SHAPES: TARA CRYSTAL AND NORTHERN ALLIANCE SURFBOARDS
“People aren’t going to be like ‘Did you see that lady in that little bikini, she shouldn’t be in that bikini.’ They’ll say ‘wow she can surf good or look at her having fun!’ That’s what you should focus on.” - Tara Crystal
Small waves, big waves, flat chests, curvy buns, twinnies to thrusters and everything in between. Introducing Shapes, a four part series featuring four amazing, strong and unique women, and the shapes that allow them to do what they love.
We sat down with Tara Crystalto discuss all things surfing and body positivity.
Get to know Tara:
How would you describe your body type?
Fit & Strong
Favorite Billabong swim top silhouette & why?
Soul Searcher bandeau bikini top because it’s cute, supportive and stays in place while I’m surfing.
Favorite Billabong swim bottom silhouette & why?
Maui rider. Good coverage and fit. Just ideal for surfing.
Favorite surfboard shape?
Standard 5’11” Thruster because you can’t go wrong with a “trusty thrusty”.
Favorite Type of wave (crumbly, big, fast, etc)?
My ideal wave is anything in the 4 foot range. Fast/powerful. I need speed!
How do you sum up your style in 1-2 sentences?
I’d describe my style as laid back and easy going. Happy go lucky!
Why is being unique & having your own style important to you?
You are who you are regardless of how hard you try to be like someone else. Own it and have fun because that’s what surfing is about
Why did you choose Mike Mattison from Northern Alliance Surfboards to be your shaper?
First off, Mike Mattison rips! I've seen him and his boards "Northern Alliance Surfboards" all over the North Shore for years and even down in Mexico. I think I was most drawn to them after surfing Oaxa's playful right handers and wanting to switch things up from my standard thruster to a twin fin.
Why do you love your board?
The photo shoot for shapes was actually my first time riding a twin. It was a whole different approach to surfing and at first took me a while to get used to but now I'm hooked. I ordered that board with smaller surf in mind but the waves ended up being pretty solid. Overall it's well rounded and very fun. That's why I love it.
