JW: Where were you born, and how does that affect your surfing and work?
NC: I was born in San Diego and spent my early years in Cardiff and Solana Beach, so from when I was a baby, my life was spent in and around the water. We moved to Oahu for a chunk of my early life, which drove me deeper into the surf community. We moved back to Cardiff in 2008, my home since. Fortunately, it doesn't affect my work much because I work for the California State Parks, which is right on the local beaches I've known my whole life. Before that, even my places of work supported my surfing. From surf shops like UNIV to sustainable seafood restaurants like Fish 101 and Shootz Poke… my work has supported my surfing. Being a surf instructor, the two went hand in hand. I think the only time surfing would conflict with work was when I'd show up for a model shoot and have a big ol' wetsuit tan line on my neck. That didn't go over so well. Lastly, my rattlesnake relocation work is seasonal, and calls come in randomly, so it's a balance I've learned to work with. 

JW: You seem to spend a lot of time in the desert, how do you find your balance between the desert and the ocean?
NC: Honestly, I just make it happen. If I feel confined and boxed in on the coast, I've always just headed east to find peace. It's not exactly ideal, with gas being $5.50 a gallon, and my favorite places are pretty far away, but surprisingly, some amazing spots are less than 45 minutes away from the coast. It's not easy finding time, but I seem to make it happen just enough to keep me grounded. That's my ideal life – freedom in the desert, but close enough to the surf where I can strike mission when the waves turn on. I'll get there!

JW: Where does this attraction to snakes, spiders, and other unconventional animals come from?
NC: My Dad's side of the family, especially my grandpa, always had a quirky love for reptiles and amphibians. So that started early with me – like as long as I can remember. My life has always revolved around nature, studying plants and animals, and attaching myself to the world of herpetology. From flipping rocks and catching lizards to finding rare animal species, I've learned about range extensions and habitats on my own. I never paid much attention in school, but I sure did read a thousand pages about my favorite critters.

JW: You have openly shared your trials and tribulations with addiction. How does it feel knowing you’ve overcome those hurdles and inspire others to do the same?
NC: That's a tough one. How does it feel? Well, for starters, yes, I've shared my story, hoping it may help others. That's what helped me – seeing people who were in a bad place and figuring out how to make it out the other side. My goal is to help squash the stigmas associated with mental health. It's ok to need and ask for help. I still struggle every day… sometimes a lot. I am just being honest. But just because I'm having a rough day doesn't mean I can't help someone else who may need help even more at that point in time. Regarding those hurdles, I think I may be jumping over them for a long time. At least I'm still jumping. 

JW: What excites you about joining the July Wetsuits project?
NC: Because July is different. I've eventually lost interest in most mainstream projects that I have been involved with. I don't know why for certain, but I think it's because I've always wanted to be a part of something outside the box. I like individuality… that's what I identify with—a point of difference. I like the fact that July does custom suits. I like the fact that July offers weird colors. I LOVE the fact that the material is comfortable, lightweight, quick-drying, and easy to surf in. I like the small, unique team I'm a part of, and I love being a part of something new with the potential to grow into something amazing.