Editor’s note:
In the years since this interview, Jen’s story has unfolded in ways neither of us could have fully predicted. She went on to win two World Championships, cementing herself as one of the most accomplished longboarders of her generation. But like many careers in surfing, the arc wasn’t linear. Sponsorships faded, competition took a backseat, and life pulled her in a different direction.
Today, she stands behind the counter of the skate shop her father built—now hers to carry forward after his passing. The same grit that once pushed her through heats in France now shows up in a different form: running a business, preserving a legacy, and staying connected to the culture that shaped her. Reading this piece back, you can still see the throughline—that mix of drive, independence, and love for the ocean that never really leaves.
From organic coffee to photography and art, the café feels like home. Jen rolls out of bed to grace us with her presence on a cool, flat winter morning and fill us in on what she’s been up to. Jen comes from a long lineage of San Diego locals. As a third-generation San Diegan, she’s a true Californian.
“Most people are shocked to learn that I’m from here, and that my parents and even my grandparents are from here,” Jen said.
Jen grew up in San Diego, first living in Clairemont. She later moved closer to the beach with her family at the age of ten. They ended up four blocks from the ocean and about a mile from Crystal Pier. It didn’t take long for Jen to find her way to the beach and start riding waves.
“When I was younger, I surfed there almost every day. From about fourteen to seventeen, I surfed there at least once a day,” Jen said.
Crystal Pier is known for its fun, wedgy lefts that break on the north side. Jen contests that.
“There’s a nice right that goes into the pier. It’s a quick ride before you have to kick out. I’ve lost a couple of boards to the pier,” she said, laughing.
Borrowing her dad’s boards and tagging along with her Uncle and cousins was the life of a soon-to-be ripping grom.
“My dad surfs. He’s been surfing since he was twelve. My Uncle surfs, as well as my cousins, so I pretty much grew up in a surfing family,” Jen said.
After years of borrowing boards, there came a time when Jen was ready for her own. She had an opportunity most people only dream of a custom board shaped by Rusty himself. Jen’s dad was an old friend of Rusty’s, so she not only got the board but also got to watch him shape it.
“The board was a 6’10 squash tail, kind of egg-shaped and fat,” she said.
That board marked the beginning of a style that would evolve over time, though it didn’t quite click for her.
“I couldn’t catch as many waves on that board as I could on a longboard. That’s why I’m more drawn to a longboard than a shortboard, strictly because I can catch more waves and get longer rides,” Jen said.
The solution was simple: a longboard. Once again, her dad came through. He helped her find a 9’0 shaped by Shawn Ambrose. It wasn’t your typical classic single fin. The board had a 2+1 setup with two side fins and a center box for a larger fin.
“I’m glad it wasn’t a single fin. I still wouldn’t ride a single fin. I think that’s what sets me apart from other female longboarders,” she said.
Jen had to adapt her approach to riding a 9’0 in mostly beach break conditions. That environment became one of the main forces shaping her style.
“I’m a little more aggressive, definitely less of a ‘classic’ style. There’s a time and a place. I grew up surfing beach break. You’re lucky if you even have time to get on the nose, so finishing with a floater or hitting a section is my favorite thing to do,” she said.
Surfing beach breaks is just one influence. The people she surfs with have also played a major role.
“I like to surf with longboarders because they’re doing what I’m doing. We feed off each other. We watch each other and try to imitate it or take it a step further. Growing up, I surfed mostly with shortboarders, so I tried to mimic their maneuvers on a longboard while still keeping my own style,” she said.
Jen’s favorite surfer is Malibu transplant and now San Diego local Kassia Meador.
“I think we have a similar approach. We’re always trying to push ourselves and each other, trying to do something different. I’d say we have a healthy rivalry in the water. It’s good to have someone who pushes you,” she said.
At just nineteen, Jen has already been competing for nearly ten years. She started in local club contests at ten, but her competitive drive really kicked in at fifteen. Since then, she’s been going full throttle. Her pro career has had its highs and lows, but this year has reflected her hard work.
“This has been my best year so far. I’ve done about six contests and made the finals in all of them. Before, I was lucky to make a semi-final. This year, I’ve made every final. I’ve been training more than ever,” she said.
This year also took her to France, where she competed in Biarritz in her first ASP-sanctioned World Title event.
Despite rumors about the French being unfriendly to Americans, her experience was the opposite.
“The people treated you really well if you were polite and made an effort to speak their language,” she said.
The setting left an impression.
“There are big cliffs and beautiful beaches lined with gardens as you walk down. It’s magical. Really amazing. There are good beach breaks everywhere,” Jen said.
Her second-place finish made the trip even more memorable.
“It was amazing because it was the first time I made a final, and out of seventy women, I ended up surfing against a girl who grew up down the street from me. There we were in France, surfing a beautiful beach break together in a major event,” she said.
The ASP’s decision to sanction events marked a major shift for the sport and for female longboarders.
“The ASP sanction adds much more validity to the event and to women’s longboarding. I feel like we’re more recognized and respected in the surfing community,” Jen said.
Jen has been building strength and endurance through cross-training. A couple days a week, she helps out at her grandma’s house inland, which gives her the chance to run through the nearby canyon. She’s also experimenting with strength training and riding track bikes. A track bike has one gear and no brakes, forcing the rider to control speed with their legs.
She also spends time on Sector 9 skateboards. Her dad owns Soul Grind Skate Shop in Pacific Beach, and she’s been riding their boards for years.
“I always thought skateboarding was a good crossover training technique. It strengthens your legs and teaches control,” she said.
Talking to Jen, you can tell she has a real zest for life. When she travels, she takes everything in and doesn’t take anything for granted. Surfing isn’t the only thing in her world, and she values balance.
“I think it’s good to step away from surfing and explore other things like live music and photography. I believe in everything in moderation,” she said.
For now, Jen is focused on training, staying competitive, and winning.
We wrap with our traditional three questions about San Diego.
Favorite secret spot in San Diego?
“The Kimble residence. It’s a good place to hang out any time of year. It’s in Vista, kind of in the countryside of Oceanside. It’s quiet, and Violet’s mom always has the best Mexican food. It’s a great place to just relax.”
What’s your favorite surf spot in San Diego?
“South Bird in La Jolla. We call it the secret spot. It gets crowded and it’s fickle, but I love it.”
What do you love about San Diego?
“I love that there are so many different types of people here. Most people aren’t from here. You can be in PB and meet people from all over the world. I also love that it’s close to Mexico.”
