Surf Like a Girl ::: Getting to Know Pro Feature: Surfer Serena Brooke

What is it about Serena Brooke that makes this Australian beauty so darn likeable? She's definitely impressed us with her surfing since nabbing Rookie of the Year. She's kept it up, too—twice getting ranked the number two female surfer. But we're equally impressed with her easy-going personality and generosity; the

Serena Brooke Charity Day has raised more than $50,000 for organizations such as the Orange County Child Abuse Prevention Center, CSP Youth Centers, Breast Cancer Research, and Surfrider Foundation. Back on the pro circuit after she was sidelined by injuries, Serena is climbing up through the ranks of the World Championship Tour (WCT) and finished second at last year's Bells and Europe. Look for her to kick butt and take names in 2006.

Last song you downloaded: "Breathe Me" by Sia
Best vacation: Tahiti for vacation, fun, and sport
Last book you read: "The Life You Were Born to Live" by Dan Millman
Guilty pleasure TV show: "Seinfeld"
Favorite comfort food: Chocolate muffins
Champagne or beer (or other): Organic red wine
Last splurge: Dress for the ASP banquet
Advice for beginners: Don't give up—it gets easier!
Hero: Cathy Freeman
Worst experience in the water: Seeing a friend drown
I'm most proud of: My house. I love it.
Favorite rainy day activity: Catch up on e-mails and boring stuff like house jobs. Or watching a DVD with someone special.
Pet peeve: Seeing cigarette butts being tossed from cars.
The perfect date: Fine food with fun and laughter. Then, a midnight swim.
Who I'd cast to play me in the movie of my life: Hilary Swank
Nail polish color: Red
Pets: No. I travel too much.
Bathing suit or commando under your wetsuit: Commando. No need for a suit!
Why I surf: It's my job but I do it for the satisfaction and freedom it brings me. It's what I live for.
Words to live by: Treat others as you would like to be treated. And never say never.

See more of Serena Brooke in "Poetic Silence" and "7 Girls." Visit her website at serenabrooke.com.

Photo: ASPWORLDTOUR.com/Karen