Alana Blanchard: Riding the waves of fame, fashion, and fear

F ew names shine as brightly as Alana Blanchard within the surf industry. Known not only for her powerful and graceful style in the water but also as a global fashion icon, Blanchard has captivated fans both within and beyond the surf scene. Hailing from Kauai, Hawaii, she has faced and overcome challenges, including a harrowing shark encounter.

Blanchard's life story is that of triumph over adversity, both in and out of the water. Her great surfing abilities granted her a life of opportunities, where she dabbled in fashion alongside big brands like Rip Curl and Hurley.

Alana Blanchard was born on March 5th, 1990, on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. The island is known for its beautiful beaches and dreamlike waves.

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It came as no surprise she would develop a deep passion for surfing at an early age. Her powerful yet graceful style in the water quickly earned her a spot in the lineup! She was well on her way to becoming one of the world's top female surfers.

The young Hawaiin surfer participated in major surfing competitions like the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP), where she began touring the world.

Surfing was Blanchard's life and her passion would reflect in her style. She was aggressive but always in control, a testament to her dedication and hard work.

Not only was she one of the best female surfers of her generation, but she was a very good-looking girl. The industry wanted to capitalize on both of her qualities. During an interview for Sea Maven, Alana described her modeling years as "super high stress, and I didn't know how to deal with stress that well".

Beyond the waves, Blanchard made a significant impact in the world of fashion. Her vibrant laid-back Hawaiian vibe interested many brands and designers like Rip Curl.

Blanchard designed her first line of swimwear with the renowned Australian brand. In an article written by STAB magazine, they highlight the constant sexualization she suffered during her modeling years: "Blanchard’s talent for shredding waves has long been overshadowed by the surf industry’s obsession with her body. Ripcurl’s campaigns have featured her modeling passively rather than surfing".

The Hawaiian surfer crossed paths with Australian surfer Jack Freestone back in 2013, and they both fell in love at first sight. They were both very talented surfers with a lot of potential. They were a young attractive couple, which launched them to the forefront of the surfing scene.

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The couple was labeled "surfing royalty" due to their charismatic personalities and their deep passion for the sport. Alana gave birth to her first child, Banks Harvey Freestone on December 2, 2017, and her second child, Koda Riley Freestone, was born on August 12, 2021.

While the couple still surfer on the Tour, their son Banks would tag along and travel with his parents to some of the most pristine surf spots in the world!

While surfing in her home waters of Kauai, Blanchard experienced a heart-stopping moment that would haunt her forever. In 2003, while surfing the crystal clear waters of Tunnels Beach, she witnessed a 4.5m (14 ft) tiger shark attack her childhood friend Bethany Hamilton, as reported by ABC News.

The massive shark attacked Hamilton from the back, biting into her arm and board. Blanchard mustered enough energy and composure to paddle her friend back to safety.

Alana managed to survive the attack intact, however, her resilience in the face of such a traumatic experience inspired many. She saved her best friend's life and did not shy away from the ocean after such a traumatic experience. She returned to professional surfing that same year.

In 2020, Rip Curl and Blanchard announced they would terminate their sponsorship out of the blue. Alana was deeply hurt by such a decision after spending more than a decade with the Australian brand.

Rip Curl dropped the Hawaiian surfer shortly after her pregnancy. "It was kind of a big change for me from going from being sponsored my whole life, pretty much since I was like 15 to now not having a main sponsor. As a professional surfer, that's a huge thing," shared Blanchard on social media.

Fast forward to 2024, Alana Blanchard lives alongside her fiancee Jack Freeston, and her two sons in Hawaii. In an interview for Sea Maven, Alana describes her day-to-day as calm and family-orientated, with some casual surf here and there.

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