Braiden Maither’s Been Caught Ripping!
Seventeen-year-old Braiden Maither has a good deal going right now. The Laguna surfer splits his time between living here in the OC, and in his other home on Maui. Read it and weep, kids: This teenage shralper spends half the year here, and half the year there. Caught You Ripping’s Editor-At-Large Skip Snead recently caught up with Braiden to get the inside scoop on what’s it’s like being one of the luckiest surfers in the world …
Caught You Ripping: You’re originally from Hawaii but spend a lot of time in Orange County. Tell us about that and how you came to live here?
Braiden Maither: Well, I recently moved out here around a year ago, but Maui’s my home base and every year I spend some time at a different location around the world.
CYR: What’s the biggest misconception about Hawaiian surfers living in Orange County?
BM: That we all talk like, “Eh Brah, da waves stay ono!”
CYR: Other than the cold water, what’s one thing that struck you as odd when you relocated to Orange County?
BM: That every kid here under 13 has numerous sponsors and some guys on the WCT can’t even find one.
CYR: How has it been going for you? Have you been getting better waves than you thought you would?
BM: It’s been going great even though putting on a wet wetsuit for a morning session is pretty difficult. The waves have been really fun and this past winter I scored some great waves in the La Jolla area that reminded me of Hawaii.
CYR: You’re always creedling around Laguna Beach and getting great shots…. what draws you to Laguna?
BM: Laguna is mental! It’s one of my favorite areas. It has all these little rocky ledge waves that no one really surfs that are super fun. Plus the backdrop for photos is sick.
Braiden busting over Laguna. Photo: Mrs. Maither
CYR: How often do you go back to Hawaii, or do you split your time between the OC and the islands?
BM: I hang out in California for a few months of the year and the rest of my time is spent between Maui and a few other destinations along the way.
CYR: How did you get into surfing to begin with?
BM: My Dad led me into surfing but I didn’t t really start until I was around 10 years old, which is pretty late, especially in Hawaii. But I was into a bunch of other sports, which eventually just led to my stoke with surfing.
CYR: What’s been the worst thing about living in the OC for half the year?
BM: The worst thing would definitely be the wetsuits and cold water. I still haven’t got use to it and dread it every time I have to put on my wetsuit.
CYR: What’s been the best thing about it?
BM: The opportunity of getting some exposure … and all the good Mexican food!
CYR: What do you like to do when you’re not surfing?
BM: I like to edit all my own surf clips and play basketball.
CYR: Who’s in your crew? Who are the guys you surf with daily, and how do you guys push each other?
BM: My friends Derek and Keoni. We love to push each other in heavy waves and see who pulls back first. Derek and I always run mock heats and whoever loses has to buy lunch! (laughs)
CYR: Where have you traveled to, and what’s one thing you always bring back with you from a surf trip?
BM: I have traveled to many places, including Australia, Indonesia, India, New Zealand, and Mexico. I usually spend a few months in each place. I bring back with me all the great experiences and the memories of the people I meet. What especially inspires me is the simplicity of living in all the third world countries and how happy the people are with what little material possessions they have.
CYR: True that! So do you watch the WCT’s online? Who’s the dark horse on tour this year in your opinion?
BM: I watch every ‘CT contest online, and I have to go with Dusty cause he’s from my hometown, but I think Jordy will be doing some damage this year.
Originally posted 2013-08-01 16:34:23. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
