TORREY MEISTER

PROFESSIONAL SURFER/BULL RIDER

WHat gets you up in the morning?

Anything that the good Lord created that bucks or breaks in the ocean. Also the smell of a good cup of coffee gets me out of bed. 

What’s the high point of your career?

I would probably say winning the O’Neill Cold Water Classic back in 2013. I probably wouldn’t be a pro surfer if it wasn’t for winning that event. Also finishing a video project last year called Grit N Water. Ive always wanted to make a profile piece/surf movie with strictly country music and a western inspired theme. Felt nice to accomplish that.

What obstacles have you overcome? 

I have had a lot of injuries in my career. When I ruptured my spleen and had hip surgery in the same year was a pretty big obstacle for me. I would say coming back from that also aided me in finding a new found love for big wave surfing, that might have never happened if it weren’t for those injuries. For me it put the vision of my career in perspective and I realized that small wave competitive surfing wasn’t all I wanted to be doing. Big wave surfing pretty much stole my heart out of the blue and its all I have wanted to do since.

WILLEM BANKS

PROFESSIONAL SURFER

What gets you up in the morning?

Usually the sun will will wake me up telling my primal being to tackle each day like it’s my last. 

Whats the high point of your career?

 I’d say the end of 2020 and beginning of 2021 when two of the largest and cleanest swells hit California. Those swells lit up Mavericks providing some of the largest and heaviest waves I have ever surfed with true success. I over came all my fears and doubts to prove to my self in those moments that I have what it takes to be a good big wave surfer and better yet a savage human. It almost felt like another step into the chapter of manhood. The feeling I had during those days will always be a highlight of my life.

What obstacles have you overcome? 

There’s many things over the years that could have held me back from reaching my true potential. Injuries, family feuds, bad girlfriends, devastating wipeouts that makes you question your existence, and losing friends and family. It’s only made my foundation stronger, to be able to take on any adversity that the world might throw at me, testing my growth as a human and what I do to stay on the right path to move onward and upward focusing on health and positivity. 

Whats your West Peak flavor? 

Fathom Falls Cooler

AUTUMN HAYS

professional surfer

What gets you up in the morning? 

Mornings are my favorite part of the day. A good cup of coffee and a surf check is the way I start every day. 

Whats the high point of your career? 

The high point of my career was my first QS win. I won the Iquique Pro contest in Chile which is one of my favorite places I’ve ever visited. Chile reminds me a lot of home in Santa Cruz.

What obstacles have you overcome? 

My biggest obstacle I’ve overcome has probably been learning how to lose in surfing competitions. Losses can be pretty devastating in the moment. But I’ve been learning how to channel the negativity of losing into a more positive learning experience. Because, if you’re not winning, you’re learning. There is always something to learn from every loss.

Alo slebir

PROFESSIONAL SURFER

What gets you up in the morning? 

Everyday I know there is a possibility for something new to happen and its exciting. Whether it is surfing, school, or your average day life, I know that its a possibility and drives me outta bed in the morning. 

Whats the high point of your career? 

A high point in my career is something I’ve always juggled to figure out. I think for now the high point would be almost being done with a undergraduate degree at UCSC while still able to chase swells at Mavericks. The ability that I still have to chase big waves and live out my dream, all while studying, is for me a high light.

What obstacles have you overcome? 

For me staying healthy has always been an obstacle in pursuing big wave surfing. From broken feet, ankles, etc, it’s the price you pay to living the dream. This is the main thing that keeps me outta of the water, but of course there is other things such as school or traumatic events that also can make things more difficult. 

What’s your favorite west peak flavor? 

Fathom Falls Cooler