By Andrea Swayne
Taj Peniata loves to surf. Everything about it is fun, he said, especially since he gets to compete with his dad at his side in the Western Surfing Association Micro Grom U9 Push-in division.
“It’s fun to be outside with my friends. I love playing in the ocean and going surfing!” he said.
Taj went on to recall a happy memory of his best finish so far since he started competing only six months ago. It happened at the last regular season WSA event, April 6 in Oceanside.
“We got stuck in a set and it took really long to paddle out. But then we made it finally and my dad pushed me in and I stood up and I made it to the semis for the first time!” Taj said.
He is currently the No. 16 ranked surfer among a field of 42 in his division and has qualified to compete in the WSA West Coast Championships later this month. A few of his favorite surf spots are Upper Trestles and Tavarua, Fiji.
Taj also likes to skateboard and practice on his Syck Trix indoor ollie trainer.
“I want to jump out of the waves and do airs by the time I’m 10,” he said.
Taj wants to be a fireman, like his dad, or a pro surfer. He was also inspired to become a marathon runner after participating in his school jog-a-thon. Taj said he would like to thank his parents for supporting his surfing.
“Thank you and I love you. That’s all,” he said.
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