San Clemente, CA
@cole_houshmand
Cole Houshmand is a pro surfer from our backyard: San Clemente, CA. Although none of his family surfed, he somehow convinced his dad to push him into waves when he was younger, and look where that has gotten him now. He has captured the surfing world's attention with his rapid rise to the professional surfing tour. However, he captured Stance’s attention with his undeniable style, fearless approach to big waves and playful attitude. He’s been called “the Rodman of surfing” because of his crazy dyed hair and overall confidence towards his self-expression. Cole has established himself as an athlete to watch in the competitive surfing scene. He has set himself apart within the scene with his power, style, passion and dedication to honing his skills. With his impressive performances and unwavering determination, Cole Houshmand continues to make waves both in and out of the water.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION IN SURFING?
On a day to day basis it would be Griffin Colapinto and Kolohe Andino. Not only as surfers, but genuine people, mentors, and friends. Other inspirations growing up were Kelly Slater and Medina. I grew up watching them and would always strive to be/act/surf like them.
WHAT OTHER SPORTS INFLUENCE/INSPIRE YOU?
Big ones would be Snowboarding, Skating, Baseball, NFL, and some NBA. But honestly, I get inspired and influenced by almost every sport and every thing in life. It’s more the people I gravitate towards.
BIG AIRS OR BIG TURNS? WHY?
That’s actually a hard one, you would think my easy answer is turns, and it is, but I love airs too.
There’s just something about connecting on a big power turn, the flow and push, no bobbles or catches. Feels insane.
Lefts, although I feel my backside is what I’m known for, I love lefts. If I had the choice I’d go left on every split peak, and I do haha. I’d run down the beach to surf a shitty left over a better right.
REEF OR SAND BOTTOM? WHY?
Reef, if it’s clear water, I don’t like not seeing the bottom. But reefs to me are more fun, challenging, and tend to make the waves better and more consistent.
WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION IN LIFE? WHY
My dad. I’ve learned and taken a lot of inspiration from him in life. To work hard, have discipline, be a good family man, be a father and good person. Same goes to my mom. Also, what inspires me is the person I CAN be. My fullest potential. If I work as hard as I can and do my best job, I’ll be happy in the future.
WORST THING ABOUT BEING A PRO SURFER?
Living out of a suitcase. And my second home is LAX…
BEST THING ABOUT BEING A PRO SURFER?
Living out of a suitcase, seeing the world, the different cultures and way people live. It’s a blessing and keeps you grounded and grateful for life.
FAVOURITE PLACE TO TRAVEL TOO? WHY?
There’s so many, I really can’t pick. It changes a lot. But I always told people if I had to move out of the states I would live in Portugal. Feels like California but better. Waves are good, food is good, coffee is good, people are nice, and there are less crowds.
ONE FOOD FOR THE REST OF YOUR LIFE? WHAT/WHY?
Ai Pono Cafe all day long. Not a food but a place. Go there and you’ll know. Fried chicken.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE TATTOO YOU HAVE?
“Family” written in my moms handwriting. Family is one of and if not the most important thing to me in life.
FAVOURITE TYPE OF MUSIC? WHY? SONG THAT GETS YOU FIRED UP?
I bounce around a lot. Everything from Old School Hip Hop, to Red Hot Chilli Peppers, to reggae. The one that always comes back is old school hip hop, 50 Cent, The Game, Eminem, Tupac, Wu-Tang. The list goes on. Rap back in the day was way more lyrical, raw, and real, none of this BS now you can’t even understand.
HOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT JOINING THE STANCE TEAM?
It feels amazing, beyond appreciative and grateful. It’s a fun, creative, and real brand. I grew up wearing all their gear and now to be a part of it and rep it is unreal.
HOW DOES IT FEEL TO SUPPORT A LOCAL BUSINESS?
No better feeling. It feels like home. From knowing all the guys at the company, surfing with them and seeing them grow as a brand. It’s really cool.
WHAT DOES SAN CLEMENTE MEAN TO YOU?
San Clemente means the world to me. It’s my forever home, and it’s a piece of me. Or more so I carry a piece of it wherever I go in life. It’s given me the life I live and the opportunities. It’s such a small surf town. Everyone knows everyone and is so supportive. You feel like you have the whole town backing you. One big family.
DO YOU OWN ANY ANIMALS? WHAT KIND AND WHATS THEIR NAME?
Tank! He’s a Cane Corso (Italian Mastiff). Biggest and best dog ever.
WHAT DOES “STITCHED DIFFERENT” MEAN TO YOU?
It means being yourself, being creative, thinking and breaking the norm. Take the risk, have fun, not caring too much what people think. You do you and you’ll live your best life. No copycats in the game.
