We Are Water's Waterview looks to interview various people that make up the surfing tribe. From the average joe to the aspiring pro and everyone inbetween.

This Waterview section contains the Christa Alves interview.

The interview took place the Summer of 2006 in an extended e-mail conversation. Christa plans to take on the WQS Pro Circuit starting January 2007. She is well known in Cocoa Beach and in the East Coast contest scene.

She follows a long line of succesful pro-surfers from Cocoa Beach. The area is a grooming ground for many surfers looking to advance on the International surf scene. Christa has the potential to become another Champion in the great lineage of Cocoa Beach talent.

Thanks Christa for taking the time and good luck in your future!

Christa's Website can be found here: http://ChristaAlves.com/

We Are Water: When did you learn to surf?

Christa Alves: I learned to surf when I was around 10 years old. My dad got me a 6’6” Ron Jons fun-shape for Christmas and I waited until summer to ride it. Being around the beach every other weekend and half the summers, I was always loving the water and the ocean and started standing on my surfboard...so, then my dad decided to get me one.

We Are Water: What type of boards do you ride? Are your Florida boards the same you travel with?

Christa Alves: I usually ride a 5'8 squash shaped by Joe Johnson. On the really tiny days I ride a 5'7 swallow tail shaped by Joe. But recently I ordered a 9'0 longboard shaped by Bruce Ragan to ride just to mess around on and have fun with on tiny waves.

We Are Water: Where have you traveled to and what has been your favorite? Any dream trips?

Christa Alves: I have traveled to Tahiti, El Salvador, Brazil, Cali, and everywhere on the East coast a lot of times. My favorite would have to be Tahiti. We caught some fun waves and overall it was a pretty fun trip. As for a dream trip I would really like to visit South Africa. The waves look great and I have some friends there. I would also want to go to Indonesia on a boat trip with my closest friends. That would be all time!

We Are Water: What are you future plans for surfing?

Christa Alves: I am starting the QS this upcoming January (2007) and see where it takes me. I’m really excited to start traveling a lot more and seeing what else is out there and challenging myself to higher competition.

We Are Water: What does it take physically and mentally to compete at a higher level?

Christa Alves: You always have to be physically fit. It’s definitely a plus. I usually run daily and ride my bicycle and use my carve board. It helps a lot when it’s flat. Mentally is just as much a part of competing as physical wellness. If you’re not in the right state of mind and aren’t thinking clear you won’t make it.

We Are Water: What do you do other than surfing?

Christa Alves: Other than surfing I spend most of my time doing school. But when I’m free from that I love to go shopping especially for heels, ha-ha-ha, and hanging out with my friends of course! As for music, I play the clarinet. Before surfing I played the clarinet for 8 years doing competitions with that. I was definitely a band nerd.

We Are Water: When out in the water do you feel discrimination from Male surfers? Or, even other girls?

Christa Alves: Sometimes the guys get pretty mad about girl surfers and label us as "not good enough", but usually I’m fine. I get my waves and I’m aggressive, so it works out.

We Are Water: Your generation has been labeled the Blue Crushers after the movie Blue Crush. I personally thought the movie was pretty good however, I've heard from others that they think it represents female surfing in a lame way and there is some resentment towards women surfing. How do you feel about that?

Christa Alves: I loved the movie! I thought it was classic. As far as being labeled, as long as you prove yourself then you have nothing to worry about.

We Are Water: Do you think there is a Glass Ceiling in women's surfing?

Christa Alves: I think that the women side of the industry is picking up and we will start getting paid a lot more. As far as it not being fair I completely understand why men would get paid more. They have more competition and it makes sense.

We Are Water: Who is your pick to win the Women's WCT World Championship this year?

Christa Alves: I actually don’t follow up on any of it; I guess you could call me a slacker, ha-ha. I kind of prefer to watch the men.

We Are Water: Do you have any other women or men you look up to in surfing?

Christa Alves: I look up to my two friends who are doing really good on the QS, Leilani Gryde and Karina Petroni. As for guys, I prefer Kelly Slater, Taj Burrow, and Aaron Cormican.

We Are Water: At what point did you want to make surfing a career?

Christa Alves: As soon as I started competing. I’m a real competitive person so it fits me pretty good. Plus, I hate being in the same place for too long. I like getting out there and experiencing new places.

We Are Water: What are your short and long term goals for surfing?

Christa Alves: I just want to win it all and be a World Champ.

We Are Water: Where do you want to be in ten years?

Christa Alves: On the WCT I hope!

We Are Water: What was the most gratifying contest to be in and what are the best results?

Christa Alves: Gosh, I don’t know. I have done so many contests. I would probably have to say NSSA Easterns was my best showing. I had some good scores put together and was really on. Others would include when I won the Billabong Pro jr. at Sebastian when I was 14. That put me on the radar. People started knowing who I was. Easterfest 2006 was pretty big for me also, the final was stacked and I had a home field advantage.

We Are Water: How do you approach an upcoming surf contest? Do you study the break, competition, yourself and what you need to be successful?

Christa Alves: I just go into the contest with confidence and eating right the week before. If it’s a bigger contest I will go surf the break a few days in advance. One thing I always have handy is my I-pod. It keeps the distractions away.

We Are Water: Any tips for younger surfers that want to pursue what you are doing?

Christa Alves: Make sure you have fun! But one thing for sure is don't get caught up in drugs or the party scene if you want to make it.

We Are Water: Who are your sponsors and what do they do for you?

Christa Alves: My sponsors are Quiet flight, Body glove, Nixon, X-trak and Boardsports Management. All of them support me so much with anything I want to do.

We Are Water: Any encounters with sharks or dangerous situations you have been in while surfing?

Christa Alves: I’ve seen some big sharks but nothing has happened to me (knock on wood) ha-ha-ha. I’ve had some bad experiences as far as getting held under though. Haleiwa on Oahu kicked my butt!!! But overall it was a good experience.

We Are Water: Why do you surf?

Christa Alves: Because its fun!!!

We Are Water: Any shout-outs?

Christa Alves: My dad, he has been there since day one and is the best!!! My sponsors. All the guys at ESM, Dugan, Mez, Jimmy, Mark Hill, Chris, Pruett. My manager Mitch Varnes at Boardsports Management and of course the Inlet boyz!!!!!!!

We Are Water: Thanks Christa! Good luck in your future and your aspirations. We wish you the best.

Check out Christa's website: http://ChristaAlves.com/

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