stance x cole houshmand

The Rodman of Surfing


San Clemente, CA

@cole_houshmand

Photo of Cole Houshmand smiling while sitting on his surfboard in the ocean.

Cole Houshmand is a pro surfer from our backyard: San Clemente, CA. Although none of his family surfed, he somehow convinced his dad to push him into waves when he was younger, and look where that has gotten him now. He has captured the surfing world's attention with his rapid rise to the professional surfing tour. However, he captured Stance’s attention with his undeniable style, fearless approach to big waves and playful attitude. He’s been called “the Rodman of surfing” because of his crazy dyed hair and overall confidence towards his self-expression. Cole has established himself as an athlete to watch in the competitive surfing scene. He has set himself apart within the scene with his power, style, passion and dedication to honing his skills. With his impressive performances and unwavering determination, Cole Houshmand continues to make waves both in and out of the water.

Photo of Cole Houshmand doing pull ups.
Close up photo of Cole Houshmand wearing a black t-shirt and looking at the camera..
Zoomed in shot of the stance sticker on Cole Houshmand's surfboard.

WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION IN SURFING?

On a day to day basis it would be Griffin Colapinto and Kolohe Andino. Not only as surfers, but genuine people, mentors, and friends. Other inspirations growing up were Kelly Slater and Medina. I grew up watching them and would always strive to be/act/surf like them.

WHAT OTHER SPORTS INFLUENCE/INSPIRE YOU?

Big ones would be Snowboarding, Skating, Baseball, NFL, and some NBA. But honestly, I get inspired and influenced by almost every sport and every thing in life. It’s more the people I gravitate towards.

BIG AIRS OR BIG TURNS? WHY?

That’s actually a hard one, you would think my easy answer is turns, and it is, but I love airs too.
There’s just something about connecting on a big power turn, the flow and push, no bobbles or catches. Feels insane.

RIGHTS OR LEFTS? WHY?

Lefts, although I feel my backside is what I’m known for, I love lefts. If I had the choice I’d go left on every split peak, and I do haha. I’d run down the beach to surf a shitty left over a better right.

REEF OR SAND BOTTOM? WHY?

Reef, if it’s clear water, I don’t like not seeing the bottom. But reefs to me are more fun, challenging, and tend to make the waves better and more consistent.

WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION IN LIFE? WHY

My dad. I’ve learned and taken a lot of inspiration from him in life. To work hard, have discipline, be a good family man, be a father and good person. Same goes to my mom. Also, what inspires me is the person I CAN be. My fullest potential. If I work as hard as I can and do my best job, I’ll be happy in the future.

WORST THING ABOUT BEING A PRO SURFER?

Living out of a suitcase. And my second home is LAX…

Blurry photo of Cole Houshmand standing on the beach holding his surfboard.