Bio
Growing up surfing the challenging breaks along Oahu’s North Shore, and then moving on to the many pointbreaks and beachbreaks around her current home in Ventura, California, Sage Erickson unearthed a raw, well-rounded talent that’s led to a spot in surfing’s big leagues. After years of dominating the NSSA and Pro Junior circuits, she qualified for the Women’s ASP World Tour in 2012 and has made it clear that she’ll be hanging around for a while. Already an adept international competitor, Sage has also shown that she’s equally comfortable conducting on-camera interviews or hosting a fashion show in front of a crowd full of screaming fans. Still in her young 20s, Sage has just begun to unveil her limitless potential for growth in and around this life she’s created as a professional surfer, occasional model and artistically-gifted young woman.
Q & A
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When did you start surfing? Where and why? Who got you started?
I started surfing when I was 10 years old on the North Shore of Oahu. My family and I moved there for four years during my pre teens! My brother was always an amazing surfer; he inspired me to get out in the water. Plus when you’re on an island you have limited options on sport activities! I picked up a board off the beach while we were having a beach day and went out and caught my very first wave at Sunset Beach. I’ve been in love ever since.
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What was the first maneuver you mastered that got you motivated to keep improving?
My first maneuver was probably something along the lines of a floater. Nothing too special but when you're just beginning at something every step forward is exciting and motivating.
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When did you start competing?
I started competing around 13!
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When did you turn pro?
I would consider myself pro at about 17 or 18. Once I was too old to compete in the amateur events I started traveling quite a bit more and competing on the WQS, which lead me to the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour.
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What are the events/wins/memories that stand out most throughout your career so far?
My most memorable event thus far would be my most recent one. I recently won a 6* event on the WQS in Oceanside, California. It was so surreal having a home-townish crowd supporting me alongside my closest family members and family. So often I compete in other countries and I get to witness the love from the hometown surfers and their communities. I had the chance this year to really embrace California support and being home felt amazing.
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What’s your favorite wave?
My favorite wave would have to be Macaronis in the Mentawais. Or Rincon at home in the Winter when I have a coffee in hand and the waves are going off.
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What’s your dream surf trip?
My life is my dream trip. I am so blessed.
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Which do you prefer: beachbreak, pointbreak, reefbreak or wavepool?
That’s a funny question – you would think coming from Ventura County I’d favor pointbreaks, but I honestly love beachbreaks the most.
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Airs, barrels or power turns?
I appreciate style. When someone can incorporate a beautiful style in any of the three options, it's my favorite for the time-being.
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If there is one thing that people in the industry would recognize you by, what would that be?
Maybe my surfboard designs? My blond hair? Heck, we are all blond!
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Who was your inspiration growing up: within your sport?
Rochelle Ballard
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Who was your inspiration growing up: outside your sport?
Jesus Christ
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What’s your training regime like? Are you more Mick or Wilko?
I definitely am more like Mick in the sense of how I approach my career. I believe in a training routine outside of just your daily surf. I believe in health as a lifestyle. I also believe that being the best in your sport requires sacrifice!
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What’s your favorite contest to compete at? Why?
I love competing in any event on the World Tour. It's so prestigious and performing brilliantly amongst the best in the world is an amazing feeling!
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What is the contest/venue that you dread and why?
I try and have an open mind to every place. There's something special about each stop on Tour.
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Finish this sentence: "Oakley is _______"
Untouchable
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If you weren’t pursuing a career as a pro surfer, what would you be doing for a living?
I'd want to be heavily involved in Fashion.
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What’s your hidden talent?
I have a silly whistling technique.
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Which superpower would you prefer: the ability to fly or X-ray vision?
Fly, duhh!
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If you had to share a hotel room/apartment with one Oakley athlete, who would it NOT be and why?
I love all my teammates. <3
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Tell us a funny story about another Oakley athlete (We’ll never tell…until we post it on your bio page).
Erica Hosseini is funny.
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Who makes you laugh?
My Mom. I don't go a day without her making me cry of laughter. Her impersonation of the depression commercial gets me every time.
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Who’s your celebrity look-alike?
Someone said Scarlett Johansson the other week. Heck if i know ... this answer may seem arrogant?
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Who's your celebrity crush?
David Beckham
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Which do you prefer: spicy or yellow mustard?
Yellow
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Pancakes or waffles?
Glueten free baby! Pancakes?
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Coffee or tea?
Coffee addict.
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Your favorite: Food?
Kombucha
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Vacation spot?
Tahiti maybe? I haven't been yet!
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Airline?
Emirates or United
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Candy?
Ginger chews
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Sport (besides your own)?
Motocross would be cool.
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Holiday?
Christmas
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Music Genre?
Alternative
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Regular Movie?
Liar Liar
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Animal?
Dog
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One Word Association:
Freesurfing: Spiritual • Contests: Showtime • North Shore: Beautiful • Training: Hardwork • Beauty: Within • Victory: Success • Defeat: Lesson • Fried: Necessity • Foe: Guilty • Oakley: Futuristic
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Any last words?
I <3 you, Oakley.
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