- WSL / Jackson Van Kirk
- WSL / Jackson Van Kirk

After finishing No.9 on the 2016 Women's Samsung Galaxy Championship Tour, her best result yet, there's no doubt that the momentum is flowing for Sage Erickson. Having risen from No. 16, if there was a most improved award it would be hers. After a long season, doing both the Qualifying Series and the CT, the Ventura native is finally getting a minute at home to process what has progressed over the last year.

Sage Erickson during Round 3. Erickson made it to the Quarterfinals at the Roxy Pro Goldcoast, eventually loosing out to World No.2 Courtney Conlogue. - WSL / Kirstin Scholtz

WSL: Looking back on the 2016 season, what are you most proud of?
Sage Erickson: I'm proud of finding that little extra fire I didn't know I had being competitive. I'm proud I finally trusted my ability during competition more and was able to surf a little more free without the nervousness. I'm proud I continued to be a good friend along the way! I'm also proud to know that little voice in my head from God 3 years ago telling me to get back on tour was right and I didn't use or take advantage of anyone along the way to get there!

Sage Erickson winning her Round 4 heat. Winning Round Four at the Roxy Pro Gold Coast. - WSL / Kirstin Scholtz

Favorite moment on tour this year?
Beating Keely in Round Four at Snapper and finally making a Quarterfinal to start off the year as well as winning the QS6000 in Spain.

What are you most excited about for 2017?
Competing! I want that jersey back on!

Erickson and crew at the Ventura Swap Meet. Sage and crew earned over $1700 at the Ventura Swap Meet. - WSL

What does your training schedule look like now?
Whatever I want it to look like. I've had my best year on tour and I'm so excited for the start of next year but I want to enjoy being 25 at home also. Whatever that looks like for the next month. Time with my family has been missed this year so I'm looking forward to seeing their smiling faces during the holidays especially!

That little voice in my head from God 3 years ago telling me to get back on tour was right and I didn't use or take advantage of anyone along the way to get there.

So you've been busy emptying out your closet too, for a good cause?
Yeah, two of my best guy friends started the Young and Brave foundation about five years ago. Nathaniel Curran and Matt Coulter. It's been incredibly inspiring and heartbreaking at the same time to know that many face a much bigger battle than we do daily and look at losing what means the most to them. The Young and Brave donate 100% proceeds to 30 and under warriors battling cancer. Their main focus is the children. It's easy for most of us to go along our days not being affected by others struggles because we just don't want to feel the pain if we don't have too. I'm so proud that these guys take the time to change kids lives with hospital visits, Thanksgiving meals, and financially support the families along the way.

And you realized you had an easy way to help them?
Well, yeah, it started off with admitting to myself that I'm a slight clothes hoarder. Traveling the world has been such a cool opportunity to gather unique and cool styles. With those pieces I guess I attached the memory and place to it, so over the years I've just built more and more of a collection that I had a hard time getting rid of.

Sage Erickson holds closet sale at Ventura Swap Meet. Erickson has scored a lot of surf brand clothing over the years. - WSL

Do you have any other plans for the off season?
HOME! I am going to soak up every bit of this time. Getting into a routine, hiking in the hills, surfing my favorite breaks and loving all my friends and community that has supported me all year. I dread the day that I think my little successes on tour were all achieved by just me. It's the people in my life that have inspired me to be who I am and of course my relationship with God. I also have a new fire for charity work so I'm hoping to get more involved in that area. Maybe game plan something for a few stops on tour next year to give back!

Erickson Picking Up Speed
0:57

Where are your favorite places to hang when you're home?
Palermo coffee on Main St. Best barista in town! Ventura point, up top and or surfing in the cove before sunset. Ojai, where my life actually began, incredible hiking trails. Probably a couple road trips north to Big Sur. It's only 4 hours away and it's just so beautiful!

World Surf League
Download it for free on the App store. Download it for free on Google Play.