Malia Manuel

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. In 2008, at the age of 14 she became the youngest surfer ever to win the U.S. Open of Surfing.

Early life Manuel was born in Wailua, Hawaii and is of Native Hawaiian descent. She graduated from Kapaa High School and the American College of Healthcare Sciences. 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.

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. 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.

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.

Surfing career highlights

2019 – 2nd Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 2019 – 3rd Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast 2018 – 2nd Beachwaver Maui Pro 2017 – 1st Australian Open of Surfing (Manly, New South Wales) 2016 – 2nd Van's US Open 2014 – Ranked 5th on the World Surf League Tour 2014 – WQS 6star, Merewether Surf Fest Champion 2013 – ASP World Rankings Champion 2013 – WQS 6star, SuperGirl Pro Champ 2012 – ASP Women's Rookie of The Year 2011 – Top Qualifier for the Elite ASP Women's World Tour 2011 – WQS 6star, Azores Islands Champion 2011 – WQS 6star, Pantin Spain Champion 2011 – Cover of TransWorld Surf Magazine (2nd female ever) 2010 – Hawaii World Team member 2009 – Hawaii World Team member 2009 – US Open Junior Women's Champ 2009 – Junior Women Regional Champ 2009 – VQS Champion 2008 – Youngest US Open Champ 2008 – International Grom Search Champ 2008 – Junior Women Regional Champ 2008 – Hawaii World Team Member 2008 – NSSA National champ Explorer Women's 2007 – NSSA Middle School girls National Champion 2006 – NSSA Open Women runner up 2005 – Hawaii World Team member 2004 – Surfing America Champion National Title