The Interview Nick Matousch interviews local surfer Mia Gallagher
Mia Gallagher
F
IFTEEN year old surfer Mia Gallagher is always on the go. Whether it be to a surfing competition in Florida or just on a bike ride through town, she is always moving. However, when all the hustle and bustle of surfing, work and home school are done, she takes her time to enjoy Ocean City. When did you first get into surfing and competition? About five years ago, when I was ten, my sister Brynn went to a surf camp. I tried it the week right after. I just loved it and never stopped. I have always done the Chip Miller [Surf Fest] because Chip Miller was one of my dad Chad's good friends, but I did not take up competition until I was maybe 11 or 12. Where have you surfed so far? Where do you still want to go? I've been to Costa Rica, Hawaii, all up and down the east coast and California. I definitely want to go to a surf break called Kandui in Indonesia. I also want to surf in Australia. Describe the experience going into your first competition. I was super nervous, but my dad went into competitions when he was young and knew exactly what to say [to me]. What makes surfing such a great sport? It's almost like an art. You can put your heart and soul into it and you can clear your head. You can just do it however you want, because there is no one right way to do it. It gives people a way to be free. Whenever I 16
OCNJMAGAZINE.COM
MAY 2021
am stressed with school, I go out there and feel free. What do you do when there are no waves? I'll go to Exodus gym with my sister and my coach Kev to train. Then as long as I'm caught up with my homework I hang with my friends, skateboard, or just bike around. Do you have a job outside of training for surf competitions? I taught a lot of surf lessons at Heritage Surf & Sport last summer. There were so many people wanting to learn how to surf. Everyone wants to just be a part of it and it is awesome. I also work in the store and it's really fun. Outside of surfing, what's your mission in life? I want to keep the ocean clean and I want to make the world a better place by using reusable plastic and helping out people who need help. If I see people who are being mean, I try to be the nicest person I can be and hope it will inspire others to be the best people they can be. Who inspires you? My dad. I want to be just like him. My mom Kristin too – she does everything she can so [Brynn and I] can do everything we can. I just love them so much. What is your relationship with your sister like?
