Who's Rad? Juli Hernandez.
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| Photo: John Lienman |
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| Photo: Jon Hodges |
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| Photo: Jon Hodges |
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| Photo: Kurt Steinmetz |
People kept mentioning Juli's name to us. Here and there it would come up - and the people telling us about her didn't even know one another. That's when we knew we had to track this 16 yr old surfer/skater down, and have a meet up. Turns out it was easier than we expected. There she was hanging at the Vans US Open bowl with all her skater friends during the women's contest. Yep, she moves seamlessly between surf and skate circles as if it was nothing to do both sports extremely well.
You may not know her name yet, but believe me you will. Juli surfs aggressively, but with beautiful style. Her skating is the same, charge & attack but still with a low, smooth, flow to it - reminds me of a boy I grew up skating with with named Jay Adams. Juli is definitely not afraid to "Go For It", and that combined with her easy going style, in and out of the water, makes her someone very special, and definitely one to watch!
Who's Rad? Julianne Hernandez
Age? 16 Years old
Home is? Costa Mesa, California
How long have you been skateboarding? 4 years
How long have you been surfing? 5 years
What got you into these 2 sports?
Just being raised in California where there everyone is into these sports like surfing and skating so I thought why not do both.
What do you enjoy most about both surfing and skateboarding?
I like how when you surf or skate everyone is different. You show your style and personality through those sports and there is really no wrong way to skate or surf. I mean sure your style may not be as smooth as the pros but it doesn't mean it's wrong.
Do you enjoy competing in contests, or is freeriding your thing?
Yes I do enjoy competing in contest. Not only because you win or lose but because you get to experience and interact with different people from around the world. I never forget the reason I started surfing or skating though.. I started it because I loved it not for the experience of winning or losing.
Girls Who Skate that inspire YOU:
There are so many I have come to look up to like Leticia Bufoni, Julz Lynn and Alana Smith, but some of my friends like Sarah Thompson who really push me to improve really do inspire me.
Girls that Surf that inspire YOU?
Like I said before, there are so many like your Lakey's, Carissa's, Stephanie's, but one that truly inspire me is one of my best friends.. Meah Collins.. It would take a book to explain everything but she has always been there. No doubt.
Favorite place you've ever skated?
Man, do I love Etnies…
Favorite place you have ever surfed?
I really want to travel and find a wave I can truly call my favorite but for now I'll have to say Rincon.
Favorite Trick or maneuver – skateboarding? Aren’t Nose Blunts just beautiful?
Favorite trick or maneuver – surfing? I'm going to have to say barrels.. All day long.
Sponsors:
Papa Hernandez (every contest I'm at), Vanguard Surf and Skate, & Hurley
Three Things You Don't Know About Me:
1. I do every sport that ends with "board"
2. I'm Cuban and Costa Rican with some Italian and Spanish thrown in there somewhere.
3. I think Girl is NOT a 4 letter word is one of the best companies out there for inspiring girls. Honestly.
What’s Next?
Well, I just want to keep doing what I'm doing. Exploring different spots to surf/skate... Life's an adventure and I'm just super stoked to be living it and meeting some pretty rad people and visiting various places all over the world along the way.
Lastly I would like to thank GN4LW for the interview! Keep doing what your doing! Stay Rad!
Make sure you follow Juli at:
Instagram: @juliphernandez
Twitter: @juli_penelope
Facebook: Juli Hernandez