Kristina Mekdeci

• Where I live: Melbourne, Florida
• Where I'm from: Orlando, Florida

Sport Interests: Surfing… I’m stuck on surfing.

How I got started surfing: When I was 14, a bunch of guys dared me to try surfing. We were on the beach, it was the middle of winter and cold, and they were saying, “I betcha can’t do it…” I put on two wetsuits, paddled out there with a 7-foot banana yellow board with a brown fin, and I somehow stood up. After that, I tried to learn how to surf, but I didn’t really know anyone who could teach me. My dad knew nothing about surfing, but he tried to help anyway. He’d say, “Alright Kris, walk with the skeg in.”

I learned more about surfing in junior college and then joined the surf team when I transferred to the University of Central Florida. I had to commit many years to get as good as I am today.

Athletic achievements:   I made it to regionals in the Eastern Surfing Association two years in a row, but broke my ankle during a longboard heat in 2000. After the injury, I really just wanted to focus on my surfing instead of being a surfer.

Athletic goals: To land an air.

Inspiration: Being in the ocean itself. I feel the ocean is my religion, she has healed my heart, clears my mind. Even when flat, she is there to calm me. I pray before I enter the water and thank her for the waves. I usually ask to be completely connected with her waves. On the days I am truly connected to the rhythm of the ocean, my surfing is remarkable.

Philosophy: See it in your mind's eye and so it becomes your reality

Favorite spot to do my sport: RC’s in Satellite Beach

Favorite Girls4Sport wear: Long sleeve rashguard

What I do when I’m not in the water: I’m painting a lot. Surfing and art are my two favorite things. I paint with acrylics on canvas or board. I’ve been working on a series of paintings of surfers and golfers. My goal is to be living off my paintings in three years.

My job: High school art teacher. It’s a good job for surfers—I have my summers off.

Education: I have a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts from the University of Central Florida.