Alana Blanchard
Biography
Alana Blanchard was born on the North Shore of Kauai March 5, 1990. Her hometown, Princeville Kauai, was the perfect place to raise a daughter who immediately had a passion for surfing. Alana's father Holt put Alana on a surfboard at the tender age of 4 and at that moment a surfer was born. From there on out Alana was hooked to surfing and was one of the two girls on the island that surfed on an all boys team. Alana's best friend Bethany Hamilton surfed with her (and still does today) and gave the boys a run for their money. These two girls had the talent that nobody had seen before.Alana began competing around the age of 9 years old and would constantly get 1st or 2nd place in competitions. Her practice surfing grounds were the best in the world and gave Alana monstrous waves even as a little girl.
When Alana was 13 years old she had a traumatic experience when surfing with her friend. Alana's father Holt and brother Byron were surfing with Bethany Hamilton October 31, 2003 at Tunnels beach when Bethany was attacked by a tiger shark. Alana paddled by Bethany's side the entire way to shore not knowing if her best friend was going to make it. Thankfully, Bethany did live because of what Alana and her family did on that day. It took her a long time to go back to Tunnels and surf again, but soon mustered up the courage about a year later. Alana and Bethany still remember that day very vividly but do not let that distract them from doing what they love.
Some of the biggest competitions Alana has won are Women's Pipeline Championship 2005 and 2007. She was only 15 years old, the youngest surfer ever to win Pipe, in 2005. She took back her title of Pipeline Princess back in 2007 and amazed the world with her competitive and fierce skills in surfing.
Today Alana surfs full time and travels all over the world with her sponsors and made the WCT Tour for the year of 2009 at only 18 years of age!
Her sponsors include Rip Curl, Sanuk, Vertra Elemental Resistance, and SB Surfbaords.
When not surfing Alana loves to hang out with her friends and family and has built up a portfolio by modeling for a few of her sponsors. She currently resides in Kauai with her family. Holt, (father) Byron, (older brother) Mom, and Dorian. (younger brother)
To find out more on Alana's contests be sure to visit her official site at www.alanablanchard.com