A Chat with Blythe Bejan

Ranked first in the Western Surfing Association’s Women’s Longboard 18-and-over and in the Women’s Longboard Open Divisions, Blythe Bejan has teamed up with Coach’s Oats while she continues to shred in the WSA. Bonnie had a moment to talk with Blythe and ask her about her lifestyle and what surfing means to her.

Bonnie: So how does it feel to be dominating the WSA in the women’s Longboard 18-and-over, and in the women’s Longboard open divisions?

Blythe: Wow, I guess I don't really think of it as dominating, but rather having a really good year.

Bonnie: How long have you been surfing?

Blythe: I have been catching waves for over 40 years, first on a raft, then Boogie Boards, and finally hard boards.

Bonnie: What sparked your interest the first time you hopped on a surfboard?

Blythe: How fun! It’s a feeling that is really hard to describe. I know surfers say that a lot but it’s true.

Bonnie: Do you remember what your first competition was like?

Blythe: My first competition was the Roxy Wahine in ’99 down at San Onofre [State Beach in California]. I took sixth. I was hooked! It was all girls from eight to 50-plus. It was a warm fuzzy, and very positive.

Bonnie: Have you ever had an interest in competing on a shortboard? Or are you a longboarder for life?

Blythe: I own a fish, (which is a fat short board in simplest terms), so maybe next year, but yes, I am a longboarder for life.

Bonnie: What is the most memorable moment you've had on the board?

Blythe: This is without a doubt the hardest question; I have been lucky enough to have at least three such waves I can speak to. One: break wall in Lahaina. It was eight-10 perfect left. Two: Boca, Costa Rica, seven-nine perfect left – such a long perfect ride. Three: un-named, Mainland Mexico, eight-ten left that peeled for days - unbelievable!

Bonnie: What kind of training regimen have you been undertaking?

Blythe: I must say this question does put a smile on my face, as I don't really have a regimen. If I can't surf, then I swim, and if I can do neither, then I am known to be a bit grumpy.

Bonnie: Athletes are often very stringent with their diets; do you find that what you eat affects your performance?

Blythe: I really wish I could get it together with my diet. I try really hard, but I like fruit only if it’s cut into a bowl with the skin cut off, sprinkled with a little powdered sugar, and topped with cool whip, so that’s not necessarily the best. If I skip a meal or two I can feel it. Truth be told, I'm still awaiting the gob-stopper Willie Wonka was to make years ago, and you could chew on it for your dinner…

Bonnie: What kind of advice would you give people who feel they don’t have enough time to work out or go to the gym?

Blythe: People are always asking me how I fit everything into my schedule. It’s fun for me to think of things throughout the day that will help me keep my body active. I just began noticing that some situations in life were also the perfect time to change whatever you’re doing into some form of exercise.

Bonnie: What kind of things do you do?

Blythe: Well in the morning before I go surfing, I fill up some jugs of water to wash off with after I’m done. When I am carrying the jugs I will try and do some arm curls with them. I do the same thing when I am carrying groceries. Leg-lifts are another thing you can do pretty much anywhere. It may not sound like a lot but every little bit counts right?

Bonnie: When you're not out surfing, what is your favorite thing to do?

Blythe: I love to putz around, simply find things to do. I'm a bit crafty so I make things with stuff found on the beach.

Bonnie: What advice would you give to young surfers that aspire to be in your position?

Blythe: I don't really see myself in that “position,” but if there is one thing, it would be to believe in yourself.

Bonnie: As a successful athlete what is your favorite thing about Coach’s Oats?

Blythe: Without a doubt it would be sustainability, it keeps me going all day, and I absolutely love that.

Bonnie: And now for the most important question of all, what is your favorite way to eat Coach’s Oats?

Blythe: I love the fact that you can microwave it in no time. I like to throw in some raisins, and of course brown sugar, maybe a nut or two. It’s delicious!

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