New Archive:

November 2001 Issue

Elie Braun: Jewish Surfer Dude

GenerationJ.com: How and when did you become involved in surfing?

Elie Braun: My first time surfing was when I was 17, but I really got serious about it when I was 21 and I transferred to Humboldt State University, which is right on the coast in Northern California. It was then that I started surfing almost every day.

GenJ: What competitions have you participated in? What awards have you won?

EB: I just had my first competition in September. It was an amateur contest in Crescent City, California. I didn't do too well, but I1m blaming that on drinking a little too much the night before. But I still had a blast and got to surf some great waves with a bunch of old friends.

GenJ: Do you play any other sports?

EB: I play many other sports like biking, tennis, golf, and snowboarding. But there1s nothing quite like surfing. I love to surf the most out of all sports because there1s nothing better than paddling out with a bunch of friends and sitting out in the ocean.

GenJ: What role (if any) does Judaism play in your life?

EB: Judaism plays a huge role in my life. My parents started an Orthodox Sephardic synagogue in Northern California about 11 years ago, and that is where I spend most holidays and Shabbats, when I'm in town. GenJ: Who are your mentors/heroes?

EB: My biggest mentors are still my parents. They've helped me grow in every aspect of my life, (although they don't really support my surfing). As far as surfing, my biggest hero is Kelly Slater, who has been world champion five times, and is 10 steps ahead of everyone as far as innovation.

GenJ: What's your favorite time of day to go surfing?

I love to surf early in the morning before work. I live 2 blocks from the ocean, so I just run down and surf for an hour before work, and I feel great the rest of the day. The only problem is the water is freezing out here in San Francisco that early.

GenJ: Tell us a memorable surfing story: EB: Just this past week, I went on a surf trip with seven friends to a place called the Lost Coast. It was a 10-mile hike on sand to get the surf break, but once we got there, we had 5 days of perfect 10-15 foot waves all to ourselves. It was one of the best trips I've ever taken--great friends and great waves. The hike out was horrible though, since we had run out of food and water, but we made it!!

GenJ: Had any embarassing moments in the ocean?

EB: I've had a few scary moments. I've lost my board in really big waves and had to swim in about a quarter mile, in a spot that is known to have sharks.

GenJ: How do you feel about being a Jewish surfer? A Jewish young adult?

EB: I love being a Jewish surfer although I don't know if there are too many others. My best friend is also Jewish and surfs, and both of these things make for strong connections. We actually went to Israel together last winter and got to surf in Tel Aviv.

GenJ: Are you single? Where do you go to meet (nice Jewish) girls?

EB: Yes I am single, and I'm still waiting to find the right girl. It is pretty difficult to meet Jewish girls out here in San Francisco, and I've even tried a few Jewish singles events, which I didn't like so much. The ones I have met have been through friends. So if you know any nice Jewish surfer girls, send 'em my way!!

GenJ: Tell us an intriguing fact about you that many people wouldn't know.

One thing many people don't know about me is that one of my main passions is music. I grew up playing the violin, and now play the guitar every chance I get. I love to get together with friends and play music.

GenJ: Other thoughts?

EB: If anyone in San Francisco would like to learn how to surf, I would love to teach you--I have a lot of extra surfboards, and I love getting new people out in the ocean to show them what it is I'm so passionate about! Send me an mail at emb623@aol.com

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