Sophia grew up in Los Angeles, where her connection to the ocean began. She joined Junior Lifeguards at a young age, which sparked her passion for surfing and water safety. With over a decade of ocean experience, she has competed professionally in surf-lifesaving and surfing.

At 14, Sophia was introduced to surf therapy through A Walk On Water—an experience that profoundly shaped her path. Since then, she has dedicated herself to working with neurodivergent individuals through various organizations, witnessing firsthand the ocean’s healing power. Sophia now teaches private surf sessions across California, Mexico, and aspires to bring surf therapy to communities worldwide.

 

• ​Years Volunteering: 10 years

• Surfing Since: 2014

• Certifications: CPR, AED, WSI, First Aid

Isabel has spent over 15 years supporting individuals with special needs through surfing and education. She began volunteering with surf therapy organizations like A Walk On Water at 14 and has worked with the International Surf Therapy Organization since 2018. Starting as a high school paraprofessional, she later became a special education teacher and earned her Master’s in Special Education (K–12). Now based in Arizona, Isabel is Head Lifeguard at Revel Surf Park, where she’s developing an adaptive surf program. She remains deeply committed to the healing power of water and helping others find confidence, connection, and calm through surf therapy.

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• Years of volunteering: 11 years ​

• Surfing since: 2009

• Certifications: CPR/First Aid/OMNEAN Prevention and Support/ Article 9 

Kalina is a surfer and ocean enthusiast from Kauai, Hawaii, with over 15 years of experience in the water. She’s deeply passionate about the ocean’s healing powers and its impact on mental and physical well-being. Kalina has worked with several organizations, including A Walk on Water, Bethany Retreats, KORE, Thera Surf, and Surfers Healing. Her infectious energy and love for the waves fuel her mission to inspire others and share the transformative joy of surfing.

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• Years Volunteering: 9 years

• Surfing Since: 2006

• Certifications: CPR, AED, WSI, First Aid​​​​​​​​​​

Soleil is a professional surfer raised between Malibu, California, and Kauai, Hawaii. A three-time world champion, she has spent the past eight years competing on the World Longboard Tour. Alongside her competitive career, Soleil is deeply passionate about surf therapy and has worked with organizations around the world. With a lifetime of experience in the ocean, she feels called to share her love and knowledge of surfing with those who can benefit from its powerful healing effects.

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• Years of Volunteering : 7 years

• Surfing since : 2008

• Certification : CPR

Vaimiti is a surfer and true child of the sea, born and raised on the Island of Tahiti. Her passion for the ocean has taken her around the world, surfing some of the planet's most powerful waves. Through her international surf and yoga retreats, Vai inspires others to reconnect with nature and discover empowerment through the ocean and surfing.

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• Years of volunteering: 6 years volunteering

• Surfing since: 2008

Elle is a passionate ocean advocate and dedicted surfer from Los Angeles, California. She is currently pursuing her Ph.D in Marine Biology in New Zealand, where her research focuses on sea kelp ecosystems. Through her years with out program, Elle integrates marine biology curriculum and has inspired countless athletes - teaching the deep connection between land and sea, nurturing respect for the planet we all share.

 

• Years of volunteering: 4 years

• Surfing since: 2007