Professional surfer Tatiana Weston-Webb found the intrinsic motivation to elevate her career to the next level by accident.
In March, Weston-Webb experienced a grade-3 MCL tear, which caused her to take a two-month sabbatical from the sport.
Dealing with the psychological and emotional components of any injury, and at the beginning of what would become a worldwide pandemic, allowed Weston-Webb time for self-evaluation of high-level athletes’ needs for success.
“There was just so much more time off this year, and (when you have time off), the goal grows bigger,” Weston-Webb said.
Weston-Webb, who is currently ranked No. 6 on the Women’s Championship Tour, will enter her fifth season on the circuit, and this year it will start in her home state.
For the women, the road to The WSL Finals starts with the Maui Pro presented by ROXY at Honolua Bay from today through Tuesday, Dec. 15, serf-permitting. The tournament was previously announced with a start date in November.
For the men, the Billabong Pipe Masters presented by Hydro Flask from Dec. 8 to 20 will celebrate its 50th anniversary.
“When I took even more time away, it became encouraging with people telling me that I am worthy of the results,” Weston-Webb said. “My surfing is there, and I am excited to start the season.”
There is no place like home
In 2019, the Women’s WSL started the season with the Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia, and ended in Honolua Bay.
This season, they are starting in Honolua Bay, and Weston-Webb said she is excited about that prospect.
This will allow Weston-Webb to establish momentum for the season because of being familiar with the aquatic landscape of Hawai‘i.
“I am really excited to start off (this season) in Hawai‘i,” Weston-Webb said. “It is super exciting to return to my stomping grounds, and I feel I have an advantage. I am really excited to continue to do my best, and hope to win a few events to push towards a title race.”
The home-ocean advantage
Weston-Webb, who was born in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, grew up on Kaua‘i, allowing her to flourish as a professional athlete.
“I think Kaua‘i made me the surfer that I am today,” Weston-Webb said. “Kaua‘i has amazing waves, left-right point breaks, and has the variety to make it a perfect breeding ground for any professional athlete or surfer.”
During the 2019 season, Weston-Webb scored a total of 41,560 points in the 10 events she competed in.
WSL CT Fantasy
deadline approaches
With the Maui Pro presented by ROXY opening today and the Billabong Pipe Masters in Memory of Andy Irons presented by Hydro Flask opening on Tuesday, Dec. 8, there are only a few days left to register for WSL CT Fantasy.
The fantasy-surfing game now combines the men’s and women’s teams. Register now to select picks for the 2021 CT season and check out all the new features including the ability to choose combined teams, as the men’s and women’s Championship Tours are now merged into a single fantasy game.
Participants choose both male and female surfers for each event. The combined league structure simplifies the user interface, gives players more surfer options and cross-promotes between the leagues.
•••
Jason Blasco, reporter, can be reached at 245-0437 or jblasco@thegardenisland.com.
Another one of Russell Lewis’s startup coaching successes. Thankyou for all the chance you give these kids.!