Introducing... Cornwall's Kelly Slater

Britain's best surfer, Alan Stokes, 28, moved from Aldershot in Hampshire to Newquay in Cornwall when he was six. He learned to surf on 'a cute polystyrene board discovered at the back of our garden'. At 13 he was ready to turn pro and has never done any other job.

His girlfriend Céline Gehret, 'the female version of me', is the Swiss national surfing champion, an instructor and model. After four years together, he's still 'possessive over my competition boards', and relieved that they don't compete against each other.

Do you surf 24 hours a day?
No, but last month there was a night surfing event, the Gul Night Surf, on my local beach, Fistral, in Newquay. The waves were amazing and I won for the third time. It's great to win at home.

Where are the best waves?
I love surfing in Australia as it's a very relaxed culture where everyone's doing the same thing. But I'm never in one place for very long. So far this year I've been to Costa Rica, France, Spain, Portugal and Scotland, and next week I'm going to Sri Lanka.

What's the downside?
Last year I tore the ligaments in my ankle and had four months out of the water, which was a nightmare. I've managed to avoid sharks but I've seen a lot. Last year there was one in Cornwall but we were close to shore so could swim back quickly. Both my sisters are lifeguards so one would have saved me.

Is life a beach?
I guess I'm always on holiday, but last week I was in Switzerland where I was landlocked. I hate not being able to see the sea.

Who's your hero?
Kelly Slater has won the world surfing championship nine times, which is awesome. Lance Armstrong's willpower is incredible. He's motivated me to keep improving.

Any tips for landlubbers?
Give it a go, dude; anyone can catch a wave.