Training wise I surf as much as possible. I choose places where I can catch more waves, focus on different maneuvers, and push my own limits. I joined the gym, so when the waves are flat I go and work on my strength and cardio. I think the most important of all is the mind. I do a lot of visualization, either to get a move right or a heat in competition. I also pray a lot. God has been the difference in times of pressure and struggle. Sometimes I am down and praying gives me relief. Claudia: I have known you from the first steps of your career to your success as world champion, and this definitely has to be one of your best years! What are your plans considering these new changes to the IBA World Tour? Karla: Jeeeez! Thanks Claudia! This means a lot coming from you. You are my best surfing partner here in Hawaii and an inspiration in my life. Again, I am not thinking too much about that. I feel really incredible achieving all of this. It took me so long to get to a point where contests are just contests. I feel my best when my surfing just flows and
if I can do that, results will come. But, really, 2010 is a year I will never forget! Claudia: What did u think about the Zicatela Contest, disregarding your result? Karla: Disregarding my result, it was one of my favorite events of all time. The contest staff did everything to make the contest a success, and it was! I am just so thankful they chose to have us there. I am also glad the girls supported the event and hope it becomes bigger and bigger in the future. We got so much press from it, too. I had a blast with my friends, and I surfed better than I’d surfed in years. The girls were all ripping. We laughed, we played around, and Betty came along filming every step of it. I met some really cool people along the way. The locals were so supportive. Claudia: Can you comment on the new changes on the IBA? Karla: I think it’s better to wait and see before I comment. From the women’s side, I can say we are organizing ourselves more in order to promote, encourage, and market