Surf Like a Girl ::: Getting to Know Pro Feature: Veronica Baker

There is not much Veronica Baker has not done. Surfing all over the world, rock climbing, heli-skiing, shooting covers for magazines, caring for her sons—no, Veronica is not the kind of girl who sits back and waits for opportunities to come to her. You may remember her by her maiden name, Veronica Kay, as the fierce blonde competitor on WB's "Boarding House: North Shore" or recognize her as one of the hosts of "Wild on E!." Veronica hails from Southern California, where she picked up surfing when she was only fourteen years old. Since then, she has traveled the world to seek out the best waves as an ambassador and model for Roxy. She currently resides in Newport Beach with her husband and two sons.

Last album downloaded: I know I am stuck in dinosaur-land, but I don't download music. The last CD I bought was Metallica's "Kill 'em All."
Best vacation: I brought my best friend Jillian to Whistler to shoot "Wild on E!" because I told them she was my stylist/hair and makeup person. So, it technically wasn't a vacation, but it sure felt like one. We had the best time!
Last book I read: "Moby Dick" by Herman Melville
Guilty pleasure TV show: "Survivor"
Favorite comfort food: Grilled cheese and tomato soup
Champagne or beer (or other): Beer
Last splurge: A pair of leopard print peep-toe pumps
Advice for beginners: Relish falling—learn to love it and know that every time you do, you are one step closer to getting that much better. Also, laugh, play, don't take yourself so seriously. "The best surfer is the happy surfer."
Hero: Lisa Andersen
Worst experience in the water: Got sucked over the falls and landed on my fin. It broke off in my leg, and I had to get 20 stitches.
I'm most proud of: Being a mom
Favorite rainy day activity: Finding puddles to jump in with my son and then coming inside and drinking hot chocolate.
Pet peeve: Cold butter
How I met my husband: A mutual friend set us up on a blind date; I made her come to lunch with us.
Tip for going green?: Eat organic.
Why I surf: Because it makes me feel good—simple but true.
Words to live by: Smile as much as you can.

Above photo by Jeff Hornbaker. To see more of Veronica, check visit the Roxy site or see her on YouTube.