In October we went to Hossegor, France
and surprised pro surfer Maud le Car with a framed copy of her on the new front cover.
She wasn’t expecting it and it was so nice to see her astonished face! While we were there we got Maud to sign some copies of the cover. To be in with a chance to win a copy of Maud’s signed cover click here.
Here’s a short clip of what happened when we surprised Maud at Le Surfing in Estagnots, Hossegor.
Maud is one of the nicest surfers you can meet and she rips too, plus she’s a really good artist. What doesn’t this girl do? We found out more.
Maud, how did you get in to surfing? I’m from the island of St Martin in the French Caribbean and I started surfing there when I was 12. It’s at the top of Caribbean chain, near Puerto Rico. It’s only a tiny island but we’ve got a couple of spots.
Favourite surf spot in the world? Hard question. Probably here in Hossegor. I just love it here – especially the long sandbars in Seignosse. It’s always changing, there’s a lot of variety, the waves are fun and it’s just a great place to be.
In a film of your life who would play you?
I love Vanessa Paradis! So her.
How has surfing inspired your art?
Travelling helps a lot. Seeing different countries and cultures. I love going to exhibitions and checking out street art wherever I go. So surfing helps me experience all that and get inspired. And, of course, in the water the natural beauty of the world and being in the environment that I love inspires everything I do.
What are your favourite cities for art?
That’s such a super-hard question. So many options. (Long pause.) Every city has it’s own style. I love Los Angeles. The mix of cultures there creates something wonderful. I love street art so it’s a good diversion when the surf’s not good. London has great graffiti; I was there a few weeks ago for a House of Vans event.
Who inspires you?
Life inspires me rather than individuals. I have the chance to life the live I do and seeing and experiencing what I do inspires me. I’m super-grateful to be where I am right now.
How do you relax?
Drink smoothies with my friends! (Laughs.) Just being home is relaxing. Seeing my friends, working on my art, drinking coffee. Just enjoying the relaxed Hossegor life. I travel so much that home is like a holiday. It’s been a long time since I’ve spent any time at home.
Any advice for surf girls wanting to express themselves?
Just be determined and persevere. Surfing is hard. Being a good surfer is about being passionate and pushing your limits. Be the best you can be and just keep trying to achieve whatever you want to do. And remember to have fun!
Maud’s from St Martin part of the French Caribbean islands, and the island was destroyed by Hurricane Irma. In this video Maud returns home to see how the rebuild is going and scores some good surf too:
