Alana Blanchard Speaks About Finding Balance as a Mom and a Professional Surfer

Alana Blanchard’s life has changed drastically over the last five-or-so years. She was, as you know, basically the face of Rip Curl for a while, designing a swimsuit line and starring in advertisements splashed all over the place. Then she became a mother, and the 15-year partnership with Rip Curl ended just like that. Blanchard hinted at the fact that her role as a mother played a part in the breakup, but Rip Curl denied it. But change isn’t bad, and I’d wager Alana far prefers her life now. But it’s not always easy, being a mother of two.

In March of 2020, Blanchard addressed the split head on in a YouTube video. “I’m sure some of you guys noticed that I’m no longer sponsored by Rip Curl,” she said. “It was a big change for me, going from being sponsored for my whole life — pretty much since I was like 14 — to now not having a main sponsor. As a professional surfer, that’s a huge thing. As I excited as I am for change and what’s to come, it’s definitely a little bit scary… [Rip Curl] pretty much stopped using me after I had Banks. They really didn’t like that I had a kid.”

Rip Curl did respond, stating that they attempted to renegotiate a contract but neither party could agree to terms. Now, a few years after that breakup, Blanchard and her husband Jack Freestone appear to be thriving, adding another child to their family while still managing to balance careers. Blanchard sat down with Vuori a while back to give her thoughts on navigating that balancing act.

“I feel like being a mom is one of the hardest things you could ever do,” she said, “but it’s also one of the most rewarding things at the same time. It gives my life so much purpose.”

Blanchard has learned that in order to create a happy environment outside oneself, one first must create happiness within. For her, that means keeping active, eating well, and making time for yourself.

“When you’re a mom, sometimes you put yourself last,” she explained. “I think what we all need to realize is that when we put ourselves first, the whole family thrives.”

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