Since our favorite 16th-century demigoddess Mamala was dominating big waves in the Polynesian islands, surfing and women in the lineup has gone through a bevy of changes.

We thought it would be fun to ask a few of our team riders—all of whom grew up surfing in Southern California—how their surf experiences have changed from day one to today. I have to say, I find all of these women very Mamala-esque: fearless, determined, independent—and of course, they all shred.

How do you think the surf lineup is different today compared to when you began surfing?

Jen Smith: It’s different in a few ways. The obvious, there are way more people in the water than there used to be on average. There are way more adult beginners in the water now than there used to be and it can be more chaotic at times. You have always had to read the waves and the surfers in the water, but now I'm hyper aware of other people and their boards. Since I longboard and I live in PB, I often find myself surfing the same waves as beginners, which means dangerous surfers are everywhere. I've learned to do my thing amongst the chaos. There are still windows where the surf is good and the lineup is uncrowded, those are extra special moments.

Summer Romero: When I began surfing in the late 90s, the lineups were noticeably less crowded than they are today. Surfline didn’t exist, so you had to go on a bit of a surf hunt to find good waves—you’d check different spots, talk to people, and try to gauge where the best conditions might be. It made the whole experience more of an adventure, and when you did find the right spot, it felt incredibly rewarding. Another big difference back then was the lack of women in the water. As one of the few, I felt a strong drive to prove myself—to surf well, earn respect, and show that I deserved my place in the lineup.

Deana Dhillon: Well, I think its changed a lot, but I would say the biggest change I’ve seen is, more crowds, less physical fights and way more women in the water! In short— Women, Wavestorms and adult beginners.

Luella Pace: When I started surfing, I was about 4 years old and I was the only girl at surf camp! Growing up, I never had any girl friends to surf with and I would always surf with my dad. I remember there was not a lot of girls in the lineup as well! Now, at 17, I feel like there is such an amazing group of girls taking over the lineups now and it makes me really happy!

Ilsa Villanueva: It’s pretty similar, but I’ve definitely noticed more people in the water over time.

Do you think the surf lineup is different in regards to women? Do you think women have changed the lineup? If yes, how do you think women have changed the lineup?

Jen: There are so many more women and girls in the lineup now than when I started. I've been surfing for about 32 years and when I was young I would see a girl here or there. Most of the time when I would be out at the reefs in La Jolla I would be the only female, with the exception of seeing ladies like Debbie Beacham sometimes and this rad chick Jan who moved to Australia years ago. Now the girls often outnumber the boys at places like pipes and even in PB sometimes. I'm not sure that more women in the lineup has changed things much. Maybe there's more women out there who have confidence, for better or for worse haha. Nothing like having an adult beginner chick get upset when you call her out for blatantly taking off on multiple waves in a row and eating it on the takeoff. And then having the response be "I paddled to the peak!" Yeah lady, we all watched you paddle around the entire lineup after you couldn't make the takeoff cuz you don't know the wave... I really love the number of girls I see in the water though, and I love seeing new faces and seeing more girls really put it together on a wave. Most chicks are pretty polite out there, some are too polite and you just wanna see them get a wave so bad.

Summer: Yes, I think the surf lineup has definitely evolved when it comes to women. There are a lot more of us out there now, and it’s no longer unusual—it’s become the norm. The biggest change has been the level of women’s surfing. There are plenty of women out there now who are not just holding their own, but often surfing better than the men.

Deana: Yes, I think the lineup is more friendly now that more women surf. Women have made the vibes in the water less aggressive but also more crowded. Men don’t really do “All mens surf meet ups” and crowd the water with like 20-25 men beginners all coming together and surfing at once. Thats definitely more of a girl thing, which can be good or bad depending on who you ask. Ive been surfing since 1998 and I do get bummed on the crowds and the people who don’t bother to learn surf ettiequte before paddling out. Surfing used to be something I could do to escape the noise, the stress, and is a form of meditation for me. Now, I feel like all I hear is everyone else’s chatter and drama and its not as relaxing when your having to avoid tons of beginners sitting in the wrong spot or paddling out in your line. That goes for any gender, not just women. So don’t take this the wrong way. It won’t stop me from surfing, ever. Surfing is a part of my life no matter what, and change is inevitable, but sometimes I do wish I could turn back time.

Luella: I have realized that almost half the lineup is girls now! I think this changes a lot in the lineup because it shows men that we can be just as good at sports, if not better.

ILSA: Yeah, I’ve definitely noticed more women out in the water. On a typical day where I surf, there’s almost an equal number of women and men.

Do you see a change in women’s surf contests compared to when you first began competing in contests?

Jen: Mmmmm, I think the level is higher overall which is rad.

Summer: Yes, there’s definitely been a shift in women’s surf contests compared to when I first started competing in the early 2000s. First, it started off with the focus of longboarding being on a more progressive style—lots of tri-fin longboards. It was all about progression, almost taking a shortboard-style approach to longboarding. Then it moved towards a mix of traditional and progressive. Now, the approach has shifted more toward traditional longboarding, with lots of long nose rides and 10’s, and it’s rare to see a competitor on a tri-fin. The emphasis is much more on classic style, and the judging criteria have definitely moved away from radical maneuvers.But, like anything in surfing, things tend to come full circle. I think we’ll see more of a blend of critical nose rides paired with smooth, powerful turns in the future.

Deana: Yes, they are more equal now, equal prize money never was a thing back in the day. It seems like the judging is better now too, it’s not based on who is the hottest or wears the smallest bikini anymore.

