Hawaiian South Shore Member of the Month - Erica Ta

When and why did you initially get into surfing?

I had only surfed a handful of times before February 2020, so after a surf trip from Hilo to Oahu with my girlfriends that month I had a big crush on surfing and took it seriously. It was good timing to improve my surfing when the pandemic hit – I made use of all that down time to practice surf and get in the water at least every morning.

Did you have a time period you laid off from surfing?

Early last year I had to lay off the water completely for a month or so. I went waterfall chasing with friends and my entire big toe nail popped off after my foot slid down a wet mossy rock and clipped another rock at the bottom. I was in so much shock when it happened I couldn’t stop laughing.

What is your favorite thing about surfing?

There are too many unmatched, good things to say about surfing, but I wouldn’t love surfing as much as I do without all the fun sessions with friends. Not much beats when everyone’s laughing, catching fun waves, cheerleading, also roasting each other, or panic/stoke paddling when big sets roll through.

Where is your favorite place to eat after surfing?

Lately Pioneer Saloon in Diamond Head always sounds like a good idea.

What is your favorite item on the menu?

I haven’t tried all I want to try there, but I had a moment with the furikake salmon plate the other day.

What other hobbies do you have besides surfing?

Spearfishing and fishing have become big parts of the hobby rotation for the past handful of years. With surfing, diving, and fishing I like that you’re always learning, getting challenged, and enjoying the elements however they come. Plus you get to eat and share! YUM!

What type of work do you do?

I’m a Geospatial Analyst with the Climate Resilience Collaborative at UH Mānoa. We are an interdisciplinary research group that focuses on challenges related to climate change and better understanding community exposure to these changes. My work involves modeling sea level rise to help project future stresses to both the community and the shoreline.

Tell us about the board you recently purchased from us. What model and size is it, and how do you like its performance?

My blue FireWire Dominator 2.0 has been a spicy, zippy addition to the rotation of boards I normally use. I got a 5’9” and have been taking it out any chance I get to learn it better. So far, so good, it’s been a fun small wave board.