Above: Photo Olaf Pignataro
Hello Victoria, tell us where you are you from and what it’s like there?
I come from the beautiful island of Reunion. It’s a small French island in the middle of the Indian ocean, near Africa. Surrounded by perfect waves and dreamy beaches with palm trees, this paradise has many other landscapes like waterfalls, mountains, volcano and desert..
How long have you been surfing?
My parents introduced me to the ocean when I was four years old, on a bodyboard. I’ve never stopped since that day and I decided to become professional when I was 15.
Above: Photo Binch Aquashots.
What do you love most about surfing?
Surfing is how I express myself and being in the ocean is where I feel more alive. I’ve always wanted to be a mermaid. In surfing, the noseriding is the feeling I love the most, it’s like flying on the sea, walking on the wave, there is something magical about it.
Who influences your surfing the most?
My favorite surfer is and will always be Kassia Meador. She has the best style and is the definition of dancing on the waves.
What kind of tunes get you pumped and ready for surf?
Music with good energy, which makes you feel happy.
Above: Photo @guillaume_arrieta
What’s your perfect day?
A perfect day is a long sunny day, with good food, good waves and good friends. I’m totally a beach girl. I could spend my entire day at the beach, even if there are no waves. Playing in the ocean or getting tanned with my friends.
What things do you eat to stay healthy?
I eat whatever I want, but to me it needs to be healthy. I always think about what sort of vitamins are in the food and what it’s giving to my body. I am always active, so I need a lot of good food to give me energy. When I’m travelling, I’m careful with my diet because I tend to lose a lot of weight and muscle quickly instead of gaining weight so I make sure I eat a lot of protein, carbohydrates, and good fats, everything fresh and organic as much as possible.
And what’s your weakness?
I’m not patient…
What essentials do you make sure you always pack for a surf trip?
The first things I put into my luggages are bikinis. I always bring with me my Nilox camera, my polaroid, I love taking photos or videos. My sunscreen Seventy One Percent, my In/fusion tea, and of course good pairs of Reef shoes like the Reef Rover which are perfect for explorations on a surf trip.
Above: Photo @guillaume_arrieta
How many boards in your quiver and which one is your favourite?
I’ve got around 6 longboards and 2 shortboards between my appartment in Hossegor and my parents’ garage. My favourite is my 9’3 noserider single fin made by my shaper Lufi, and my 5’10 sunflower single by Ellis Ericson.
How do you feel about all the coverage the girls get for their looks these days?
To me fashion is an extension of the personality and if the surfer girls can use what Mother Nature gave them or work hard on their looks to draw people in, then why not use it ?
What motto do you try to live by?
Dream big.
Describe your life in 5 words
Pineapple, Ocean, Positive, Exploration, Family
Above: Photo Olaf Pignataro
