April 26, 2019Interviews

Interview with Local Surfer Deana Dhillon

So, tell us a little about yourself

My name is Deana Dhillon and I am 27 years old. I was born and raised in North County San Diego, but I have spent the last 6 Winters chasing the frozen waves of North Lake Tahoe!

deanna cardiff surfboard her waves

How long have you been surfing and what does surfing mean to you?

I love surfing all types of boards and I usually bring a few options when going to the beach to surf. I ride boards of all sizes from 5’10 to 9’2. My favorite boards are my retro mid-length single fins. I started surfing when I was about 8 years old, but my obsession didn’t begin until I joined the Surf Team at Carlsbad High when I was 16. I competed in few contests growing up but realized surfing for fun and teaching groms how to surf is what I do best! I’ve been very fortunate to have my life surrounded by the ocean and I’ve taught surf lessons every summer since I was a teenager. Surfing means everything to me! My whole life I have suffered from ADHD and I feel like surfing is the one thing that keeps that in control. I can concentrate on what I am doing at the moment but also release my energy. Surfing has been a very important healing tool for me.

We know you have a vintage Etsy store, tell us about that and what inspired you to start it?

I grew up listening to the oldies, so I’ve always been inspired by the style of The Beatles, Janis Joplin, and Stevie Nicks. Everything from the era of the 60s to the 90s. I want to keep that style of fashion thriving! I also love the fact that thrifting helps recycle old clothing that would otherwise go to a landfill. I hate the awful outcomes of “Fast Fashion” and wasteful packaging and I don’t want to support that industry.

Deanna vw bus skating her waves rolling single