Malia Manuel

Last updated
Malia Manuel
Personal information
BornMalia Manuel [1]
August 9, 1993 (1993-08-09) (age 32)
Height5 ft 6 in (168 cm)
Weight119 lb (54 kg)
Website http://www.maliamanuel.com/
Surfing career
SportSurfing
SponsorsAthletic Brewing, Sunbum, DHD surfboards
Major achievements
  • 2012 WSL Rookie of the Year
Surfing specifications
StanceRegular (natural foot)
ShaperDarren Handley
Favorite wavesHawaii

Malia Manuel (born August 9, 1993) is a Hawaiian professional surfer. She won Rookie of the Year in 2012 and was ranked 5th on the 2014 ASP World Tour. [2] In 2008, at the age of 14 she became the youngest surfer ever to win the U.S. Open of Surfing. [2] [3]

Contents

Early life

Manuel was born in Wailua, Hawaii and is of Native Hawaiian descent. [4] She graduated from Kapaa High School and the American College of Healthcare Sciences. [3] [5] She hails from a lineage deeply connected to Hawaiian culture and the ocean, with roots in Hanalei Bay tracing back several generations. Her family's connection to the land and sea became the cornerstone of her journey into professional surfing. [6]

Modeling and brand collaboration

Manuel has been sponsored by several brands and appeared in advertisements and photo shoots. She made her debut in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in 2020. [7] Malia collaborated with Lululemon on her first fashion line, focusing on swimwear designed for performance and comfort. The collection features pieces like the "Will the Wave" top and bottom, which offer security and flat seams to cater to the needs of active surfers and ocean enthusiasts. [8]

Malia co-founded the sclpt co in 2023. Their mission is to promote health and wellness by naturally enhancing workouts and recovery techniques, aiming to sculpt the mind, body, and spirit through conscious practices. [9]

Surfing career highlights

References

  1. Fujimoto, Dennis (20 May 2007). "Kapa'a MS students show well at O'ahu industrial arts fair". The Garden Island. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  2. 1 2 "Surfer Profile: Malia Manuel". Archived from the original on 2014-10-03. Retrieved 2014-10-03.
  3. 1 2 "Riding High". MidWeek Kaua'i. 2019-06-26. Retrieved 2021-07-03.
  4. "BABY-G X Malia Manuel". Casio Fan Magazine. 16 August 2015. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  5. "2017 Graduates of American College of Healthcare Sciences". ACHS. 30 March 2021. Retrieved 23 June 2023.
  6. "About". Malia Manuel. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
  7. "Malia Manuel". Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. 202. Retrieved 2021-07-03.
  8. Barylski, Nicole (2018-06-04). "INTERVIEW: Pro Surfer Malia Manuel On Her Swimwear Collaboration With lululemon, Summer Essentials, Favorite Spot To Surf, And More". Hamptons.com. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
  9. "OUR STORY". the sclpt co. Retrieved 2025-05-03.
  10. "Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women's 2019". 29 April 2019.
  11. "Making the most of two week quarantine ahead of Australian Leg, Kauai's Malia Manuel 'grateful' for WSL season to resume". KHON2. 2021-03-16. Retrieved 2021-07-03.
  12. "Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast Women's 2019 – Semifinals". 7 April 2019.
  13. "Results – Beachwaver Maui Pro Women's 2018".
  14. "Malia Manuel, on her MCL recovery, on her first heat in five months, and more". SURFER Magazine. 2017-08-31. Retrieved 2021-07-03.
  15. "Jesse Mendes and Malia Manuel claim the 2017 Australian Open of Surfing". SurferToday. March 6, 2017. Retrieved 2021-07-03.
  16. "Malia Manuel wins the Supergirl Pro 2013". SurferToday. 2013. Retrieved 2021-07-03.