Beneath the Surface

I am a third generation Professional Waterman, Ocean Advocate and (I've been told) a master story-teller. I have the family, the history and the gift, for which I am grateful, to have excelled in every action sport that has been a part of my life so far. Following in my parents' footstep's (Dad, Matt, is an as 18X world Champion and my mother, Shawneen also was a World Champion in Windsurfing), I began my career as a child. Traveling with my best friend, Connor Baxter, and sponsored by Starboard (for my entire career) we competed in windsurfing, gradually adding surfing, then Standup racing and surfing. 

Throughout my life, since the age of 13, I have kept a daily journal - in fact, three different journals. I was inspired by my Grandparents, Diane and Hoyle Schweitzer, and my maternal grandmother, Carolyn, to reflect on my days and collect my life stories with an attitude of gratitude.

In 2017 I had the honor of competing in the Ultimate Waterman event in New Zealand. It is comprised of 8 different watersports and eight of the top athletes in each discipline live and compete together. I was fortunate to gain my second win at The Ultimate Waterman event (2016 and 2017). In my book you can share these adventures with me. For example, I share the exact pages from my journals that led to my earning the ISA World title in Fiji in 2017.

A lifetime of global travel and competition (since age 11) has provided me with a collection of adventures and stories - collected in my daily journals. I am eager to share my personal stories and insights. They have led me on a learning journey that most recently sparked my mission to be an ECO Ambassador for the Ocean, the environment and to #innovateandinspire the next generation. My knowledge and connection with the ocean all stem from my lifelong pursuit of my passion - the Ocean as our home and our playground.

I had the honor of participating in Parley for the Oceans - Ocean School in the spring of 2017. This experience is detailed in my book, and it changed my perspective on what "living a full life" means to me. 

Life as a professional athlete is not all glory and fun - although it is a life I wouldn't trade for anything. I have often had to "dig deep" and overcome injury, illness, challenges and roadblocks. I have not shared these stories before, but they help paint a picture of who I am - and how we all have similar challenges no matter what path our life adventure takes us.