Biarritz native Lee Ann Curren, 19, is one of Europe’s most exciting up-and-coming female surfers. Lee Ann takes some time out from the WQS tour to chat waves, will power and the struggle to stay awake...

How did you get into surfing?
I’ve been surfing for about 13 years, ever since my father threw me into the water when I was a little child! I was already watching him surfing so I was really keen to try it out too. But he didn’t put any pressure on me to be a surfer, I continued surfing because I love it, not just to emulate my dad.

Video of Lee Ann in action

What does surfing mean to you?
Surfing holds a really important place in my life; I can’t feel good if I’m not on my board. I think I would be depressed if I was far from the sea!

It must sometimes be difficult to be judged as the daughter of a 3-times World Champion...
Well, it’s true that people do often associate my career with his. But we have lived totally different stories and it would be stupid for me to try to do the same things that he’s already done because it’s impossible! So to be honest, I try not to think about that too much really!

Where did the nickname Sleepy come from?
It was during a trip in California with Alizé Arnaud… She gave me that name because I slept for about 20 hours a day on that trip! But since that day, I swear I sleep less!

Apart from sleeping, what do you do when you’re not surfing?
I often have so many things to do when I’m at home. I try to spend time with my family and friends as much as possible, otherwise I’ll be training whether in or out of the water.

You’re also learning guitar, aren’t you?
Yes indeed, but my new goal now is to learn piano!

You live in the south-west of France, are you neighbours with Pauline Ado?
Yes, Pauline is a good friend of mine. We’ve began surfing nearly at the same times and I love travelling or training with her. We push each other to the top, to our maximum, maybe because we’re quite competitive as well.

Who do you like to surf with?
It depends a lot. During trips, I am used to surfing with Pauline (Ado) and Alizée (Arnaud). But I see a lot of people in the water so I cannot mention everybody! I often go surfing alone and meet my friends over there.

What do you think of the surfing level of the French girls?
I think we have the potential to compete with the others but we have to work a lot because the level is so high in all the other countries

See the full article at Cooler Magazine