Girls Who Surf™ highlights rad female surfers all over the world – exploring their passion for surfing and what it means to them. Meet Maya Harrison, a surfer based in Encinitas and San Clemente, CA & listen to her story here.
Hi there, my name is Maya Harrison and I’m a Girl Who Surfs.
Where are you from and how long have you been surfing?
I was very fortunate to grow up in both Encinitas, California and San Clemente, California. I’ve been surfing as long as I can remember, I started competing at a very young age and was very fortunate to be taught by my dad at a very young age as well.
Why do you surf and what does it mean you?
Surfing for me, it’s all about connection. It’s about connecting to myself, my family, my roots, my community, the environment being playful, surfing being just a way to connect and I’m very grateful for it. I would not be the same person if I hadn’t grown up surfing and in the surf world. I want to share that with other people too.
Describe your hometown and what it is like being a surfer there.
For me, one of my favorite things about my hometown is the community and running into people all the time paddling out and always catching up with people in between waves. It’s just really comforting.
What is your favorite local surf spot and why?
My favorite break probably is Malibu in the summertime. I love any long right-hand point break, especially for longboarding.
What do you love about your local female surf community?
What I love about my local female surf community is just the artistry of people and the motivation of these women. I love being surrounded by really powerful, motivated women, and I think surfing takes a certain type of person to commit to and to consistently do it. I love seeing what people are doing in and out of the water.
Watch Maya’s full episode below!
