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HOLLY
BECK
Keeping any kid from their heart's desire, in this
case a skateboard, can be a futile pastime for adults,
as Holly Beck's parents found out. When Holly finally
did manage to win one in her early teen years, it
became her main source of joy and obsession. That
is, until the 14-year old chanced upon an uncle's
beat-up 70's surfboard. With that discovery, the
drama, the dance and the singing lessons integral
to the Palos Verdes upbringing fell away, replaced
by morning sessions at Rat Beach, surf team practices
and competitions. "Never give up", espouses
Holly, and this motto has helped her, along with
the early morning encouragement of her surf teammates,
gain her competition wins, sponsorship and surf
travel around the world.
Typically, Holly harbors no illusions about how
she got where she is - while admitting that looks
and luck can help gain sponsors like Body Glove,
Rusty, Reef, Sector 9, OAM and ZJ Boarding House,
talent and her trademark determination have contributed
to her success. More than just a pretty face, Holly
works hard to improve her winning style and gain
respect on the pro/am circuit while studying at
UCSD. Although Holly has pulled a few airs in her
time, she tries to focus her style on old school
big turns and cutbacks. Watching videos, especially
of Tom Curren, is her suggestion on how to improve
your surfing foundation moves. Thinking about surfing
constantly isn't a bad side effect, either, because
right after a video 'you can imagine yourself surfing
when you're walking down the street.'
Unsure of whether to join the women's circuit when
she graduates, she is positive the new separate
direction of the pro tour will be beneficial. "Now
it's too much in the shadow of the men; it's dragging
(the women's tour) down."She's got plenty of
time to decide, though, in the next three years,
and plans on enjoying the benefits of her sponsored
exotic surf trips to the fullest. Her enthusiastic,
straightforward and down-to-earth style make her
the perfect surf trip companion, no matter what's
thrown her way. She's had her share of jellyfish-laden,
hot, third-world destinations destitute of waves.
But it's only made her stronger and more appreciative
when a trip delivers on promises of fun surf.
Despite braving rudimentary facilities, rampant
scorpions, and some unhappy fellow campers, Holly's
trip to Panama in December, with its tropical beauty
and crystal blue waves, was one of her favorites,
and she'd gladly go again. Happily though, international
travel and proximity to famed San Diego breaks have
failed to spoil Holly's appetite for El Porto. Plus,
having a boyfriend who lives on the break doesn't
hurt. Short weeks in San Diego and long weekends
in Manhattan Beach are Holly's staples when not
traveling. "I've scored some epic days at Black's
this year, but I'd rather be surfing with my friends
at El Porto."
By Heather Steele
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