Watching longboard phenomenon Soleil Errico gliding down a wave is like watching art in motion; she’s strikingly beautiful, graceful, and at one with nature. She represents the generation of young women redefining women’s surfing and leading the way for girls all over the world that aspire to ride waves. Currently living her dream, she remains humble and focused. The reigning WSL Women’s World Longboard Champion has been praised for her dedication, work ethic, and positivity. Beyond her amazing talents as a professional surfer, she is passionate about music and committed to helping others through surf-based non-profits.
SSW chatted with Soleil about surfing, passions, and life purpose, as she shared a playlist of her favorite tracks.
SSW: After watching live streams of different competitions over the years, I finally got to witness you surfing and winning the Surf Relik event here in your hometown of Malibu, it was indeed a magical experience. What was it like growing up in such a beautiful beach community? When and how did you first start surfing?
Soleil Errico: Well, I grew up half my life on the island of Kauai, and the other half in Malibu. Growing up in both places was truly a blessing and I am beyond thankful to have witnessed them throughout my childhood. I first started surfing when I was about 8 years old in Hanalei, Kauai when we first moved there. It couldn’t have been a more perfect place to start surfing, in my opinion, it is the most beautiful place in the world. The water and weather is so warm and comforting and there is a huge surf culture and community which was very inviting.
Last year you were crowned 2018 WSL Women’s World Longboard Champion, how has your life change since then?
My life hasn’t changed much, I still do the same things every day like go to school, free surf, and travel for contests. I do get noticed a lot more and I feel like people know more of who I am now, but overall I feel like the same girl as I was before I won, and I mainly just try to stay humble and focused on whatever I have coming forward.
You split your time between Malibu and Kauai, my happy place. Please share your favorite places to surf in both locations.
I mainly live in Malibu now, but I try to go to Kauai as much as I can during the year because it too is my happy place lol, and it’s where my heart is. My favorite place to surf there is Hanalei Bay, it’s my most favorite wave to surf. Transitioning over to Malibu, I think my favorite wave there would be First Point, even though it’s the most chaotic place to surf, I’ve had some very memorable sessions there in the wintertime when the crowd isn’t as hectic, and nothing beats that wave, it’s just so perfect regardless of the crowd.
As longboarding grows in popularity around the world, there are so many amazing women such as yourself, Honolua Blomfield, Kelia Moniz and many more who continue inspiring through achievements in surfing. Are there any female longboarders you look up to? Who do you love competing against?
Of course, all of the ladies on the tour inspire me and push me to become a better surfer. They all surf so consistently well every event and know how to get good scores in any kind of surf conditions. The young up and coming girls are very inspiring as well, such as Kelis Kaleopaa, Haley Otto, and many more. The talent just keeps getting better and better!
Growing as a person, you will always encounter challenges that require leaving your comfort zone to try things that scare you. What scares you? Is there anything new and exciting you’d like to try?
So, I’m pretty embarrassed about it, but I really love to sing. I’ve always loved it ever since I was a kid, but I had a pretty scary experience when I was younger which kind of turned me off from it for a while. I went to sing in the elementary school talent show, but when I got up on stage I forgot all of the words and embarrassed myself in front of the whole school. I haven’t sung in front of a crowd since then, but now that I’m older and maturing, I’m feeling better about singing again. I someday want to write a few songs, maybe even an album and publish it.
What are you currently riding? What’s your favorite surfboard?
I’m currently riding my Stewart Surfboards CMP model high-performance board, but these last couple of months I’ve been playing with different single fin boards, just to expand my horizons and try new things. I actually love riding traditional boards as well as high-performance boards. My coach always tells me to be the best surfer, you need to be able to ride everything.
You have been actively working with surf-based charities (A Walk on Water and SurfAid), please tell us more about it!
I absolutely love working with surf-based charities and I wish I could do it more. It’s just so hard to fit them in sometimes with my surf and school schedule. Participating in those events has changed who I am and how I approach life. There is no better feeling than helping and changing the lives of kids in need.
Thinking of yourself as a soul on Earth, what do you think your purpose is?
I feel like my purpose in this world is to just be the best person I can be and be loving and kind to those around me.
What type of music did you grow up listening to? Who has had the most significant influence on your taste in music over time?
I’ve always listened to pop/more upbeat music ever since I was a kid. I’m not really into old music that much. I like a few oldies but I’m more into new music. My favorite artists would probably have to be Rihanna, Beyoncé, and SZA.
What kind of music do you usually listen to before competitions? Do you have any playlists on your phone to pump yourself up before getting in the water?
Oh yeah for sure, before competitions I pump myself up with some trap music or just music that makes me want to dance. I try to listen to songs only with a positive message just so that when I go into the water I’m in a positive mindset.
If there was a perfect soundtrack for this year of your life, which song would it be?
This year has been so unexplainably crazy, I don’t think I can come up with a song that fully explains it lol
Interview by Irina Liakh,
Photos courtesy of Soleil Errico
