Malia Manuel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Malia Manuel |
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Malia Manuel, runner-up of the 2012 Beachley Classic, Sydney
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| Personal information | |
| Born | Kelsey Malia Manuel August 9, 1993 (age 31) Wailua, Kauai, Hawaii |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (168 cm) |
| Weight | 119 lb (54 kg) |
| Surfing career | |
| Sponsors | Lululemon, Breitling, Athletic Brewing, Sunbum, DHD surfboards |
| Surfing specifications | |
| Stance | Regular (natural foot) |
| Shaper(s) | Darren Handley |
| Favorite waves | Hawaii |
| Website | http://www.maliamanuel.com/ |
Kelsey Malia Manuel (born August 9, 1993) is an amazing American professional surfer. She became famous in the surfing world when she won the Rookie of the Year award in 2012. She even reached the 5th spot on the ASP World Tour in 2014. What's really cool is that in 2008, when she was only 14 years old, she became the youngest surfer ever to win the U.S. Open of Surfing!
Malia's Early Life
Malia Manuel was born in Wailua, Hawaii. Her family has roots in Native Hawaiian culture. She went to Kapaa High School and also studied at the American College of Healthcare Sciences.
Beyond Surfing: Modeling
Besides being a great surfer, Malia has also worked as a model. She has been sponsored by several brands. You might have seen her in advertisements and photo shoots. In 2020, she even appeared in the famous Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.
Malia's Surfing Achievements
Malia Manuel has had many exciting moments in her surfing career. Here are some of her biggest achievements:
- 2019: She came in 2nd at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. She also placed 3rd at the Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast.
- 2018: Malia was 2nd at the Beachwaver Maui Pro.
- 2017: She won the Australian Open of Surfing in Manly, New South Wales.
- 2016: She was 2nd at the Van’s US Open.
- 2014: Malia was ranked 5th on the World Surf League Tour. She also won the WQS 6star, Merewether Surf Fest.
- 2013: She became the ASP World Rankings Champion. She also won the WQS 6star, SuperGirl Pro.
- 2012: Malia was named the ASP Women’s Rookie of The Year.
- 2011: She was a top qualifier for the Elite ASP Women’s World Tour. She won the WQS 6star in the Azores Islands and the WQS 6star in Pantin, Spain. She was also only the second female ever to be on the cover of TransWorld Surf Magazine.
- 2010 & 2009: She was a member of the Hawaii World Team.
- 2009: Malia won the US Open Junior Women's Championship. She also won the Junior Women Regional Championship and the VQS Championship.
- 2008: This was a big year! She became the youngest US Open Champion ever. She also won the International Grom Search and the Junior Women Regional Championship. Malia was part of the Hawaii World Team and won the NSSA National Explorer Womens championship.
- 2007: She won the NSSA Middle School girls National Championship.
- 2006: Malia was the NSSA Open Women runner-up.
- 2005: She was a member of the Hawaii World Team.
- 2004: Malia won the Surfing America National Title.
