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Virginia Beach resident surfer loves to catch waves
Courtesy: Gina Foresta

Virginia Beach resident surfer loves to catch waves

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. — “Quite honestly, I love everything about surfing,” said Virginia Beach resident Camden Hoover, 15 years old. “I love how it makes me smile — how when the weather might be pouring down rain I’m still sitting with a smile on my face. It welcomes me into this happiness that just holds on and won’t let go.”

Hoover is a homeschooled high school freshman. The efficiency of engaging in academics at home has allowed her to focus on surfing for the past 11 years. Hoover also practices jiu-jitsu and spends time skateboarding with her sister, McCauley. At only 10 years old, McCauley just started her own skate apparel brand, 757 Shredders.

Courtesy: Gina Foresta

Whether it’s through physical or social activity, Hoover loves to have fun and laugh. Each week at South Beach Grill, she joins her friends onstage to sing and play the ukulele or guitar.Having varied interests helps Hoover keep a positive outlook. “My parents help me a lot with staying on track,” she said. “Their encouragement helps me stay focused on the days when it’s cold, or when the waves are not holding up to what I thought they were going to be.”

Hoover often hears the advice “go big or go home” and now has the maturity to understand its intent. “When I was younger, I thought I was being aggressive during a heat, and ended up getting disqualified for priority interference,” she explained. “I overcame it by never doing it again.”
Preparing for surfing competitions, however, is a priority for Hoover. She listens to music through her headphones before competitive surfing to get in the zone and prepare herself mentally. “My dad and I have been saying since I was a little girl that failing to prepare is preparing to fail,” Hoover said. She has learned to not worry about the unnecessary things and to not take anything for granted.

Hoover has earned sponsors, including Real Watersports, Billabong and Gustavo Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. “I’d like to say thank you to my parents and sponsors for always supporting me,” she said.
It’s her humility and dedication, and the intrinsic values by which she lives that will help Hoover get ahead in her surfing career and fulfill her dream. “I would like to become a professional surfer, and get to where I can be involved in the world of professional surfing,” she said. Her surf report looks very promising.

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