Girls Who Surf™ highlights rad female surfers all over the world – exploring their passion for surfing and what it means to them. Meet Sophia Arky, a surfer based in Redondo Beach, California & listen to her story here.
Hello, my name is Sophia and I’m a Girl Who Surfs.
Where are you from and how long have you been surfing?
I’m from Redondo Beach, California and I’ve been surfing for eight years growing up in the South Bay.
Why do you surf and what does it mean you?
I surf because I love it and the joy that it brings to my life. Surfing is a lifestyle and a way to be connected with nature. There’s truly no other feeling like riding a wave when I’m in the water, all I feel is peace and how blessed I am to be able to do this every day. Surfing makes me confident in myself and the best version of me.
Describe your hometown and what it is like being a surfer there.
There weren’t too many female surfers, so I had to do my best to keep up with the guys and even had to compete against them since the waves aren’t always that consistent down here.
What is your favorite local surf spot and why?
I had my dad driving me to Malibu First Point pretty frequently. That’s when I found my true surf community and my favorite place to surf, I would show up and see these women absolutely ripping at one of the most iconic waves in the world. That’s when I felt determined to do the same.
What do you love about your local female surf community?
My favorite part about my local female surf community is how we’re always working together and inspiring each other to have fun. We rise by empowering and encouraging each other to get the best waves out there and to stick up for ourselves, we express ourselves, be free, get the waves we want and have the best time. The crowd gets very intense out there. Without these other women, the stoke would not be the same in the water.
Watch Sophia’s full episode below!
