Surfer Girl- A Guide to the Surfing Life

From surfer to model to movie star, Sanoe Lake can now add author to her list of accomplishments. Surfer Girl- A Guide to the Surfing Life is a fun guide for young girls who want to learn the basics before getting in the water. Sanoe covers topics from catching your first wave to dealing with boys in the water. She advises on getting in shape and finding functional surf wear. She shares her own surf stories, briefs us on the “herstory” of women’s surfing, and makes sure you know that while surfing is a really fun lifestyle, it also takes patience and focus to succeed. The book is full of color and loaded with photos, illustrations, charts, and cartoons that make for an easy read for ages 12 and up. There’s a glossary as well as a reference section that includes links to everything from surf schools to environmental groups. Surfer Girl is a great introductory book and is a fun addition for collectors of women’s surfing keepsakes.

Sanoe, you are an accomplished model, surfer, and actress. Now you can add author to your list! How did the book idea come about and how did you come to work with Steven Jarrett?
There have been so many girls coming up to me who were curious about surfing and wanting to get in the water. I wanted to create a book that would help them figure out how to get into it safely while enjoying the process at the same time. I also wanted to make the book colorful and easy to read and absorb, so I put over 100 color photos and illustrations in there. Steve Jarett, who co-authored the book with me is an accomplished writer and a good friend of my agent Cindy Kauanui at Jet Set Management. I wanted to write a really good book so I knew I would need the help and guidance of a very talented writer to do so.

What was the writing experience like? Did you ever get writers block?
The writing experience was tedious but very fulfilling. We went through the book over and over and over- adding and subtracting, going back and forth in an attempt to make the best possible final product. I never really got writers block. I think it was only due to the fact that I was writing from my own life experience.

Why focus just on girls/women surfers, instead of a general “how-to” book for everyone?
I think it comes down to the intimidation factor that tends to be more predominant in females. Surfing is generally a male dominated sport and the ocean can be intimidating as well, especially for people who haven’t grown up in and around it. I do think, however, this book can also be helpful to anyone, male or female, who is interested in surfing.

This book has a really fun look and feel. From all the cool photos, charts, and art, it really stands out and makes for an easy read. What was your impression when you saw yourself as a cartoon character?
First let me mention Georgia Rucker. She was commissioned to help with the book design and she did an awesome job. Seeing myself as a cartoon was hilarious! Growing up I always thought it would be cool to be in a Marvel comic book….so it was pretty cool.

So What’s next for your multi-faceted career? Singer? Artist? Stockbroker?
I’m currently working on a film in Los Angeles called Rolling. I’ll keep you posted!

-review/interview by Anne Beasley Weber