2009 Team Rider Profile: Jessi Lipschitz
Which boardsports are you into and when did you start?
Surfing: 2002
Which would you like to learn and why?
I would like to learn one of the windsports so I have something to do when it is too windy to surf. The problem is time!
Describe your first surfing session
Surfed a bit in South Africa as a young girl, but I remember these sessions being terrifying. First time I really surfed was on Long Island in some baby waves. I was finally grown up enough to appreciate the sport and in waves that were better for a beginner. I remember feeling like my board was my own little island.
Where and why did you start
South Africa a bit when I was a little girl. My father is South African so we were there a lot. I began integrating it into my normal life when I went to college in Rhode Island.
Think of a great water sesh you’ve had recently. How did you feel after?
I feel like the best, happiest, calmest, most productive, and prettiest version of myself
Ever compete? Wanna try?
No, I have not. I am not sure there is much point of competing unless you are planning to go pro.
Wahine Wisdom for newbies:
The time you make for these sports is always worth it.
Favorite non-wahine activities:
Walking my awesome dog in the woods!!!
Where have you traveled to windsurf/surf/kite?
New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Mexico, and all over New England!
Describe the best trip you’ve taken in the last 3 years (doesn’t have to be water related).
I went to Mexico last spring to teach surfing for Las Olas. Not only was the weather warm, water warm (76 degrees!) and community super friendly, but the trip was FREE and I got PAID! I spent 8 hours a day teaching surfing or surfing myself. Technically it was not a vacation, but it sure felt like it compared to my normal life.
Name a few wahines who have influenced you.
That’s a toughie as there are so many. Before joining CCW, I spent most of my time surfing with guys. They always seemed more keen to go. Pete Pan (in Rhode Island) was influential in teaching me to surf.
Since I started to spend time on the Cape I have been really inspired by Pinky (Barb), Cathleen and Des. All of them seem to do a really good job being adults, balancing other parts of their life with surfing. In today’s hectic world, I find it is so easy to put fun activities aside. I really admire these three for integrating these sports into their lives and making the other parts work too.
Why are you stoked about the CCW?
It is great to have other women to surf with. When you surf with guys, it can be embarrassing (especially if they are cute, which they normally are). Also I find that women have to focus more on skills and finesse because they generally don’t have the strength. Guys generally don’t understand when you say it is too big for your skill level, which can make you feel like you are a terrible surfer. The CCWs I have surfed with do a great job pushing me to get out there in an encouraging rather than intimidating way.
Where would you like to see the CCW a few years from now?
I would like to see more young girls getting out there and learning to surf/windsurf/kiteboard. It would be great if we had some of our junior wahines compete. I wish I had been really into it earlier in life – and I would like others to have that opportunity.
Your personal water goals for 2009?
Keep getting out there as much as possible!