Malia Manuel is one of the most graceful and artistic surfers we’ve seen on a board. She combines progression with fluidity and has abundant natural talent. She was brought up in the water with one parent looking after on the beach while the other surfed and once she’d reached her second birthday Malia followed them in.

As well as riding for O’Neill and modelling all over the world she also takes time to grow organic vegetables and paint surfboards with artwork inspired by her home in Hawaii. Having been named the ASP Rookie of the Year in 2012 she has since become a staple on the women’s tour and is one of the 17 women chasing the world title in 2014.

Despite her rising profile Manuel has always tried to stay true to the spirit of surfing, saying: “True surfers do it to have fun, not for the glory. I just do it because it’s my Kaunu, I love it.”

See more of Malia Manuel at @maliamanuel