Noa Terada-Pagdilao
Instagram: @noateepee
Location: Waianae, Hawaii
Interests: My interests basically revolve around the ocean. Whether it’s surfing, swimming, taking pictures, or simply sitting on a beach having a conversation, that’s usually where you’ll find me. Other than that, I’m probably singing incredibly loud in my car or binge-watching on Netflix.
Favorite artist and/or songs on repeat right now: I’ve been listening to “Everywhere” by Fleetwood Mac on the daily for the past few weeks. That being said, I’m a shameless Taylor Swift fan.
Favorite books: The Great Gatsby and Cat on a Hot Tin Roof.
Favorite movies: Grease and Airplane!
Favorite superhero: Edna Mode from The Incredibles.
Typical day: As of right now, my typical day usually starts at 5:00AM with a cup of coffee and then I’m on my way to work. Right now I’m working at a surf school and being able to pass on the stoke of surfing to others is incredibly rewarding. Even if they’re struggling to stand up, people are just happy to be in the water and it makes the experience worth the while. When I’m finished with work I usually try to meet up with my friends at the beach where we either surf, take pictures, have a few beers, or just watch the sunset.
Background: I’m from Waianae, which is located on the West side of O’ahu. There’s a big surf community here and I’m lucky to have been raised in it. Growing up, I was surrounded by amazing watermen and women who taught me everything I know about the ocean and life in general. Sometimes people will ask me if living on an island in the middle of the Pacific Ocean ever drives me crazy, and although I understand that island life isn’t for everyone, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else!
Where’d you go to school and what did you study? I graduated from the University of Hawaii with a BA in Communicology (the study of human communication), and I also have a minor degree in French.
If you could learn any skill what would it be? It is my dream to be a polyglot! There are so many languages I want to learn, that part of me just wants to go back to college so I can take language classes haha.
What inspires you? My friends and family definitely inspire me the most. I’m so lucky to be surrounded by such talented, creative, and genuine people.
Best advice you’ve ever received: To be the kind of person I’d want to meet.
If you could have an endless supply of one food what would it be? A loco moco. It’s a local dish in Hawaii that consists of rice, hamburger steak, eggs, and it’s all smothered in gravy. I’m hungry now just thinking about it.
Favorite place and/or memorable experience: Makaha beach is my favorite place in the world. The people, the surf, the mountains… it never gets old for me. Outside of Hawaii my favorite place would be Annecy, France. I studied there for a summer and it’s such a beautiful city. I met some amazing people and made incredible memories during my short time there.
If you could go anywhere in the world where would it be? I really want to travel through the Scandinavian countries. It looks so beautiful there and pictures are not doing justice for me right now.
Why Fair Harbor? Functionality and environmentally conscious. It’s as simple as that! There aren’t too many brands out there that embody both of those qualities in their products, and I’m stoked that Fair Harbor does just that.
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