Luella: I have definitely seen a lot more all women surf contests lately and it makes me super happy to see! The energy at these contests is so inspiring and I love the community that is being built. I have been doing the Queen Of The Point contests and have had so much fun meeting new girls and sharing the lineup with just them. Another super fun contest is the Super Girl Pro! So many girls from all over the world come to compete at Super Girl and it’s so inspiring to watch all of the women that I look up to.

Ilsa: When I first started, the only women’s surf contest I knew about was the Super Girl Pro. Then I found out about Queen of the Point, which is super fun and open to everyone—it’s one of my favorite contests. This year will be my third time competing in it, and I love being able to surf with friends I’ve made there. There’s also the Diva Cup, which looks really fun. I haven’t done it yet, but I hope to this year!

Were there any women that inspired you when you began surfing? Is there any women surfers that inspire you now?

Jen: When I first started I was inspired by any other female I saw in the water. Then when I started to figure things out and saw some 90's longboard movies there were people like Mary Bagalso, Belen Kimble, and Kassia Meador who I wanted to surf like. Now I'm inspired by my friends who still rip, Kassia is still like my big sister and she's really an all around stoked human who just happens to shred. Mele Saili is one of my favorite to watch and to surf with. Linda Benson is in her 80's and she still gets in the water, I got to see her at a Windansea Surf club fundraiser the other day and I was so stoked my cheeks were hurting from smiling. I feel lucky to know her, she really was one of the Trail Blazers back in the day.

Summer: When I first began surfing, I was really inspired by women like Cori Schumacher, who were pushing the level of the sport to new heights. Watching her and others like her really showed me what was possible and encouraged me to push myself further. I also have a deep respect for the women who came before my generation, like Linda Benson. They were true pioneers in the sport, breaking barriers and laying the foundation for women surfers today. Their courage and determination still inspire me.

Deana: Blue Crush was my favorite movie growing up, so I’ve always loved the Hawaiian lifestyle and surfers like Rell Sunn and Rochelle Ballard. Now, some of my favorite surfers are Steph Gilmore, she has the best style and she always looks like she’s just having the best time. Also, Coco Ho and Leah Dawson. For longboarding I love Kelia Moniz. She is just so beautiful the way she glides on waves and effortlessly rides the nose.

Luella: When I began surfing, one of my very favorite surfers was Sage Erickson. I think she brings so much light into the lineup and she was one of the people who totally pushed me when I was younger and I still look up to her so much! Another surfer that I am really inspired by is Soleil Ericco. She has always pushed me from a young age and she brings so much power into the lineup.

Ilsa: When I first got into longboarding, I was really inspired by watching videos of Honolua Blomfield and Rachel Tilly. Miranda Joseph from Windansea Surf Club has also been an incredible mentor—she’s the one who got me stoked on competing, and she still does. Now, I’m really inspired by my coach, Amy Williamson, and I also love watching videos of Kelis Kaleopa’a. We’re all goofy footers!

What keeps bringing you back to the surf lineup?

Jen: Riding waves keeps bringing me back to the lineup. Having friends who motivate me to get up earlier and surf more keeps me out there. Knowing that our time is limited and our bodies will one day wear out motivates me to do what I love while I can. I love surfing and I it is one of my gifts, I'm learning that sharing our gifts with the world is part of what life is all about. Changing up equipment and collaborating with master shapers like Dane Perlee and Josh Hall has kept my surf stoke alive as well. Without shapers there would be no surfing as we know it.

Summer: What keeps bringing me back to the surf lineup is the ocean and the art of the sport itself. It’s healing for me—mind, body, and soul. Every time I’m out there, I feel refreshed. It keeps me motivated, inspired, and always craving more. When I’m truly in my flow state, nothing else matters, and I’m the most present I can be.

Deana: Full speed turns and barrels! The feeling I get when I’m riding a wave and hanging ten.

Luella: I surf because of the joy it brings me. I could be having a horrible day and as soon as I get in the water I forget about everything else. Even when I am the most unmotivated, I am always happy when I get out of the water and nothing has ever made me feel that way. It is such a special thing that we all get to share together:)

Ilsa: Surfing has always been so fun for me. Just being in the ocean brings me joy and helps me relax—even on the big days. In the lineup there are so many kind, stoked people, and it’s just such an enjoyable place to be.

THANKS FOR YOUR TIME LADIES! - Angela, Mamala Founder

About
Jen Smith

A two-time Women’s World Longboard Champion, winning titles in 2007 and 2009 in Biarritz, France. Jen is a local chef and runs the family-owned Soul Grind skate shop in Pacific Beach. Soul Grind, established in 1993 by Jen Smith’s dad Pablo, is a PB landmark and the best skate shop at the beach. Always a cool vibe—complete skate board setups, cruisers, longboards, street boards, vintage boards and all skate board accessories can be found at Soul Grind.

Summer Romero

The 2004 Women’s World Longboard Champion, winning the title in Huntington Beach, CA. Summer, a practicing nurse in San Diego, is a women’s professional Longboarder and free surfer. She’s a current team rider for Donald Takayama—check out her new signature board the Summer Model by Donald Takayama Surfboards.

Deana Dhillon

Professional Longboarder, free surfer, and dedicated dog trainer, Deanna is on a mission to help and save rescue dogs up and down the West Coast. A 2024 Coalition Division Champion, she’s been part of the Mamala family since day one.

Luella Pace

A fresh grad based in Ventura, Luella is a professional Longboarder competing both nationally and internationally—spending almost as much time on the podium as she spends hanging 5 or 10.

Ilsa Villanueva

Just 13 years young and a competitive Longboarder based in SD, Ilsa spends most of her free time on the podium, competing up and down the west coast. She’s a member of the Windansea Surf Club and the WSC 2025 recipient of Woman of The Year.

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