Ever wanted to be a professional athlete? Play in the NFL or NBA, skate or snowboard, whatever your sport is? Jared and Taylor Thorne are 14-year-old California twins who share a similar dream.
“All of us in life have a calling,” Taylor says. “God will eventually lead us to our calling and what we have to do for Him. Hopefully, mine is to be a pro surfer and share His word with people I travel with and meet.”
With both brothers ranked within the Top 10 California surfers (14-and-under), they’re off to a good start toward fulfilling their goals.
Getting Started, Getting Stoked
Like thousands of Southern California kids, the Thorne bros had their first surfing experience very young. At age 5, their dad pushed them into ankle-high waves at a local break called Blackies near the Newport Pier. A photographer on the beach noticed them, and their photo ended up in the local newspaper.
But unlike many SoCal groms, Jared and Taylor didn’t spend every free moment in the ocean, even though they’ve lived in Newport Beach nearly their entire lives.
“Problem was, they were so young and skinny that they got cold every time they went,” Dad, Steve, says. “So at that young age they decided they would pick up a ‘warmer’ sport: basketball.”
By 10, the Thornes were drawn back to the waves and hooked for good, especially once they began competing. “We started slowly, like twice a week,” Taylor says. “And then three times a week, and it kept growing until we surf almost every day now.”
“On average, probably three hours [each day],” Jared says. “Most of the time we go to 54th Street in Newport, but in the summer we go to Lowers [the world-class break in San Onofre Beach State Park] pretty much every day.”
Their home schooling schedule helps the twins maximize their time in the water—as does support from sponsors Quiksilver, Future Fins and Byrne Surfboards, who provide clothes and gear. They also receive coaching from former pro and Pipeline Masters champion-turned-pastor Joey Buran.
Of course, it’s the support of Mom and Dad that matters most, helping their sons reach the beach daily, enter about 35 to 45 contests a year and travel to prime breaks to gain valuable experience—ultimately to live the surf life.
“I want to provide every opportunity for them to go after their dream of making the ‘CT [World Championship Tour],” Steve says. “But first and foremost I want them to know Christ.”
World View
Travel is one of Jared and Taylor’s favorite parts of the surfing experience. The quest for waves has carried them to Hawaii, Mexico, Indonesia, Fiji, El Salvador and Puerto Rico. Jared lists Fiji as his favorite spot; Taylor agrees and adds El Salvador.
“It’s cool to see how different people live,” Taylor says. “And to see how we’re living compared to them and how fortunate we are. It’s taught me to be thankful for all that God provides and to thank Him for everything I have.”
The brothers have gone on some missions trips in Mexico with their dad. They hope that surfing will enable them to give back to the people and cultures they visit as well.
“We’re trying to find a missions trip that we can surf on, too,” Taylor says. “Hopefully we can show [the local people] God’s grace and build houses for them and give them clothes and stuff we win at contests.”
As the groms look ahead to the pro tour as their potential ministry platform, they know now is the time to prepare. As in much of our culture, partying is often a big part of the surf world, a fact not lost on the Thornes.
“It’s probably gonna get harder when we’re older and on tour,” Taylor says.
So how are the teens preparing for those kinds of challenges? Bible study with Joey helps; his own experience on the pro tour and knowledge as a pastor are especially valuable. Learning to make wise choices is also important to the twins.
“We try to hang out with a good group of people and stay away from peer pressure,” Taylor says. “And just to be able to tell people no and stand up for what I believe. There have been a couple of times when friends have wanted to watch bad movies, rated-R movies, and I couldn’t watch them. But nothing really worse than that.”
The brothers have been encouraged in those cases when their friends have respected their decisions and beliefs. It’s given them more courage and motivation for the road ahead.
“I want to minister to as many people as I can,” Jared says. “And just keep Christ first instead of surfing.”
“They have a legitimate dream,” Joey says while acknowledging the steep odds of making the WCT. ”They’re very talented. They’re smart. They’re good competitors, and, hey, if the Lord’s in it, then who’s going to stop it?” 
