favorite wave to surf and is it different from your favorite place to visit?

A: My favorite wave to surf is probably my home break Hanalei and it’s not that different cuz it’s my favorite place to visit. hehe

J: Can you tell us what your dream surf trip would be like and who would you bring on it?

A: My dream trip would be going to the best surf and the most beautiful place on earth. I would  bring my family , my boyfriend and my best friends.

J: In closing, Alana it’s been an amazing run so far and I really enjoy watching you grow as a surfer and as a person and I am looking forward to seeing what’s in store for you ahead. You’re a very special person and I am glad be friends and a sponsor to you. Is there any advice you can give to someone who is looking to become successful as a surfer?

A: My advice is to never give up and always be positive on what you want to do.

Thank you for your time and everything you have done for Spy as an athlete. Good luck with all your travels and contests!