Action Sports Today Athlete Profile Series
Recently, Professional Surfer Malia Manuel, who of course lives an unconventional 9 to 5, starred in G-SHOCK’s “24 Hours of Toughness” series. The series is a campaign centered around influential and powerful women who don’t let the traditional boundaries of time stop their daily hustle. In addition to offering a behind-the-scenes look at Malia’s life on and off the board, the video also introduces the latest women’s series, the GMAB800.
Action Sports Today sat down with Manuel to talk about the growth of surfing in multiple areas and her perspective on the state of the sport.
AST: The landscape of surfing is always evolving in many ways, but in a lot of ways still, the sport is as traditional as it was in the beginning. As a surfer that has won at such a young age and still is surfing at a high level but having the veteran competitor maturity, what do you find as the biggest change for you and the sport?
Manuel: I think as my sport has grown and changed I’ve done different things. I’ve become more mindful of my position in the world and my responsibilities to humanity, the surf community, and community at home now. I’m conscious how I want my experience in this journey to reflect the legacy I leave. It’s been really fun to dive deeper into the physical and mental side of surfing. Everyone is an “athlete” and we dedicate so much of our everyday lives to the sport. I’m constantly learning how our bodies are able to perform under such high stress and demand— it’s pretty amazing. The progression of surfing has elevated with the quality of locations our events are the past few years and with that there’s always something to learn, evolve, and get better at and that is what keeps me going year after year.
AST: Most of us only dream about making a life as a pro surfer, and to most it sounds like a dream, but it’s not always just a dream. What is the one misconception about your “job” that most people do not understand?
Manuel: There are so many elements that come to traveling, competing, and being away from a normal life. Some individual sports are the same, it can be lonely and difficult not to be your own worst critic. What a lot of people sometimes may not see is that our livelihood and careers are based of people’s opinions — because ultimately we are trying to please judges, sponsors, or fans during a competition. “Are we surfing good enough?” “ Is my style good enough?” “Am I fit enough for this wave?”
AST: How do you continue to evolve personally that allows you to stay on top of competition and your goals?
Manuel: Surfing is something you can never master. Every day is different, every wave is different. For me, being able to adapt, learn, and continually fight ego so I can learn even more is what keeps me going. I love surfing and I love my job— there’s nothing else I want more than to constantly find ways to improve. And with surfing, improving my lifestyle out of the water is just as important as in the water. Making sure my health and well-being are balanced, and being my true self to my friends, family, and community all benefit my surfing in the water.
AST: This film showcases you and your daily life. What is the message you wanted to convey with this film?
Manuel: When I am home I really live life to the fullest— I keep really busy when I am home— with everything planned to the hour. I think the film really aligned with that. I work out multiple times a day in between surfing and I think we showcased well how much love and passion I have for my sport, home, and life journey.
AST: How do your sponsors allow you to achieve the goals you have set?
Manuel: I have been really fortunate to have supportive sponsors. I really enjoy competing and that has been my focus for the last 10+ years. Being able to have the freedom to express my surfing traveling on the WSL Tour has been my biggest focus and I’m truly thankful I’ve been able to commit almost purely on that.