Light keeps it breezy

IT’S rare for a 16-year-old rookie to be this comfortable in a major competition but Pacha Light is nothing but chilled at the Burleigh Pro.

The Gold Coaster and the rest of the women’s field sat out the opening day of action yesterday due to small swells.

Given Burleigh’s underwhelming surf in recent months, it was conditions Light is comfortable with.

Throw in the fact she is lining up against a lot of rivals who she competed against in groms competitions, Light is carefree in the cauldron of the WSL Qualifying Series 1000 event.

“One thing you can’t control at a surf comp is the waves and you always have to be adaptable,” she said.

“For those of us that are locals we have been practising in the small conditions.

“We thought we’d have the upper hand if we got out there because we were like ‘this is what we have been surfing the past six months’.

“But I’m stoked we didn’t get out there because hopefully the waves are better (today).

“And it was good to hang around and watch the boys and pick up a few skills; there are some freakish talents.”

The enormity of competing against those several steps closer to world standard isn’t a concern for Light.

“I’m just all about enjoying it and having fun,” she said.

“I grew up competing against a lot of these girls in groms comps so that helps me feel a lot more relaxed.

“It’s hard with competitive surfing because you have to find confidence out there.

“But I’m just keen to soak in as much as I can and learn as much as I can.”

Light today lines up against Cassia Haegele, Sage Goldsbury and Summa Longbottom in the opening heat.