2007 Team Rider Profile: Elizabeth Babich
Which boardsports do you participate in now and when did you start?
My first windsurfing experience was a day in the fall three years ago. In retrospect, the conditions were perfect for a beginner though I had little appreciation for my good fortune at the time. The winds were on-shore and light. The tide was low and the sky clear. I found I could drift back and forth with ease and my friends on shore cheered as if I were some sort of windsurfing prodigy.
The Wahines were there with Petra instructing. I had no idea what a Wa.. hi.. ne.. was at the time. I just knew I wanted to be part of it. I let my rig drift closer to the group until I noticed my instructor frantically waving me away. Later I received a lecture on surfing etiquette. Of utmost importance, never sail straight into a group lesson. I didn’t admit to letting it happen in hopes of blending in.
Surfing: I have only attempted surfing on one occasion; a Wahine event last Spring. It was a cold rainy day. My hands were too numb to grip and I had no sensation from my knees down. Popping up was a bit of a challenge without the use of my feet but it was fun nevertheless.
Think of a great water sesh you’ve had recently. How did you feel after?
I participated in Petra’s clinic through the AMC this past Spring. The conditions weren’t ideal but the timing was as it turned out. I had committed myself to the event months prior, a Christmas gift from a friend. By the time the weekend came around, I couldn’t imagine anything I wanted to less than jump into the ocean half naked on a rainy cold day. My plate of responsibility was piled so high I couldn’t fathom taking a two day sabbatical but I did and nothing could have been more therapeutic. I returned to work on Monday more refreshed, more energized than I had been in a really long time. It was exactly what I needed.
Ever compete? Wanna try?
Competition? Definitely every time I am out there, it is me against me. On a good day I identify with the winner. On a bad day, I take the perspective of the losing team but I am working on doing a lot less of that.
Wahine Wisdom for newbies:
Get out there baby, you will love it.
Favorite non-wahine activities:
Dancing. Actually that is what I’m doing while I’m out on the water as well. It is all about finding the rhythm.
Where have you traveled to wind, kite, or wave surf?
Bonaire two years ago was awesome. However, the experience left me a false sense of ability. It took me an entire season to repeat here what I had learned to do there in a day. It was like skiing New England after learning to downhill in the Alps.
Name a few wahines who have influenced you.
I would estimate having met over a hundred women through the Wahines. I couldn’t possibly list each name. I tend to be drawn to individual sports like windsurfing where the pleasure is in meeting personal goals. Sports like that don’t tend to be group oriented. So, the influence of the Wahines has been the experience of being part of the group
Why are you stoked about the CCW?
I attempted kite boarding before windsurfing. Each step in the process was so thrilling I found myself jumping up and down trying to explain the excitement to my friends. Their responses though supportive were never gratifying. I knew they just couldn’t relate and I couldn’t understand why they had no interest in sharing the experience.
Where would you like to see the CCW a few years from now?
I think the group is moving in the right direction. People new to the sport can really benefit from the camaraderie.
Your personal water goals for 2007?
Get out there. Get out there. Get out there.