In the land of extortion, you have to watch your back, as word has it ...

By Claire MiyamotoI realized, it is necessary to break free from everydaycomforts and shake the shield of normality.After living in Hawaii for six years, I became accustomed to everything- meaningI had taken everything for granted. Simple pleasures I enjoyed became cherishedwhen I moved to California.The ability to drive five minutes to go surf suddenly changed into a half-hourdrive or hour train ride. However, moving to California broadened my horizonsand improved my surfing. Traveling in general is necessary to improve as a surferand grow as a person. Encountering new breaks, people and cultures help defineyourself and ones individual style. I encourage all readers to travel, beyond therealm of the ordinary- and get lost.Through moving to California, I also realized it is not only the places you go, butit is the ones you are with, that make a good time. Family and friends becomecherished and times spent become fond memories. Whether it is surfing withmy dad or my best friends, as long as I surround myself with loved ones, it’s sureto be a good time.wSSm | womenssurfstyle.com | 25