Sayen: Riding Waves and Making Memories

YOU MIGHT HAVE SEEN 'EM

Catching Waves, Chasing Dreams

For 10-year-old Sayen, surfing isn’t just a sport—it’s a way of life. She started competing at six in the 12-and-under division and has been chasing waves and mastering tricks ever since. Fast shortboarding in 3-4 foot sets is her favorite, and lately, she’s been perfecting her snaps while racing her dad to see who can catch the most waves.

 Her coach? None other than her dad, Chuy, who has been guiding her in the water since she was three. Chuy leads the Baja Surf Club’s juniors team and takes the kids to nationals every year, but when it comes to Sayen, it’s more than just coaching—it’s a bond.

"Watching her ride a perfect wave is almost as thrilling as being in the water myself," Chuy says. And when she struggles, he balances the role of coach and dad, offering encouragement from the shoreline while letting her figure things out on her own.

"I try to focus on having fun. When I enjoy surfing, that’s when I do my best,"

Fun, Competition and Fears

Surfing with her dad has shaped Sayen’s love for the sport and her mindset in competitions.

"I try to focus on having fun. When I enjoy surfing, that’s when I do my best," she explains. Learning new tricks takes time, she admits, but she loves the process, seeing each small improvement as a step toward her goals: making it to the World Tour.

Even when the surf isn’t perfect, the duo keeps active with soccer drills, blending skill, fitness, and fun. And their adventures extend beyond the water—they sometimes hop on bikes for a quick ride to Ocean Beach, making the beach an easy part of everyday life.

Surfing has its challenges, too. Sayen admits she’s wary of double-overhead waves, being held underwater, and even seals after witnessing one snatch a huge fish right in front of her. But each challenge is met with determination and her dad’s steady guidance. He keeps the balance between pushing her to excel and keeping things light, fun, and safe.

A Role Model in the Making

Watching Sayen and Chuy together is inspiring. She’s bubbly, determined, and fearless, and their connection is a reminder that surfing is more than a sport—it’s a shared adventure, a learning process, and a way to make memories that last a lifetime.

For young female surfers, Sayen proves that dedication, a love for the ocean, and a supportive coach—especially when he’s your dad—can turn dreams into waves.

Visit bajasurfclubmx.com