We catch up with Tegan about all things surf, travel, the environment and surf jewellery of course!
Tegan, tell us a bit about yourself?
My name is Tegan Blackford I am 15 years old and I live in Newquay Cornwall. I started surfing on my local break with my dad when I was 5 and I did my first competition age 9. Since then I have won the under 12s, 14s and 16s English National Championships in the shortboard and the under 18 girls longboard. I have been to the European Grom Search final twice placing 2nd in the under 12 girls in 2017 and 7th in the under 16 girls last year. I have also been selected to represent England at the British Cup later this year.
Where are you based and what's your favourite place to surf in the UK?
I am based in Crantock, Cornwall, which is little village just outside of Newquay. I really like surfing Watergate in the summer and then I have a few secret spots that are really fun and so quiet.
What gets you motivated to surf in the colder months?
In the colder months the surf is normally better than in the summer, which gets me super motivated. I also like to have a holiday at the end of winter so that I have something warm to look forward too.
What got you into surfing?
My parents, auntie and uncle all surf and my Grandpa was one of the pioneer surf crew in West Cornwall, so it’s a bloodline. My dad would take me down to our local beach at Crantock in the summer from when I was a baby and sit me on the front of his board. Over the years, I grew in confidence and by the time I was six he was pushing me into green waves.
If you could surf anywhere in the world where would you go?
It would definitely be somewhere hot, where all you need is a suitcase full of bikinis, shoes are not required and no cars in sight. I would love to explore some of the more secluded islands in Indonesia.
What's the best place you have surfed abroad and why?
Bali is amazing, not only for its waves, but also its culture. It’s so nice to ditch my wetsuit after the long winter as it gives you such a sense of freedom to surf in a bikini. The waves are also amazing over there with lots of reef breaks.
What do you love about surfing and the ocean?
I enjoy how every wave is different so it’s never boring. You don’t get that in any other sport so that’s what makes surfing so special. The ocean also gives you a sense of freedom and release; nothing else seems to matter when you’re in the sea. I love the point that you lock into the wave and you feel like you become at one with the wave’s flow. It’s such a magic sensation which always keeps you paddling out for just ‘one more wave!’
Do you have any tips on how to protect the ocean environment?
When I go travelling, I always take a reusable water bottle, so you don’t need to use plastic bottles. I also take shampoo and soap bars instead of plastic bottles, they are smaller to take, lighter and you don’t leave plastic waste behind.
What do you do when you're not surfing?
If I’m not surfing you will either find me cooking, sunbathing, skateboarding, playing hockey, with friends or doing schoolwork.
What future goals do you have?
In the next couple of years, I plan to surf throughout Europe doing the Junior WQS tour. I would also like to explore the world surfing more remote destinations not yet developed by tourism and make lots of new friends.
What's your favourite piece of Ocean Boheme jewellery?
My favourite would have to be the Sirena Necklace as it is really cute and goes with anything. If I’m going out in the evening I stack it with the turquoise Tahitian tide pendant for a different look.
Thanks Tegan for being a great Ocean Boheme ambassador and good luck with the British Cup later this year!