Macclesfield Express

Surfer Jessie is riding high

- ALEX HIBBERT

APROFESSIO­NAL surfer who gave up her high-flying finance career to pursue her love of riding waves looks set for her most successful ever season on the water.

Jessie Tuckman, 26, started surfing six years ago after being inspired by her cousin to try out the sport.

And after falling in love with being on a surfboard, she is now aiming to break into the UK’s top 10 and become one its best female surfers.

Jessie grew up in Macclesfie­ld and her dad, rally driver and motor firm boss Simon Tuckman, still lives in the town.

Jessie, who now lives in Newquay, Cornwall, said: “I grew up in land-locked Macclesfie­ld and so there was not many opportuni- ties to surf.

“But when I was 20 I went over to Scarboroug­h and had a go at it with my cousin. instantly loved it, there’s no better feeling than being on your board and riding the crest of a wave.

“I kept surfing while pursuing a career as a mortgage and loan broker, doing my nine to five and surfing when I could.

“In the end I just thought ‘go for it’, and gave up my job and moved down to Newquay. I like to think that riches aren’t necessaril­y about how much money you have, you can be a lot richer having time to have experience­s and live a life in which you do what you truly love.”

Jessie has competed in the UK Pro Surf Tour since 2013, and last year managed to finish 13th out of a total of 54 competitor­s.

She added: “surf every day now. also have some sponsors which help me

IIIout in terms of money, though also have a cleaning job to help pay the rent.

“The season starts in May and ends in November so this year my aim is to try and break into the top 10. would love to do that, and then who knows. If you do well enough you can go on to compete in Europe and around the world, but right now i’m just concentrat­ing on

IImaking my name in the British Isles.” If you would like to sponsor Jessie e-mail her at jessicaa.tuckman@ googlemail.com. Alternativ­ely find her on Facebook at www.facebook. com/jessietuck­mansurfer

 ??  ?? ●● Jess Tuckman is aiming to be one of the UKs top surfers
●● Jess Tuckman is aiming to be one of the UKs top surfers

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