Gabriela Bryan is athlete of the week

Author: Tim Remick

Gabriela Bryan is a young 14-year-old surfer from the North Shore of Kauai. After kickstarting her competitive career at the age of 10, she has improved each year since and has a NSSA National Title to show for her hard work and determination. learn all about what this young surfing phenom and what she has planned for this year, Below.

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Hi Gabriela! So how did you first get into surfing and at what age did you start?

I started surfing because my dad had a passion for the sport and he would take me to the beach every day after school to surf. I was 4years old when I first started surfing, and I fell in love with it from the start

Right on! When did you decide to become a competitive surfer?

I decided to become a competitive surfer when I was about 10 years old. Growing up i would compete in local fun contests around the island like the Irons Brothers Classic. I am a very competitive person and I like pushing myself in heats, it is a whole new experience to put a jersey on and paddle out for a certain time limit.

You grabbed the NSSA National Title this past summer. Congrats! Take us through how that day went for you and how it felt to take the top spot?

When I won my National title last summer, it was by far the best day of my surfing career at that point. I went into the final with confidence that I could win, and I was fully capable! On the finals day, it was actually very windy and you could not hear the live scoring. So I did not know that I had won until everyone was running down the beach to me with the Hawaiian flag! Getting chaired up the beach was the best feeling in the world. It makes me want to win everything that much more!

Now that the 2017 competition season is inching closer and closer, what are some of your plans heading into the year?

My plans for 2017 are, to compete in more Women's QS events and get in the top 75 by the end of the year! Also to win more national titles this summer. And continue to get good results in the Jr. Pro events to make it to worlds!