Maria Ramirez: Growing Up in the Water

YOU MIGHT HAVE SEEN 'EM

For fifteen-year-old Maria Ramirez, surfing isn’t just a sport — it’s family, friendship, and the rhythm of life itself. Growing up in Central San Diego, Maria was introduced to the ocean early on by her dad, Alfredo, who had her on a surfboard by the age of three. What started as small waves and family beach days quickly turned into a lifelong passion.

Every Sunday became surf day. Families would gather, the kids would paddle out, and Alfredo — who also coached a junior surf team — would be out there with them, cheering everyone on. “Those were the best times,” Maria says. “The ocean was our place to be together.” Even during COVID, when much of the world shut down, the beach became their safe space — a place to breathe, surf, and stay connected.

Now, Maria’s surf sessions are as much about joy as they are about progress. She surfs before school when she can, and always makes the most of long weekends. Her style leans toward longboarding — smooth, relaxed, and soulful. “I just love cruising,” she says. “It’s about feeling the wave, not fighting it.”

That mindset carried her through competitions like the Windansea Menehune Surf Contest, where she recently made the podium. “It was amazing,” Maria says. “The conditions were tough, but it’s more about the experience than the win. I’m competitive, but I really love the process of getting better.”

When she’s not in the lineup, Maria stays active on her high school swim team. Balancing school, surf, and swimming isn’t easy, but she’s got a system. “I plan everything out way ahead of time,” she says. “It can be overwhelming, but I just push through.” Her pre-surf ritual includes a quick stretch session — something she swears by to stay loose and focused.

"It’s about learning from each other and protecting what we love"

Maria’s roots in the surf community run deep. She’s grown up around Baja Surf Club, where her family has long been involved. The club connects surfers across the U.S. and Mexico, creating one united surf community that values respect for the ocean and for one another. “It’s about learning from each other and protecting what we love,” she says. Alfredo is proud to see his daughter carry that same spirit forward — helping younger surfers and giving back to the sport that shaped them both.

When asked what keeps her hooked, Maria doesn’t hesitate. “It’s the rush of catching a wave — that moment you know it’s yours and you start paddling hard,” she says with a grin. She remembers the moment she realized surfing would always be part of her life — at age eleven, at Seaside, when she nailed her first clean cutback on a shortboard. “That was it,” she says. “I knew I was a surfer.”

These days, Maria’s focus is simple: enjoy the ride, keep improving, and help others do the same. Whether she’s paddling out with friends or helping groms at surf camp, her love for the ocean shines through. “Surfing has taught me that when things get tough, you keep pushing,” she says. “Even if you fail, you know you gave it your best.”

For Maria Ramirez, that’s what surfing is all about — the joy, the challenge, and the endless connection to the sea.

The Baja Surf Club is a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization, registered in the State of California. Your donation plays a crucial role in promoting surfing, nurturing young talent, and protecting our precious oceans in Baja California. For more information visit: bajasurfclubmx.com

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