A PRO PRE-KERR-SOR
The “nature versus nurture” discussion has circulated since the mid-1800s,1 and the surf community isn’t immune. To be a pro, is there a genetic precursor that injects raw talent? Or is it because of our environment, like being raised in a passionate surf fam with seemingly unlimited access to world-class breaks, as well as tips and tricks of the saltwater trade? Either way, the Kerr’s—dad and daughter, a.k.a. Josh and Sierra—hold back-to-back gens of pro surfing.
Josh launched his career as an “air guy”, a multiple Airshow world champion. Add to that a World Surf League Big Wave World Tour event win in Mexico, and a globetrotting lifestyle including a dozen years on the Championship Tour. Now, Dad Josh is as passionate about surf progression as ever, and this freesurfer still soars through the stratosphere—a balance between leading by example and keeping up with Sierra.
14-year-old Sierra appears to be at the beginning of her career. (Not that her 37-year-old father is by any means washed up.) However, two years ago, Sierra became the first women’s surfing Airshow winner at just 12 years of age. Sierra and her pro surfing dream are in undeniably shredding form:
