Tell us about yourself:
Hi everyone, I’m Taylor and it’s an absolute honor to be named October’s athlete of the month here at Beachside ! If I were to encapsulate myself in a single sentence, I’d say I’m an aquatic athlete with a profound affection for golden retrievers and a fondness for 50’s music (a taste I inherited from my grandmother). My formative years were spent at Lake Havasu with my grandparents, where my grandfather took every opportunity to impart crucial water safety lessons and boating etiquette, sometimes accompanied by a playful swat on the head from a rolled-up newspaper. Interestingly, my grandmother never learned to swim. Perhaps that’s why I gravitated to the water. Being a strong swimmer made me feel like a superhero and gave me a sense of invincibility. Competitive swimming and surfing became my life, along with occasional freediving when the conditions aligned. Overall, my goal is to continue expanding my knowledge and water background in whatever capacity I can!
What do you do for a job?
My career has evolved significantly over the years, taking me on a journey from being a lifeguard and surf instructor/coach to a surf journalist. From there, I ventured into media and marketing within the surf industry. Today, I’m a business owner at TriOdyssey Studios – a company that enhances the value of businesses by developing and implementing branding, advertising, and media marketing strategies.
Tell us something people might not know about you:
One hilariously intriguing aspect of my past is that I co-directed, produced, and starred in a feature length reenactment of Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith at 11-years-old alongside my neighborhood friends. A creative masterpiece I hope nobody ever sees!
What brought you to CrossFit in the first place?
In the midst of the 2020 pandemic, my family and I did daily WODs programmed by PRVN in our backyard. The music, the spirited shouts of encouragement, and the sense of camaraderie created an electrifying atmosphere that was impossible to resist. I was hooked. When the world “opened back up” I wanted a CrossFit box to call my home.
What was your first impression? How has that changed?
My initial perception of CrossFit exceeded my expectations in the best way. I anticipated discovering an athletic, supportive community that not only pushed me physically, but also mentally. And that’s precisely what I encountered when I joined Beachside CrossFit!
What was your first “bright spot”?
Lifting 100 lbs overhead was a milestone I worked to attain during COVID, which I accomplished shortly after at Beachside! Secondly, mastering stringing together unbroken double unders. Both came with challenges and days of doubt, but once it clicked, there was no going back!
What are you working on now?
At the moment, I’m rehabbing my injured elbow, but I’m determined to return to the rig stronger and more formidable than ever! Focusing on enhancing my capabilities in strict pull-ups, kipping pull-ups, chest-to-bar movements, and whatever else my body allows for with proper training. The rig is my white whale, and one day…. I will tame her.
What’s your favorite Beachside Crossfit memory?
Every workout and Beachside gathering is a favorite memory of mine! There’s an unparalleled joy in working out with friends day after day that both challenges and humbles you. It’s a rollercoaster of effort and exhilaration; each experience contributes to your growth and bonds with those who share this remarkable fitness journey with you!
