Radio Check: Grace Emig

The only gal coming over to the Classic to represent the East Coast in the past few years, Grace is a force on both a 10'6 spint board and on a 12' stock. An art teacher and lifeguard, she consistently is claiming titles at the DeSatnick Race and in lifeguard competitions all over the East Coast. She also keeps us humble with her cold water paddles through the off season. Here's Grace!

Photo: Mike Bresnen - @mikepbres

Where do you keep your paddleboards/ gear/ quiver set-up?

We built board racks in our shed next to the house. I keep most of my surfboards at my parent’s house.

What does your dream paddle look like?

As much as I would love a long, fun downwinder, it’s rare for us to get a break from the wind here in South Jersey. I love when the water turns to glass. I could paddle for HOURS.

Photo: Mike Bresnen - @mikepbres

If you had to listen to one song on repeat for the whole Catalina Classic (or equivalent), what would it be?

If I didn’t spend so much time paddling, I would probably be doing _______ more. 

Surfing

What/who inspires you?

Definitely my family, but especially my dad. He was the first one to put me on a paddleboard.

Left: Me, my dad, my mom, Dan (my fiance), my brother Luke (not pictured).

Right: Dad training in 1990!

Who is your paddling nemesis?

Lexi Santer!!! She is an animal!! One of the best female athletes I’ve had the pleasure of competing with for the last 10 years. She has been pushing me since I was a 16 year old rookie on the beach patrol. I know when I’m racing against her in our local lifeguard races that I have to be on top of my game.

What is an item you don’t leave home without/ pack on every trip?

My water bottle for sure - I have a crossbody bag specifically designed to hold it so I can carry it everywhere.

Worst paddle/ nutrition story of your life?

Oh gosh, I’ve had two really rough paddles. The first was my second Catalina Classic in 2023. I thought I finally had my nutrition perfect but right around the R10 I started losing it. I couldn’t drink any of my electrolytes/carbs because it was making me sick. I couldn't get any food down, so for the last 10 miles I was drinking plain water. My arms and shoulders completely gave out, I couldn’t get up to my knees anymore. It was the most uncomfortable I’ve been in my entire life. I had such a great start to that race and was so upset with myself. My dad yelled at me from the boat and said if I didn’t finish the race we would never come back lol so I pushed through and finished in just under 9 hours. Next worst paddle ever was 22 miles around Absecon Island against the tidal currents into a 25 mph headwind. Don’t know how I finished that one.

Show us the trunk of your car?

Empty right now but a total disaster in the summer.

Show us your favorite selfie:

Paddle scene hot take?

East Coast paddles > West Coast paddles (especially the cold ones)

Pre or post race ritual?

Post race ritual is a protein shake and a family sized bag of nerds gummy clusters

A goal you have- big or small.

I’d love to do the Molokai one day. 

Send a photo of something you’ve made recently (art, a meal, object, etc.)

I’m currently working on this painting of a photo I took in Banff last year.