by Angelica Clemmer PHOTOS BY MIKE RUTHERFORD
Frieda Zamba won three world titles in a row from 1984 to 1986, then won again in 1988, making her the first four-time world champion since Mark Richards. Born and raised in Flagler Beach, FL, she is a hero to many female surfers, her peers and community. Anyone that knows Frieda will tell you, “she is an amazing surfer and really cool person”. Zamba started surfing around 9 years old and got her first world title at 17, at that time no one had seen surfing at that level from a girl and in 2010 she still is arguably the best female surfer in the world. In 1998 she got Woman of the Year spot in the Huntington Beach Surfing Walk of Fame and has five straight Surfer Poll Awards (1985-1989)
Her surfing shows amazing style and dedication to the sport. I had a chance to ask Frieda a few questions and this is what she had to say:
Name: Frieda Zamba
Nickname: Queenie, My surf bros gave me that nickname. All of my surf friends have nicknames its just a tradition within our group.
Age: 45
Weight: 117
Stance: goofy
Home Town: Flagler Beach, FL
Home Break: Flagler pier
Board: Zamba surfboard 5'5 x 18 1/4 x 14 1/8 x 2 swallow tail four fin
When you first started surfing did it ever cross your mind that you would be 4x world champ? No. It was never my goal to be a professional surfer when I first started surfing. Coming from Flagler Beach I never thought it would be possible to achieve anything higher than an esa surfer.
What was it like to win your first world title? Overwhelming, as I had no expectations. I was in awe of the professional women surfers that I competed against that I felt like I was kinda in a dream.
What were your thoughts the nights before competitions? Excitement, anxiety to surf..
The funniest thing that has happened to you in your career as a professional surfer? My first year competing in Japan and my rival Kim Mearig was getting all the attention from the Japanese fans. I was free surfing before my heat and these Japanese boys ran up to meet yelling Kim, Kim wanting her to autograph her poster. They thought I was her so I bowed yes and then they motioned to these other kids waiting in the background and they all ran over yelling "kim" sign please. So I graciously signed all of their Kim Mearig posters Frieda Zamba!
What made you stop competing professionally? The tour schedule had us traveling 10 months of the year so coming fresh out of HS to traveling the world non stop for 8 years it just eventually got to me. I was brought up in a very close knit family and missing so many special occasions with my family..the good times and the bad times. I felt like I was loosing touch with the most important people in my life. I lost the "fire" to give it a 100 percent and that's when I knew it was time to move on.
How do you prepare yourself emotionally, mentally and physically to be the best in the world? I start by making my body strong. Like how a fighter would prepare for a boxing match. Get to your fighting weight. Lean and strong. Then I work on my mental toughness training. Visualizing being one w/ my board, performing to my best, wining.
When did you first start landing airs? I was attempting airs as soon as I first saw one in a magazine. I think I was 13.
Have you shot Flagler Pier? Yes. Once. It was during Hurricane David and it was a strong south swell. It was pretty hard to avoid the pier that day so I had the opportunity to shoot it and I took it. Didn't quite make it all the way through and hit the last barnacle piling. Gashed my leg pretty bad. Told my parents I fell off my moped so they wouldn't take my board away.
How did you meet William "Flea" Shaw and when did you know he was the one? He was the local pro and shaper and he asked me to join his surf team. He started shaping me boards more for my size and coaching me in contest and we became very close and realized something special was happening between us.
Whats your biggest fear? drowning. I came close twice. Once at seven in a pool in the keys and again about 8 years later at Sunset Beach, HI during a contest. It always seems to stay in the back of your mind especially when you put yourself in situations in bigger surf but, over time I learned to relax more and let go of the fear.
What was it like to film Surfer Girl in Tavarua? it was a great opportunity for me as it opened more doors for me with out of the industry sponsors. Surfing some amazing waves with your peers/rivals and being yourself puts you in check with reality. Have you been back since? awesome movie by the way. Yes, twice.
What's the best and worst part about traveling the globe for waves? Showing up at a dream spot and hearing you should of been here last week. The experiences you gain along the way. Seeing the world through your eyes instead of through a magazine.
When and why did you start designing surfboards? I stared my "Zamba" board line in 2000. It came about from giving surfing lessons and matching the right board up with the right person/ability level. Giving girls an opportunity to get better by advancing their equipment.
Do you have any pets? No pets but, I have animals I feed around my house squirrels, birds and the occasional stray cat. I also belong to a few animal charities "Best Friends" and ASPCA.
What's a typical Frieda Zamba day like? Early up, catch the sun rise with a cup of tea, surf check, Acai smoothie for breakfast. Go for a surf or go to work.
Do you feel like you still have things to conquer as a surfer, may be a place or a trick? I just want to keep pushing my surfing. People get tagged by there age and feel they have given all there is but, I'm still pushing my surfing and staying fit.
Have you ever surfed Delaware? No, I'm not a cold water person so when I travel for surf I usually head south.
Frieda thank you for the interview, it was a pleasure and honor.
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