Catching Up with Ladyslider Kaitlin Maguire
Photo by Chris Grant | JettyGirl
Name: Kaitlin Maguire
Age: 29
Hometown: Encinitas
Homebreak: Pipes + Oceanside Harbor
Day job? Physical Therapist
Dream job? Just got my Doctorate of Physical Therapy and currently working my dream job at DSC Performance Physical Therapy
What is a day in your shoes like?
On my days off I like to wake up early to drink my coffee and take a stroll with my bull terrier "Clyde" and then rush off to the ocean to find some good waves along the stretch from Del Mar to Oceanside. After surfing I like to cruise to a cafe with some friends and then check the surf again afterwards. If the surf isn't good again, cruise home to hang with my pup and fiancé Niles.
How long have you been surfing for? What got you into longboarding?
I've been surfing for approximately 16 years. I grew up as a water baby since my father built a house in Kauai and we would travel over there all the time. While in Kauai, I would body board and body surf massive shore break with my brother. My brother was always pushing me to go big and one day he took me out in some dumping shore break; he would scream at me to paddle into giant close outs thinking it was funny when I went over the falls. I fell in love with the challenge and have him to thank for my love of big waves.
How would you describe the surfing scene where you are from?
Encinitas has a beautiful surfing scene due to its variety of breaks! Board selection depends on the conditions and the break you decide to surf. Sometimes I'll ride a shortboard at a dumping shore break, a fish or quad at fun reef break, a high performance Longboard almost about anywhere, or a giant single fin when it's under knee high.
We think it is incredible that you are a professional longboarder. What is that like? How has your experience competing on the WSL Longboard Tour been?
Being a professional longboarder is such a privilege. I get to travel around the world with some of my closest friends to amazing surf breaks with minimal crowds. Also, I get the chance to experience new cultures. The tour's next stop in Papua New Guinea and I'm really looking forward to exploring a new location.
Photo by WSL | Hain
Do you have a favorite spot on Tour?
One of my favorite stops was Biarritz, France.
Do you prefer competing to freesurfing? or vice versa? How would you describe the differences between the two?
Hard decision, I definitely love competition and kicking my surfing into another gear but there is nothing like those perfect free sessions with your friends.
Favorite board?
Photo by Trent Stevens
My favorite board would have to be the beach break model from Donald Takayama. I love to ride this board in every condition.
Who or what inspires you?
One of main inspirations is my family, they always push themselves to achieve their goals and it makes me want to achieve mine no matter what struggles I might come across.
Wise words for aspiring female surfers?
Stay true to yourself and always have fun!