How does your family fit into your busy schedule?
"My family is the main reason I am here right now.My parents support me and my brothers so much it's awsome. Growing up they would video tape all of our sessions and also our competition.They would be there for us here on Maui and outer Island trips. I wouldn't be here today if it wasent for them. They support me in whatever I do and has always been there for me and my brothers. Also, my older brother Josh Romero got me hooked into body boarding and was the first person to take me out into the water on a body board. My younger brother Jonah Romero kills it on the boogie aswell. We still body Board with each other today and they are the guys that mostly go with me at home.
How did it feel to hit the cover of Body Boarding. com mag?
"It was the best feeling in the world! That was my biggest accomplishment in my life for sure. Growing up I would look at body boarding magazines and tell myself that one day I was going to on the cover of a Body Boarding Magazine. When I was told my shot was going to be on the cover I was blown away! especially cause cristine took that photo. She really dosent have a great camera but the timing was insane. I was stoked and so was she. It really felt great and I would like to thank everyone at Body Boarder Magazine for the awsome opportunity they gave me on the cover".
How has the tour this year effected you mentally?
"Being on tour this year has been great at times, but hard aswell. The competition level is different. A lot of people here paddle battle during the heats which I am not used to doing. I'm going to be away from home for almost two months, and that does effect me sometimes mentally. I try to stay positive as much as I can though. I know I have the talent to compete with any one in the world. I am super confident in my riding. Sometimes you have bad luck though. I have only made one heat out of 2 contest. I competed in Peru and Chile, I still have three more to go in Europe. I am looking forward to those events. This is my longest trip though, allot of people don't get this opportunity so every day on tour is special to me and I'll be home soon. Staying positive is the main thing to do and my day will come soon for sure".
Ultimate Goal for Jacob Romero?
"My ultimate goal is to be top 16 in the world within three years on tour or becoming world champ one day".
Any thing you would like to add Jacob?
"I would like to thank Hawaii Surf Break for this interview, support and having the opportunity to share with the world my life.
Body Boarding has made me who I am and I am stoked to say that I am a Body Boarder. It has taken me around the world. I've experienced allot of different cultures and seen so many things, met lots of different people, made tons of friends. I Love it!
Thank you to my sponsers Turbo Body Boards, Hi-Tech, Maui thing clothing, and kicks fins. Also, thank you to my family, friends for always being there for me, and everyone who supports me. See you in the water. Aloha!"
Hawaii surf Break would like to thank Jacob Romero for this interview and wish him well on tour! "I have no doubt in my mind what so ever this young man will be on top! As he is very talented and is what Body Boarders are made of! Keep your eyes on "The dark Horse"
Christina Rainwater
Who is Jacob Ramero you ask? He is a 23 year old from the island of Maui and one of the leading Body Boarders on the IBA Tour and Is not to be disregarded as "Just one of the guys". In my opinion he is "The Dark horse " on the IBA Tour. Jacob has been Body boarding for 11 years or so, but has many irons in the fire with one goal in mind to be one of the top 16 in Pro body boarding in the US. Recently Jacob Romero was featured on the cover of Body Boarding Magazine as the "Next Body boarding superstar". I have no doubt.
I Spoke with Jacob and he has a passion for body boarding like no other. Jacob has Competed with the USBA Tour and ranked 4th in 2007 and 3erd in 2008. He currently is on tour with IBA in Arica and then on to the Jenkinsson's Pro in Point Pleasant N.J.
Jacob is very mature for a 23 year old sighting his success on Family, God and his Girl friend Cristina. "My Family is very supportive of me, my brothers and friends (know who they are). Cristina also does allot of photography of Jacob (as seen below). Get to know Jacob with Hawaii surf Break's personal interview .
Jacob who is your idol in this Industry?
" Well growing up I would look up to the Maui guys like Jimmy Hutaff, Leroy Kaiwi, Even Kaaihue, Carey Kayama, and Chad Militante. They are the guys who started it all for us Maui Body Boarders. I would also watch a lot of Kyle Maligro segments. He is just different and has a unique style that is so sick! Now days, any segment with Jeff Hubbard in it is insane! just watching him free surf is crazy, he's just another level".
Best Place to Body Board?
There are so many insane places, but nothing beats home. So I would have to say any place on Maui.
