By: Audrey Rosendahl

Kate Perce, an amazing surfer is a senior at Ponte Vedra High School (PVHS). Perce started to surf at a young age but became more serious freshman year when she started to practice every day. Perce started to compete locally where she began to excel and starting to win. The wins brought Perce recognition from the Eastern Surfing Association (ESA). This is a competitive organization that hosts local, regional and East Coast championship events. Surfing for this program is a big deal and can create even bigger opportunities, including USA surfing organizations. Perce has come a long way surfing, and it has become a big part of her life. Perce has traveled to many places to surf including the South Coast of Florida, California wave pools, and Puerto Rico. “Locally, I like to surf at the Jacksonville Pier before and after school,” says Perce. However, she still is a student and needs to keep up with school as well. Perce says, “I try to use my time wisely. When the waves are flat, I try and get ahead of my work so I can enjoy the days where the surf is good.” It’s tough to keep up with school and surf at a high level. Perce tries to surf about five times a week to keep up with practice and just for fun with friends.

Perce’s dream is to surf in Hawaii and surf the swells of Honolulu Bay. Although it hasn’t been an easy road for Perce. She has struggled with competitions and has had obstacles to overcome. Perce has learned many lessons along her journey with surfing which has helped her become a stronger person physically and mentally. She says, “Surfing has taught me grit and determination to keep going even when things don’t go perfectly.” Perce looks up to Carissa Moore who is an incredible surfer with a great mindset. Perce has become an exceptional surfer and has gone far on her journey. Sunrise Surf shop sponsors Perce and there are many more to come.

Pictured: Kate Perce surfing