Below is an interview with Doug Silva, Doug currently lives in Hawaii but grew up on Solana Beach where he made a name for himself in pro surfing. The photos below are from a trip he made to El Salvador to coach some upcoming groms and to demonstrate to the kids how to do some man size turns with grace.
Another great product from Cincopa How old were you when you turned pro?
I was 18. I finished a 4 year stint at Torrey Pines High School with many amateur and professional accolades. I grew up in Solana Beach right there on those unstable bluffs in between Cherry Hills and Pillbox. North County was the last frontier. Unspoiled beaches and incredible landscapes..There was a plethora of talent though the magazines in that day were very focused on the orange county area and their crop of peeps. It sort of bred a rebellion of sorts for us guys in North County…The only one who broke through was Rob Machado. Initially because he was a goody too shoes and in retrospect it was his remarkable talent and his genuine demeanor.
What spots did you surf around SD?
Seaside in da house…… I enjoyed the reefs in La Jolla and of course Swamis. I had a good friend who I believe still is the Billabong rep and we would frequent Baja Malibu early in the mornings. Blacks is incredible as well.
Who was the guy you looked up to back then?
Todd Martin, John Glomb, Jeff Hodges. Todd aka gluefoot has a lot of energy. He had infectious passion.. John Glomb is just a great guy and I believe is the first person to do an ariel three sixty. We rode many double wing Nectar pin tail twin fins back in the day and Glomb rode them well.. Hodges was the man. He had a Neptunias candor and speed to burn.
What was pro surfing like?
It sucked! It still sucks! At least the guys and girls are making a great living from it now though the system needs to be completely revamped.
How hard was it to break into pro surfing?
It was almost imperative to win a professional event as an amateur to really breakthrough.. Amateur contests, us and world championship titles were very important back in the day.. It is not prevalent at all now.
Who were your sponsors?
I was sponsored by Quiksilver clothing and Piping Hot wetsuits and a company in Japan called California Image.
What amature contests did you do?
Honestly, every single one you can image…I was a very successful and decorated amateur.. I think I have more U.S. titles than Kelly.. Between David Eggers and I we pretty much swept everyone and everything in sight..
What was concidered inovative?
A nice cutback into a 360 reverse off the white wash..I know it sounds like an oxymoron ( 360 reverse ) consider it innovative and Todd Martin was the best at it!
What school did you go to?
were you on the surf team, who was on the team with you? At that time Torrey Pines did not have much a surf team. I would win the contest and San Dieguito would beat our ass.. It was strange though it was consistent.
What was parting like?
Too hard and too much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
What are you up to these days Mr. Silva?
I am living in Hawaii now for the past two decades..After a whirlwind professional career and international jet set party life and a number or bad decisions I have finally over the last few years been able to give back to the king of sports. I train and teach many levels of surfing. Very rewarding and satisfying.. As well I have been blessed at 40 to retain a very high level of surfing. Call me or go to dougsilva.com for rates and weekly blogs. Aloha……..
Dougs last beer in El Salvador
check out Doug Silvas website at- tickettobettersurfing.com
