Spotlight on a Local: Debra Dayle Trauntvein

Surfer Profile:

Age: 53; born and raised in Santa Barbara, CA.

Began Surfing: age 11; took surfing lesson at Waikiki, HI, "and has been surfing ever since (that's 42 years)"!

Pictured below is Deb on the beach of Oahu listening to her surf instructor on the day it all began (that's her sitting on the yellow board).  What a landmark moment.  Amazing to have this pic and memory...



Home Break B.C. (Before Car): "Leadbetter, Mesa Lane, The Pit, or wherever my mom would drive me".

Home Break A.C. (After Car): "Rincon and/or Cojo Ranch - Government Pt. mostly..."  First visit to Rincon - 1969.

Moved to Hawaii: Deb reports that she moved to Sunset Beach on Oahu, Hawaii in 1972, to follow her surfing passion to its ultimate destination.  There, under the tutelage of surfing legend/demigod Eddie Aikau, Deb was trained in lifesaving techniques at Waimea Bay, and became a lifeguard in Hawaii during the Summer months.  Whoa!

Returned to Santa Barbara: Deb returned to Santa Barbara in 1978, and married the love of her life, Tom, and together they are raising 3 sons.

Occupation: When not in the lineup at Rincon, Deb works at the Aquatic Director of The Tennis Club of Santa Barbara, where she is both the Lifeguard and Swim Coach.

Home Break Present: "Mostly Rincon, Ventura (C St., Pitas), and spots North of Santa Barbara (e.g. El Cap & Refugio)."

Favorite Maneuvers: "Bottom Turn, Round-House Cutback, getting barrelled, Hanging 5 and Hanging 10, Off-the-Lips, and (of course) 'Debbie Dips' (head-dips)."

Favorite Aspect of Rincon: "The long ride..."

Surf Contest History: Deb has been frequently surfing in longboard contests such as the Rincon Classic for the past 17 years.  An intense competitor, she has won many events and continues to be a dominant force to be reckoned with....

Wildest Memory of Rincon: "Competing in the Rincon Classic a few years ago, the surf was huge.  Paddling back out following a good ride I was almost nailed by Sally Sanger who was flying down the line and she couldn't see me.  I screamed as loud as I could at her and ditched.  We didn't collide, but I got really worked."

Other Interests & Hobbies: Deb is currently the President of SBSC (Santa Barbara Surf Club), a position that she has held since 1995.  In addition to surfing, Deb enjoys Art, Music, and Gardening...

Quote from Debbie: "I haven't travelled much or surfed anywhere other than our area of paradise.  Growing up with all of the perfect point breaks all around me, why go anywhere else?  I've been very content here, and as long as I can surf, let it be Rincon..."  (I can't agree with you more Deb! -- Editor)

From Editor: Anybody who surfs Rincon with any regularity knows Debbie well.  I call her the "wave-catching machine" as her wave count is usually double that of anybody else in the water.  I don't know how she does it, where she gets all of that energy.  Deb's really fun to hang out with in the lineup....a true inspiration.  She's a good friend too when you need it.  A couple of years ago I was having a hard time coping with a personal tragedy, and Deb was super supportive, lending her ear and comforting my psyche between sets.  Deb is definitely a key piece of the fabric of the community of locals who call Rincon "home".  Great surfer too!

Following are some select pics of Deb doing what she does best.

What's this?  Deb on a shortboard?!?!



Photo below taken January, 1992.  



Another shot from '92.  "A very long tube ride," Deb recalls...



I really love this next shot.  Classic pose.  Deb Trauntvein at Rincon, December 1994.



This shot of Deb was taken at Rincon during the annual Rincon Classic contest, also in 1994.



Dirty water toe dance, 2001.



Deb carving a nice little bottom turn in 2004.



The most recent pic of Deb, taken this past February.



At 53 years of age, Deb is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down.  Wife, Mother, Lifesaver, Surfer.