Full Name: Chelsea Byland
Age: 16
Height: 5’9
Sponsors: Rusty, Electric, Sticky Bumps, Freestyle, Killer Dana, Soleo
Favorite Saying: Beggars can’t be choosers
First Board: I think it was a Lost fish, but I’m not sure
Current Boards And Setup: Rusty 5’11
Career Highlights: Winning the open women’s season last year in WSA
Goals For The Season: Win the open women’s season again
Favorite Break: Northside jetty
Home Break: T Street
Considering the amount of world class destinations Chelsea Byland has toured, she should seriously think about adding “Byair” and “Bysea” to her last name. No kidding, her passport is on par with most seasoned pros. The Mentawais, Mexico, Hawaii, Fiji, Australia, maybe Peru this summer… It’s enough to make any surfer envious.
And it’s evident that Chelsea has put that travel to good use, as she was crowned the Western Surfing Association’s champion in the open women’s division last year—a title she’s fiercely set on defending this season.
Like a lot of young surfers in south Orange County, Chelsea’s love for the sport began the first time her dad pushed her into the waves at San O’. Now eight years later, the 16-year-old goofy-footer is one of the most recognizable high school competitors.
And while she may be all business in the line-up, her friends know her better as a crack-up once on dry land. Ask her and she’ll tell you with a straight face that she’s the one who created Myspace—not Tom. Oh, and she’s also given Kelly Slater contest advice.
Quite the comedian, right? Maybe not. When you look at her achievements you can clearly see they were made by someone with dead-serious dedication. Perhaps this is part of her well-crafted strategy to leave her competitors always guessing. Why else would she classify her training routine as “top secret”, but then be so open about her other talent as a skilled hacky-sack player?
But then again, this all may be part of the unique charm that has made Chelsea one of the most endearing characters in SCHS’s surf legacy.
