SURFING LAGUNA: People who surf: Porter Hogan

The Soul Surfing van was stuffed to capacity Friday evening as we bolted down the coast for a weekend surf competition. Inside were some of Laguna’s finest young surfers and among the dozen or so “groms” was 17-year-old Porter Hogan.

Porter is one of those young guys that gives me hope that the future of surfing is in good hands. He’s humble, helps out with younger groms, is an honors student and captain of the Laguna Beach High School surf team. Talk about a well-rounded guy. I can remember watching Porter years ago down at Thalia Street working hard on his surfing skills.

Wave after wave he would push himself to complete difficult maneuvers (see airs, reverses) never giving up until he was satisfied with his progress for the given session. It’s great to see the correlation between all his hard work and the dividends it’s paying now with regards to his contest results, sponsorships and especially his free surf sessions.

Surfing Laguna caught up with Porter between rounds of the surf competition on Saturday (he went on to capture third place in the highly competitive Open Men’s Division) to find out more about what makes him tick...

SL: When did you start surfing?

PH: I started surfing when I was 7 years old.

SL: Who got you into it?

PH: That would be (pro surfer/artist) Alex Knost. He’s one of my dad’s friends and would take me to Blackies in Newport all the time.

SL: Who are your favorite surfers? Whom do look up to in surfing?

PH: One of my favorite surfers is James Pribram. I really respect what he’s been doing for the environment. My other favorite is Kai Bond. He’s been a great role model to me and is a great surfer.

SL: So you’re the Laguna High School surf team captain — who are some of the kids coming up?

PH: The younger kids are great. I see a lot of potential in some of the younger kids on the team like Adam Mejia, Hunter Smith and especially Adam Redding Kaufman.

SL: What are your other interests when you’re not surfing?

PH: My other interests right now are school, swimming, going to church, hanging out with friends and my girlfriend.

SL: Best surf trip?

PH: No doubt it was Costa Rica with (fellow surf team member) Christian St. Clair. The waves were amazing!

SL: GPA and favorite subject?

PH: My favorite subject in school is history, and I have a 3.5 GPA.

SL: Dream surf trip?

PH: My dream trip would be Bali with my family and girlfriend.

SL: After a great surf where do you go to get refueled?

PH: Definitely Michael Avila’s chicken tacos at El Ranchito. Best Mexi food ever!

SL: How has surfing touched your life so far? Any wisdom to pass on?

PH: When I am out surfing there are many times I feel that it’s a spiritual experience. It takes me out of the regular world and connects me with God. I believe that God created this earth and the ocean. I love the beauty of the waves, and I have a deep respect for the ocean.

SL: A special shout out to anyone?

PH: My mom and dad; they support me in all I do, including attending my contests and being my top cheering section!

It’s great to have young guys like Porter Hogan in the Laguna surfing community, carrying on a great tradition of solid surfers and great citizens.

CHRIS WILLIAMS is the father of four surf-crazy sons, a surfing coach and Laguna Beach resident. He can be reached at [email protected] or (949) 497-5918.