Emi Austin's journey into the world of surfing is a testament to the transformative power of following one's passion. Her story, rooted in determination and a love for the ocean, showcases the resilience and empowerment found in riding the waves.
Arriving in San Diego in 2018 to pursue her education at UCSD, Emi brought with her a deep-seated affinity for the water. Though she had always been drawn to the ocean, it wasn't until she settled in California that she decided to explore the world of surfing. The dream of joining UCSD's Surf Team loomed large, but it wasn't until her sophomore year that Emi mustered the courage to take the plunge.
With her first surfboard in hand, Emi embarked on a journey of self-discovery and growth. She threw herself into the sport, spending countless hours in the water and immersing herself in the vibrant surf culture of San Diego. Despite the initial challenges and insecurities that come with learning a new skill, Emi found solace and strength in the rhythm of the waves.
For Emi, surfing is more than just a sport—it's a spiritual experience that fosters a profound connection to nature and oneself. The feeling of riding a wave, she explains, is one of pure bliss and presence, a moment where worries fade away, and all that matters is the here and now.
Yet, Emi's journey has not been without its hurdles. As a female surfer in a male-dominated sport, she has faced her fair share of stereotypes and expectations. The pressure to perform and represent her gender in the lineup has been a constant challenge, but Emi refuses to be defined by these limitations. Instead, she focuses on her own progression and finds strength in the supportive community of fellow female surfers.
"It's been amazing to see a lot of younger girl surfers absolutely ripping and charging. I hope eventually people won't talk about women's surfing as less than men's. It's also been great to see less sexualization of women's surfing. Not only are brands recognizing it and changing their marketing practices, but surf news sources are also discussing it and seem to be changing their ways."
Emi's advice to aspiring female surfers is simple yet profound: connect with others in the water and prioritize enjoyment above all else. While skill development is important, it's equally crucial to savor the experience and embrace the joy of riding waves.
When it comes to equipment, Emi swears by K58 surfboards, praising their craftsmanship and reliability. With each board, she feels a renewed sense of confidence and excitement, ready to tackle whatever the ocean throws her way. "The owner, James, is one of the nicest, most down-to-earth people I've ever met. He came by my place the first time I was ordering a board and checked out all my boards, listening carefully to the issues I was having and what I wanted different. I swear each board he makes for me is like magic and tackles every feature I want. He's definitely a surfboard magician."
Check K58 Surfboards out HERE
Emi sees a bright future for women's surfing—one defined by empowerment and celebration.
As she continues to push her own boundaries and inspire others along the way, there's no doubt that her and other women like her will impact the sport for years to come.
"When you're cruising down a wave it's like being perfectly in tune with nature, yourself, and something much greater than yourself. When you think about it, every wave is connected to the energy of the entire ocean. That's a pretty crazy thing to be a part of."
Follow Emi and her journey HERE
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