2007 Team Rider Profile: Liz Patton
Which boardsports do you participate in now and when did you start?
I started surfing the summer of 2005.
My favorite is windsurfing and I bought my first new rig in 2002 from Sailworld. When I first moved here in 1985 I bought a used long board and rig – but never took lessons. Lack of lessons and the discouraging lack of progress resulted in the resale of the gear to a used sporting goods shop. Growing up in Florida, I loved to watch the windsurfers back when I was in high school, but I never thought I could learn such a cool sport.Describe your first surfing session
Desiree took me to Wellfleet for my first surf sesh. On her big long banana board, I paddled around and tried to catch waves. After a rest on the beach, we went back out and Des loaned me her board. I caught a wave just right, at the top of it, and got a ride long enough to feel the power of the wave ride me along and I thought "I have to get me one of these! I can do this!"
Where and why did you start
Surfing: Whitecrest Beach summer of 2005 – cuz Des told me to!
Windsurfing: – After a one hour lesson in Aruba while on a cruise ship vacation with friends in January of 2001, I saved up my money and bought my first new rig in Spring of 2002. After practice in Hingham Harbor and Powder Point in Duxbury, I ventured down to West Dennis Beach. My first Wahine clinic in 2003 – the real fun began!
Kitesurfing: I just like flying the trainer kite. I have too much to learn with surfing and windsurfing to go over to the dark side! ;)
Think of a great water sesh you’ve had recently. How did you feel after?
Last August on Wahine Surf Day was the BEST! On the water with the girls on a perfect sunny day on the Outer Beach was the best experience. We were relaxed. The waves were gentle enough but fun for the advanced surfers. We enjoyed each other’s company and each other’s triumphs and tribulations with riding our boards together. And birthday cupcakes on beach rocks too!
Ever compete? Wanna try?
I just enjoy the stoke of being on the water and in the sun with my friends. I can be very competitive, so I want to improve my skills before I consider competing.
Wahine Wisdom for newbies:
Time on the Water is KEY! Time in light conditions and in rougher conditions are needed to improve. The conditions can change so quickly you need to be able to deal with these changes when you are farther than a walk from shore! .
Favorite non-wahine activities:
Editing video and learning how to edit on my MAC, reading, and teaching my tae kwon do class.
Where have you traveled to wind, kite, or wave surf?
I had traveled all the way to Lake Como in Italy – only to be skunked by the end of the season when the shops had all closed! My lesson in Aruba years ago was definitely the catalyst. And recently I was fortunate to windsurf in Hatteras with my dear friends, the Sheeleys! And after the summer I bought my first surfboard on the Cape, I went home to Florida to visit family and got to surf in my home town waters in the Gulf of Mexico! WOWOWOW!.
Name a few wahines who have influenced you.
Desiree Moyer, aka Surfer Girl, definitely inspires me with her Water Woman mentality and how she has fashioned her life around her passions on the water. She is a fortunate wahine who shares the wealth with all who are interested. She inspires, shares, and motivates women of all ages and approaches her passion at full tilt. While he is not a wahine, he is definitely a supporter of the Wahines. Patrick Devitt is someone who has inspired, encouraged, and taught me how to be a better windsurfer.
Why are you stoked about the CCW?
Growing up a skinny kid with confidence problems, I had always talked myself out of trying most sports, never mind the cool and expensive water sports. Before anyone else had a chance to say “No you can’t, or No we can’t afford it”, I had talked myself out of even trying! The Cape Cod Wahines not only helped me to understand that “I Can” do these awesome water sports, but they have helped me to show others that “You Can” do these awesome water sports. Being able to share the stoke is what it’s all about!
Where would you like to see the CCW a few years from now?
I would like to see myself contributing more to the efforts of CCW. Having time to share the CCW with current members and potential newbies, especially little sisters, daughters and younger friends. .
Your personal water goals for 2007?
Surfing: I want to learn how to “pop-up” properly and ride the wave instead of the white water when I surf.
Windsurfing: This year for my windsurfing goal I will learn how to jibe and jump!