Chloe Hubbard
Age: 26
Lives: Braunton and over yonder.
Where do you surf: Croyde, Lynmouth, Middle beach Woolacombe, and a few spots in Kernow.
How long have you been surfing?: I've bodyboarded since I could walk, but took up stand-up about 7 years ago when I quit surf life saving.
What got you involved with surfing?: My Dad, Geoff Hubbard, got me in the water when I was a toddler. In his day he was an amazing surfer.
Who rips in North Devon?: Lyndon Wake, Karma Worthington, Adam Thornton, Simon Daly, Scott Rannochan, Stephen Hill and Sarah Whiteley, Alex Baker, Nigel Cross, Ashley Braunton, Paul Barrington.
Who's the best up and coming surfer in the area?: There's a wealth of young surfing talent in North Devon, but I'd say Lucy Campbell has a big future ahead of her, and could well make a name for herself outside of the British bubble.
What's your most memorable session and why?: It's between two; June 2006 high tide Lynmouth in front of the car-park. It was only 2-3 foot, but it was super sunny and warm, and only me, Anthony Rofner, and Lyndon and Laura Wake in. It was a magical morning. And my other one is at the Rock in Ahangama, Sri Lanka- it was massive, I surfed the biggest waves in my life and nearly drowned- i thought I was never going to surface! Worst hold down ever.
What is the best thing about surfing for you?: Getting barreled and the meditative, therapeutic quality of being in the water, especially if you've had a hard day at work. Even if everything is going wrong in my life, as soon as I paddle out and duck-dive that first wave, I feel free and detached. The ocean is my place to think.
What would you say to people wanting to get involved with the sport?: Do it, but do it safely, and be prepared to become obsessed.
Where else have you surfed in the world?: France, Morocco, Sri Lanka, India, Spain, Indo.
How does North Devon compare to other global surf spots?: The right place, on the right day can be epic, and I love it here. But it's a bit cold.
What's the worst thing about surfing?: Crowds, and dangerous incompetent people in the water.
Your opinion on hired equipment?: There should be tougher legislation in place, some kind of proficiency certificate for people who want to hire or something.
What about surf schools, anything to say?: A great place for people to start- but there does seem to be alot of them!
Best wave you've surfed?: Probably Lynmouth on its day.
Most overrated wave?: Fistral.
Most underrated wave?: Saunton.
Are you sponsored?: Yes by Tiki wetsuits. Probably the only company I've been involved with who geniunely care about making top of the range women's suits.
What do you think about competitive surfing?: It's great if you're in the right place mentally, and you're surfing good. But all too often I'm not, and end up frustrated. On balance I don't enjoy the comps, but it's always fun to catch up with the other competitors on tour.
Competition results?: UK Pro Tour Gul British Open Women's 3rd 2006. Various British School's titles, three Jesus surf classic titles and surf life saving titles.
Anything else to say?: Be nice to people — it makes everything so much easier.
Chloe Hubbard
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