Talent Feature

Cynthia Alverson

1. How did you get started as an athlete?

When I moved to San Francisco after college, I became friends with a group who were into sports. We went mountain biking in the fall, snowboarding in the winter, and wakeboarding in the summer. All these sports prepared for the next big thing: kitesurfing. I learned to kitesurf in the year 2004. Over every other sport, kitesurfing hooked me the most. After kiting the waves on the ocean at Waddell Creek, I moved to Santa Cruz, CA, to be closer to the spot and dedicate myself to the sport. It's been one of the most amazing experiences of my life.

2. How did you get started in the sports modeling industry?

I got into modeling because of kitesurfing. When I first started kiting at Waddell Creek, I was the only girl out 90% of the time. There are waves, the water is cold, and let's not forget the sharks. Most the core kiters are male and experienced windsurfers and surfers. One day, Kim Kern, a sports photographer, was looking around the beach for a girl to shoot. There was me and one other girl. I volunteered. When I got the photos, I sent them into a modeling agency in San Francisco along with a headshot. I was signed immediately and I've been working as a model ever since.

3. What kind of physical regimen do you follow to keep yourself fit for sports modeling?

I don't follow any specific regimen. For me, exercise has become a habit, a need. During the week, I take yoga classes, climb at the climbing gym and ride the trails with my mountain bike. I go kitesurfing when I can, and that keeps me in great shape overall. Having a career that allows me to travel to beautiful outdoor recreation venues, to do all of the sports that I love, to workout, and that motivates me to stay in good physical condition.

4. What intrigued you about Sports Unlimited that made you want to join the agency?

I joined Sports Unlimited because I kept hearing about them through photographers and people in the industry. The concept of a creating a modeling agency geared specifically toward sports makes so much sense, there is clearly a market for it. Sports Unlimited has established a solid name and reputation.


5. What are some of your favorite sports? What do they bring to you as a person?

Currently, my three sports of choice are yoga, climbing, and mountain biking. I find that each activity opens up my energy and elevates my mood. My favorite sport, hands down, is kitesurfing. When I am on the water, I am fully engaged. The beautiful environment and the challenge of riding waves keeps me in the moment. Sports have brought a great amount of joy into my life. I've gotten to play in some beautiful environments. I've gotten to connect with other people and share adventure and fun. I am a much happier person in general. I feel light, young, and energetic, and I expect to the rest of my life.

6. What is something most people don't know about kiteboarding?

Some people don't even know what it is! For those who do, they might think it's a flat water sport, but riding waves has become increasingly popular. Waddell Creek is known for it's great surf. The size of the waves vary all year. I've been out in double overhead conditions and it is scary, but that's what makes it so much fun!

7. What words of wisdom would you give to those who want to get into the business?

I've been told by several photographers that it is smart to have shots of the kinds of activities you want to get hired doing. Find a photographer who needs photos for his/her portfolio. They will give you print images for yours. When you land a gig, be prepared for repetition and endurance. Often times, you have to repeat the same activity over and over again. You have to hold poses. Put your best energy into any shoot, and have a good attitude.

Talent Feature Archive - Josh Hall