Digestopia > Surfing > Interviews < Interview with Jeff Hubbard

Interview with Karla Costa Taylor
By Vinny Agusta

While on the journey to capturing your 1999 world championship, how was the experience leading up to that moment? Also who did you share that special moment with, and what went threw your mind?

It was amazing, I had trained and focused so much on that title. I really couldn't believe it was all coming together for me. I shared the moment with Alistair, and also my family. Neymara got second and she is my best friend, so I shared that experience with her also. I knew she was sad because she lost, but happy for me at the same time. It was just so amazing having to fight for the world title against my best friend, and the final was so close that either one of us could have won. Nothing in my bodyboarding career tops that moment.

You have worked hard to get where you are today, what would you recommend to people wanting to follow your path?

Write down a goal to yourself that is not impossible, but at the same time not too easy. Be determined, train in all conditions, do not give up. Always remember to have fun doing it, enjoy the moment cause tomorrow might not be there. Besides all just have faith in God and in yourself, because if you can believe it you can achieve it.

What is one thing you hope body boarding can improve on in the coming years?

More coverage , more sponsors, big events in good waves. Also a lot more women involved in the sport I hope.

How has God inspired you to give you strength, and push you to the limit?

I became a Christian right before I achieved my first title, like a year earlier. Since that moment God has always given me peace and that place in my mind where no matter what life throws at me, you can always come back and be safe in God's hand. Praying gave me strength to do my best, and leave the rest in God's hands. He has a perfect time for all things.

Being on tour can be very stressful, which loved ones have supported you and always been by your side?

My mom, my brother, and Kado, they are just my solid rock when it comes to putting me up and giving me strength. My dad is always positive, he is always telling me to enjoy the experience no matter what. Alistair is always there for me, he puts me up and also gives me strength. God has given me peace of mind, once I choose my path he helped me to get there.

What was your most scariest moment while body boarding?

I had a few during the years, maybe the heaviest wipe out was in Hawaii at Back door.

Being the director of representing women on the tour, what goals would you like to achieve while in leadership?

I am always fighting for a better tour, and improving our sport. When you are in that position you just have to think about all women involved in the sport. From the beginners to the top riders, they are all important. My goal is to always fight for their best interest. Fair tour, better events, more support and same respect for men and women.

What body boarding event is most memorable to you?

Pipe, it is always unbelievable! It was where everything started in my career, and where still gives me the chills when I compete. It is a amazing place and experience. Teahapoo was amazing too, can't compare one to the other, they are both favorites.

Where in the world is your favorite place to catch a wave?

There are good waves all over, but I think my favorites are Pipe/back door and Off the wall( without the crowd if that is ever possible!). Also Cave rock in South Africa, Hinakos Islands in Indo and Tahiti.

How did it feel when you got your first sponsorship?

Pretty amazing! I couldn't believe I was getting paid to do something I love, I felt very fortunate.

From the time you caught your first wave, to present day, did you ever imagine you would have accomplished so much?

I could never imagine what was to come. I never expected to travel the world, have learned so much, and to catch waves in different destinations. I still can't believe it. But no matter what it is to come, I always remember where I came from and what it was in the beginning. Back then all I wanted was to compete and travel a bit over Brasil. I could never imagine I was going to travel all over the world, never. I wanted to but I couldn't understand how it would be possible to do that without a lot of money, but it was and still is....it's incredible.

Where would you like to end up 10 years from now, and what will you be doing?

Hopefully still find the time to surf with my kids, and enjoying a lot of family time. Also I would like to create my own board/accessories/ general equipment for women's body boarding and work on that.

What is your most missed memory from living in Brazil?

I miss Rio, looking around and being so familiar to the place that everything fits in. You don't try to understand the people because you know them. You know the culture and where they are coming from. I think still today that is what I miss the most. Being home, when you are home you take for granted all those little things that make you feel safe. Rio is not safe at all but for some reason is where I most feel safe, very weird. Of course I miss my family, my mom, my brothers, my dad, my friends. I just like going to visit whenever I want. I also miss the food, fresh juices, natural sandwiches, Brazilian food, pao de queijo, mate e acai!

Is there any thing you would like to say to the viewers reading this interview?

I was just a girl from Brazil that enjoyed boydboarding very much. I went to school and always enjoyed learning threw studying new subjects. All I wanted was to learn with life more and more things. Traveling gave me the opportunity and experience of a life time, and body boarding was just a tool . Trust in God and in yourself, and you can do it. Just believe it, whatever your passion is and work hard.