How did it feel the moment you realized you'd just won your 5th World championship in Barbados on the APP World Tour?

Honestly I had no idea of the World Title scenarios at the time. I was in complete shock when I was addressed by Evelyn saying “Izzi, you know if Shakira gets put out in this heat, you win the title!?” All week long in Barbados, I was under the impression that I had to win the event to seal the title regardless of the placing of other competitors. I started crying in the dying minutes of the Vania vs Shak heat because I knew the title was so close within my reach.

What board were you riding in Barbados? Specs: Size, width, liters.

I was riding an infinity SUP B line 6’10 x 23, 69L . I honestly was a little skeptical about the board at first because I’m so used to riding my go to which is a 7’2 x 23.

Izzi, your success in the world of SUP surfing is massive. Besides yourself, to whom do you accredit most of your success? Who would you like to thank?

Honestly, I give a lot of the credit for my success to Steve Sjuggerud. Steve was the one that introduced my brother and I to Starboard back in the day and then my career just took off from there.

Photographer Greg Panas also played a huge part in the success I’ve had in competition. Not only is he an amazing photographer that I’ve traveled with many times, but he is often the one to often calm me down and help fire me up when I am anxious before contests.

I give so much credit to my family. My mom, Brandi, sacrifices her entire personal life to help my brother and I travel around the world to compete and chase our dreams. My whole family has moved several times to different coasts and states so Georgio and I could surf better waves and become the best we can be. My grandparents are also my heroes. They are 71-years-old and still work every single day at their surf shop in California to help support my brother and I. I don’t thank them enough. I would have never have made it to where I am now if it weren’t for them believing in me.

My brother, Giorgio Is my best friend! He continues to help me push my surfing to the next level and is always there for me through the ups and downs.

You were recently invited to participate in this season's WSL Peah'i Big Wave Challenge as an alternate with some of the greatest female surfers of all time. What does mean to you to be a part of that inner circle?

I was so stoked when I was informed that I would be an alternate for the Peahi challenge! I’ve been working hard to get comfortable in bigger waves. It’s truly amazing how hard all these women charge. They are fearless! I’m honored that I am even in the conversation considering all the invitees are so established in the big wave world. It’s my first winter dipping my toes in so I’m stoked to get out there, learn and take the next steps.

We know you're a woman who is fueled by your goals. What's next for Izzi Gomez?

Honestly, I just want to surf! Hahaha! I have a chance to qualify for the 2020 Olympics so that is big on my list of goals. I will also be competing in some WSL QS events, as well as working on my high performance surfing. I have so many things I want to do, so I’m just going with the flow and see where it takes me :)