The surfing world has a new ambassador, and it comes in the form of 5’7", 125 lb. Holly Beck. As the current NSSA Explorer Women’s Western Surfing Champion, and with the 2000 College Women’s National Title under her belt, Holly is turning heads in the surfing world and the mainstream alike.

Back in California, Beck woke up each morning at 4:00 AM to practice surfing at a local break using a 20-year-old surfboard she had borrowed from her uncle. As one of the only women out in the water at the time, she’d paddle in as soon as male surfers arrived. "At first it was really intimidating being the only girl out there," Beck explains. "Now I think it’s kind of cool-you get to hang out with the guys. But now the number of girls in the water I’d say has doubled in the beginning of this summer compared to last summer. It’s a really good thing."

Although Holly devotes several hours out of every day to surfing, as well as competing in local and international NSSA competitions on a weekly basis, her success has not come at the expense of her education. In fact, 20 year old Holly is a third year senior at the University of California, San Diego and will graduate this spring with a degree in psychology. Rather than being a detriment to her studies, Holly asserts that surfing has actually made her a better student. "Surfing’s had a huge impact on my life. It’s really a motivation to work hard and it’s something to work for. I need to get home and do my homework so I can go surfing."

"Holly is an inspirational female surfer," says Scott Daley, marketing VP of Body Glove. "We‘ve watched her rise from a local standout to a National Champion. Not only has she proven herself in the ever-changing conditions of the ocean, Holly has become an excellent spokesperson for the sport of surfing. Body Glove is proud to have Holly Beck be a part of our International Surf Team!"

So what lays ahead for Holly Beck? "I’d love to be world champion someday. That’s my top goal, but we’ll see what happens," Beck explains. In the meantime, "I’m focusing on graduating from college and qualifying for the World Championship Tour." Holly says that she would love to open her own surf shop, but for now she is content with school, surfing, modeling and just enjoying life.