Tia Blanco Vegan Interview

Question: What originally inspired you to become a vegan?

Tia Blanco: I originally became vegan for my health. I watched documentaries like Forks over Knives, read PETA articles and realised how bad animal products were for you. Now I do it for the animals.


Question: How has your life changed since becoming vegan?

Tia Blanco: It has made me become more compassionate. I now realise that my life isn't any more important than anyone else's. I would never eat my dog, so why would I eat a pig? Pigs are just as social and are smarter than dogs.


Question: How has your surfing been impacted by the change?

Tia Blanco: I feel lighter on my feet and more powerful which is very important in surfing.


Question: How do you hope to save the planet by your vegan lifestyle?

Tia Blanco: I am going to try and set a good example. I will help the people that want to be helped and hopefully that will make a different. I would've never thought I could help so many people out with their health. I get a message every week from someone who has said they went vegan because of me. Those messages make me overwhelmed with joy.


Question: What do you hope to achieve by speaking out about this recent change in your life?

Tia Blanco: I just hope that I will help people realise that being vegan will benefit your health, help end hunger around the world, save the rainforest, and help our environment.

Question: What's a typical day's diet, for you, especially when training?

Tia Blanco: I love to go raw for breakfast! I usually make a green smoothie every single morning and eat a bar of nuts. For lunch I like to eat a veggie sandwich made with Ezekiel bread, quinoa, and fruit. Then for lunch maybe yellow vegetable curry with brown rice! As long as you're eating a variety of plant-based foods your energy levels will be high.


Question: What advice do you have for young women looking at adapting a vegan lifestyle?

Tia Blanco: Make sure that you substitute the meat products with plant-based products. Plan your meals out and go to the store and stock up on fresh and organic vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains, beans, and legumes. Also, give yourself time. It is a lifestyle, not an overnight thing. Try taking out red meat first, then white meat, and then eventually all animal products.


Question: Congratulations on your third-place finish at the International Surfing Association's World Junior Surfing Championship! How was it to compete?

Tia Blanco: Thank you! It was such a blast. Surfing is an independent sport so it was really awesome being a part of a team. It was an incredible experience surfing against surfers all around the world! I was so honoured to be a part of the USA team and take home a medal for them.


Question: When did you first begin surfing?

Tia Blanco: My dad got me into the sport when I was three. I don't remember it, but he said my first session was out at Waikiki!


Question: How did this love develop into a career?
Tia Blanco: I am so lucky that what I love is my job! This is honestly the best lifestyle getting to travel and surf around the world. I am very thankful.


Interview by Brooke Hunter