Five Miles Up with ... Jonny Weston

"Live Like Jay." That’s the credo that spread after Santa Cruz, Calif., surfer Jay Moriarity died at 22 in a free-diving accident while training to surf legendary Mavericks in Northern California. It's not just about embracing life, but also about being true to yourself and treating others well.

When the film "Chasing Mavericks" opens  Friday, theatergoers will see Weston taking on the role of Moriarity. What’s apparent when talking to Weston – having the opportunity to Live Like Jay fueled his own passion for surfing. As for favorite surf spots, he’s willing to share a few. At least one, though, he’s holding close to the vest.

Window or aisle?
Window. I like looking out at cities I’m taking off and landing from.

Carry-on or check-in?
Carry on always.

What’s something you never fail to pack in your suitcase?
My headphones. I love music.

Three artists on your travel playlist?
I like Damian Marley, Welcome to Jamrock. I think he’s one of the greatest reggae artists ever. Modest Mouse Tiny Cities Made of Ashes and Rage Against the Machine, Bombtrack.

What’s your idea of the perfect vacation?
I’d go to Oahu, Hawaii, and stay in my friend’s guesthouse in the middle of the forest and go surfing. North Shore all the way, Seven Mile Miracle.

What’s the worst vacation you’ve taken?
I haven’t been on that many vacations, so no bad ones so far.

Favorite place you’ve surfed?
Trestles (San Diego). No wait, I take that back. There’s this place in Half Moon Bay (California) on “blank street” – I’m not going to tell you the name of the street because I don’t want people crowding it – it’s one of the best places I’ve ever surfed.

What's the most unusual souvenir you ever came back with?
I came back from filming "Chasing Mavericks" with six,custom-made surfboards from (Santa Cruz shaper) Bob Pearson, he’s the greatest shaper I’ve ever been involved with. He was Jay Moriarity’s shaper. He took me in and said, “We’re going to get you into character now because I’m going to shape a board with you like I used to with Jay.” So I have one I shaped with my own hands with him. That’s my trophy, my diamond. I surf it every day. I would never not surf it.

Ever try a food that you wished you hadn’t?
I tried Pho, some crazy (Vietnamese) soup that’s so gnarly to eat. I wish I hadn’t.

Favorite resort you've ever stayed in?
The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay was pretty amazing. I got to stay there for one day while filming.

Biggest regret you've ever had while on vacation.
That I didn’t start surfing when I was 3 year’s old. I waited until I was 11.

The one thing you're willing to splurge on above all else.
I don’t like to spend money when I’m traveling. I like to go places like Hawaii and not spend money. I splurge on time.

Where would you take someone visiting your hometown for the first time?
In my hometown of Charleston, S.C.,  I’d take them to the Morris Island Lighthouse. You can barely see it, but you can swim to it across the Charleston Channel where the ocean washes in, then hang out there.

You only get one more trip in your lifetime. Where will it be?
I’d choose two. One would be to India because I’ve heard the people there are incredibly honest and loving. I’d also like to go to Indonesia. I picture it being beautiful.