Name:  Billy Winslow

Soul Surfer

How did you get into surfing? I grew up in Encinitas and my dad surfs so I was always around the ocean, then my dad taught me to surf on Kauai at Pinetrees beachbreak by the pier when I was 5 years old and it's the lifestyle I've chosen since then. 

What do you enjoy the most about surfing? Warm water and deep barrels.

What athletes or people in general inspire you? My parents, Greg Russ, JS, and Flaco Moises Landa.

We know you love surfing down in Mexico, whats the scene like down there? Mexico's coastline is so long needless to say it's full of some of the best waves in the world and beautiful beaches. 

Does your well spoken spanish come from all your previous visits to Mexico? I've always loved Mexico and wanted to speak spanish ever since the first trips in grade school. The big inspiration to learn the language was on a trip I took in 2006 to Mainland Mexico with a friend a year older than me, who already dominated the language and spoke comfortably in conversation. My current spanish teacher is my girlfreind Vanessa from Colima who I've been with for 3 years. 

What are your aspirations as a human being? Live a long healthy life in company of my family and freinds

How do you relate to Todo Tranquilo's message? Todo Tranquilo is everything I'm about, I love the ocean, speaking Spanish, and I want to continue to spread the message of peace and good vibes. 

How is your recovery coming along after such a devastating injury in the water? After a year out of the water I cherish every moment in the ocean and being able to wake up everyday and go surfing.

What were you feeling the first time you were able to paddle out and surf again? Being in the ocean has always been a big part of my life so the first time back in the water after a year was like a fresh breath of air. I'll never take this lifestyle for granted again. 

Tell us a bit of how you scored such a cool board in Mexico: The board I've been riding recently is a 6'0'' stretch quad that Bruce Irons rode in a big swell this summer in Mexico. One afternoon I saw a local guy who had picked up the two pieces of it and was carrying it up the beach. Besides being broken it looked like a brand new board so I asked him what he wanted for it and he happily traded it for the two cold caguamas (40 ounce beers) I had. 

What place would you like to visit and surf? It's been almost 3 years since I've been to Kauai and O'ahu and I'm really looking forward to getting back over there.

What are you listening to these days? Only roots music like Steel Pulse, Cultura Profetica, Midnite, Tribal Seeds, Gondwana, and Enanitos Verdes. Roots reggae and especially music with spanish lyrics.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering giving up on their dreams and aspirations? Phil 4:13

Favorite meal after a long day in the water: Tacos de adobada y unas cervezas Victoria.

Qualities you look for in the opposite sex: Brown eyed virtuous girl.

If you had the power to change something for the better of humanity, what would it be? Stop racism and break the boundaries that divide us.

Anything you would like to add? Creo en un solo Dios, Padre Todopoderoso, creador del cielo y de la tierra de todo lo visible y lo invisible.