"Straight to the Top"
"When she was 11 years old, her surfing just went off." This is the voice of China Uemura, surfings' Mayor of Waikiki, speaking about Megan Abubo, one of Hawaii's and the world's finest professional surfers. "I'm telling you, Brah!" China continues, " I never saw a kid get so good, so fast. By the time she was fifteen, she was winning everything in sight. Next thing I know, she's a pro and still winning!" Megan Abubo, at 24, standing 5'3" 120 lbs. is every bit cute, athletic, buff but not brute. A professional surfer since she was seventeen, she has been ranked as high as #2 on the ASP Woman's World Tour. China pauses to remember and reflect; a warm smile then comes to his face. "She has my complete blessing" with deep emotion in his voice he adds, "she is a sweetheart, she cares, she is one really good girl."
Living in Waikiki with her single mom and two sisters, Megan was exposed early in her life, to all of the wrong choices. By the strength of her convictions she by-passed the distractions and "went straight to the top", in surfing, and, in life. Megan speaks to this process; "my youth was not soft and 'cushie' and I'm grateful. The hardships taught me how to deal with adversity, let go of upsets, make good decisions, rely on myself, and, channel all of my emotion into surfing."
Megan does not dwell on the pain of her childhood; she focuses instead on the positive aspects of her life. "I feel very fortunate, I grew up in the perfect place with a huge amount of support from an extended family of beach boys and serious surfers. At sixteen, when my mom died, my Aunt and Uncle adopted me. Living with them in Wailua was the best thing that ever happened to my career and me. They gave me the stability and love I needed to reach for my dreams."
Megan then speaks to the issues of competition, focus, and fitness and being a stunt double in BLUE CRUSH, this summer's hit surf movie playing on the big screen.
On Competition: "I love to compete, I look forward to every contest, I paddle out knowing I can win. Right now, I'm surfing better than ever and I'm having an off year. I've beaten everyone on the tour and they've beaten me. My attitude and mental toughness will determine how well I do on the second half of the tour."
On Focus: "When I'm focused on feeling my performance, the action slows down, I lose track of time, I feel strong and calm and I surf at my best. At this point in my career, my performance goal is to create this state on a consistent basis.
On Fitness: "I just want to draw lines and feel the power of the waves. The additional strength I've gained from running on the beach, lifting weights and riding my bike has enabled me to up the ante and perform better in bigger waves."
BLUE CRUSH: "What a fabulous opportunity to work with some real professionals. Watermen and lifeguards, Brian Keaulana and Terry Ahue taught me how to do tow-in surfing in some very big waves, and in only two days! I was proud to be part of this effort to promote Girl Power."
Keep it Simple: Megan has handled the rigors of her life with class and dignity. As she pushes to get back to the top of this year's rankings, she IS standing tall. In dealing with her challenges she repeatedly makes the Growth Choice. She has excelled in Life's Lessons 101. She can put her best effort on the line under intense situations, she accepts the results and feels good about herself and her life. That's HiLevel!
