Sports
Collins Looking to Three-Peat in Surfing
Manhattan Beach 14-year-old Noah Collins looks to pick up his third straight first-place medal at the International Surf Festival this Saturday.
The life of a competitive surfer can be glamorous with sponsorships, travel to beautiful locations and the ocean as the canvas on which they artfully cast masterstrokes.
Manhattan Beach 14-year-old Noah Collins knows the spoils that come with excellence riding the waves but prefers to maintain an even-head, maintaining a humility uncommon for a ninth-grader with such skills.
Manhattan Beach Patch caught up with the incoming Mira Costa High School freshman before he goes for a third consecutive first-place medal at the International Surf Competition surfing contest at the Hermosa Beach Pier tomorrow at 7:30 a.m..
Find out what's happening in Manhattan Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Manhattan Beach Patch: How long have you been surfing and honing these championship skills?
Noah Collins: I really started for the first time at age 10; I definitely credit my Dad [George Collins] with introducing me to surfing.
Find out what's happening in Manhattan Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
MB Patch: Many surfers are instantly hooked. Was it love at first wave?
Collins: I played a lot of hockey and basketball growing up, but I started surfing more and more. At first it was once a weekend, then I started going every day.
MB Patch: What’s your take on surfing culture and what do you like about competition?
Collins: I try to stay as humble as possible; you have to have respect for everyone in the water. Waking up early is something that is a hard part for me, but it’s definitely worth it once you get out there!
MB Patch: How do you find ways to improve out of the water?
Collins: I actually watch a lot of people surf on the computer, watch a lot of surf movies and try to learn from them.
Local guys like Matt Pagan, Dane and Kelly Zaun really inspire me. Jordy Smith too, since he’s the top guy out there.
I also do a lot of work on the trampoline. It builds up leg muscles and helps with balance and staying over the board.
MB Patch: What other competitions have you entered recently?
Collins: I go up and down the coast, mostly from Northern California to here. I competed in the South Bay Boardriders Club a couple months ago and won the 14-under division and got fourth in the 18-under group.
Mb Patch: With your success at such a young age, is this something you’re planning on taking you to big things?
Collins: Surfing is definitely my top interest; I’d love to see myself doing well in the future. It would be awesome if this is something I can continue to pursue, but there are plenty of good kids out there and I got into surfing a little later in life than most, but I’m trying to get to the top.
MB Patch: How do you compare the surfing competition in the South Bay to that of places like Huntington Beach, Santa Cruz?
Collins: Catalina [Island] blocks most of the swell here, but it can get pretty good. Overall you see so many good kids down in Huntington Beach and San Clemente. During school, I try to get down there at least every other weekend when I’m not competing.
MB Patch: What’s the best part of surfing for you?
Collins: It’s so great to travel and see new areas. I get to practice up and down the coast and it’s not like other sports like soccer, for example, where you’re just practicing at the same fields all the time.
MB Patch: What does the future hold?
Collins: I’m going to surf for Mira Costa this fall and I’m working with Matt Pagan. He’s my coach and has really helped me with the mental side.
Having him as well as my dad helping out, I think we can go a long way!