David Paschal

Name: David Paschal
Age: 20
Hometown: Imperial Beach
Spot: The pier and every peak to the border.
Sponsors: Oakley, Lost Surfboards, Dakine, Xcel, Surf Hut
Board(s): All Lost: 5’5”x19.25”x2.25” Aviso Fish; 5’10”x17.75”x2.05” Wardo model; 6’4”x18”x2.25” Mini-Gun; 6’8”x18.25”x2.25”
Teacher: Terry Gillard, an I.B. legend. He still does loads of contests and he’s such a cool guy. He rips and has more energy than most 19-year-old kids. He’s mental. That whole Gillard family has loads of talent.
Travel: Mostly a lot of mainland. Specifically Puerto this year. There are always waves and it’s so cheap. There are loads of senoritas and it’s just so much fun. Also the surrounding areas... always Baja. I live so close it’s a joke. I wanna also go to a lot of other countries to finish this year out. I’m still scouting where to go though.
Favorite experience: There’s been so many, but, differently, the first time I shot photos with Josh Walker it just opened a whole new door for me and it’s cool to see what you look like on the water.
Favorite ‘CTer: I have to say Bobby Martinez. He’s blowing up this year.
Style comparison: I always watched loads of Cory Lopez and Rob Machado footage, but they’re both so crazy. I don’t know, a little of both maybe.
Competition: I have been slacking loads, that’s for sure. I have to get back into doing those again. I just wanna feel confident with my free surfing before I start stressing in a heat. I used to do a lot when I was younger until I got over getting hosed in NSSA forever. I guess it happens though.
What aspect of surfing is most important to you? That’s a tough one for me. I enjoy travel, especially on my own time and money. I like to be able to surf good waves and not have stress lurking over me to make a heat. I would rather stress on getting good quality photos. So I think travel-free surfing with a combo of photos is what is important to me. Everyone finds their niche. I’m still looking. Having fun is most important.
“Whether it’s two-foot I.B. or 20-foot Puerto, Davo charges with confidence. Airs, barrels, snaps, you name it, he’s more solid than many seasoned pros. I really enjoy shooting with him. He’s always stoked, even at 4 a.m. in the middle of winter, willing to do whatever it takes, and always seems to be at the right place at the right time.” - Joshua Walker, photographer