NCW has a new member of the team. Although we say this Becci has been working at North Coast Wetsuits off and on for a while now. But as of this moment, she’s full time. And we couldn’t be more pleased! With this in mind we thought we’d get some lowdown to help introduce everyone to her.
Firstly, give us some background on your watersports career to date. As we understand it, you’re a keen surfer?
I love surfing. It’s my life. When I was studying fashion design and manufacture at Uni, in my final year I realized my passion was wetsuits and surf fashion based, and luckily got a job at Beaver Sports in Huddersfield. That’s where my skills for wetsuit manufacture and repair began and my passion for surfing started. I’ve only been surfing for about 8 years, which is when I moved to Cornwall after I had finished Uni. I found my true love for longboarding about 2 years ago.
Where do you normally ride and who with?
Polzeath is my home beach. I live for dawnies in the summer, and I’m comfortable going on my own but I know there’ll always be someone in the water that I know. My friend Steff is one of my go to surf buddies. She’s a fellow longboarder too and we’ve come through a bit of a fear of deep water together. I have a whole group of wonderful friends that are surf buddies, all of which have pushed and encouraged me and me back to them, we’re a pretty loud bunch in the water “yewwwwing” each other!
How do you find it being a female surfer? Do you get any jip from the Alphas or do you put them in their place?
Luckily I’ve not had too much jip. I generally go in the water as early as possible or as late as possible to avoid crowds as Polzeath in summer like most of Cornwall is human soup. I do love winter surfing too and luckily it’s not so busy then. I reckon the “alphas” probably move away when a group of us get in as we’re quite bubbly and loud having fun and party-waving! Any time that there have been comments made or gestures, I’ll smile, ignore it and carry on because if it is busy in the water you have to make the most of sharing the waves, and we’re not in a competition right now so relax and have fun.
Do any other activities besides surf?
Sewing isn’t just work for me, I like making clothes and other stuff. I had to think hard about this because I’ve not had much time the past 2 years to do anything other than work and surf! I love yoga and though I haven’t been to a class for a while, nothing beats a good sun salutation! Reading, listening to music, going to gigs, and going for a good beach walk with my dog Berny are the other things that make me happy.
Where’s your fave surf spot – home or away?
I do love Towan in Newquay off the harbor. It puts the fear of God in you when a set comes and these huge walls of water are coming towards you, but it’s a really good wave, quite steep but so much fun. Playgrounds at Nusa Lembongan is amazing too. I visited there for a day when I went to Bali.
Any specific surfing goals?
This year has been my most progressive year for longboarding, but my goal is to get used to cross stepping. If I think too much about it I trip myself up.
How’s the pandemic affected your surfing, if at all?
It was soul destroying not being able to surf in the first lockdown as I lived just slightly too far away, but that encouraged me to make the most of getting in the water when we could again! It definitely affected my paddle strength though, but that’s my fault for not exercising enough, haha!
Tell us about your role with NCW and what that entails.
I help pack up online orders and send them off to the customers, I do repair work for any suits or equipment, and help with sample ideas for future products. I’m really really excited to learn everything with NCW so I can process orders, or help customers that come in the shop, just be as helpful as possible in my new job.
What are you most looking forward to as part of the NCW fam?
Honestly everything. I want to learn everything! And also a group surf ASAP.
How did you learn your craft? (The part about repairing wetsuits specifically).
So in my final year of Uni, I visited Cornwall with friends and caught the surf bug. That inspired my final collection and luckily Beaver Sports let me make a shorty wetsuit as part of it. Sewing has always been a part of my life, I was taught from a really young age and Uni developed those skills to a professional level. Beaver Sports then pushed those skills even more as I was able to use all the different sewing machines, from blindstitch to bar tacking, and was also taught how to glue wetsuits.
Anything you’re particularly looking to learn about rubber?
I’m super interested in the new neoprenes being developed that are environmentally friendly. I’d really love to learn more about that.
We hear you make a mean coffee? What’s your fave type to drink?
Espresso Martini! Haha! I do love a coconut milk latte if I’m feeling extra, or mocha for a chocolate hit. I could go on and on.
Bacon or sausage sarnie?
Bacon.
Beer or cider?
Beer.
Clotted cream first or after the jam?
After the jam!
Any final thoughts on surfing?
It was an amazing moment when I found my love for surfing. Everyone needs to try it at some point. It’s not just great for fitness, it helps with mental health and meeting other people who love the ocean too. I have made some lifelong friends through surfing and made wonderful memories too.
Thanks and praise?
I’m really thankful for this opportunity with NCW. I’m honestly so excited to learn as much as possible and be as helpful as I can! So thanks Mark and Laura I appreciate it so much. Thanks for an excellent welcome to the team! GROUP SURF ASAP! PARTY WAVES ON!
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