Hardy Goes Huge in Japan!

At any surf break in Santa Cruz, on any given day, you’re likely to find extremely talented surfers of both genders absolutely killing it. This has been the case for decades, but while dozens of local male surfers have become household names within the global surf community, there’s yet to be one female pro to make a similar name for herself. Over the years, young hopefuls such as Laura Anderson, Joanne Hutson, Kim Mayer, and Ashley Held have all scratched the surface of surf stardom, yet none truly broke through on the global stage. 

While all these local women certainly had the skill and desire to penetrate the ranks of women’s professional surfing, finding sufficient financial backing and media exposure proved elusive. This disparity always made me scratch my head and wonder: just when will be a local female surfer will receive their due from surf brands and the media? Well, it looks like I now may have an answer. Enter Isla Hardy.

Hardy, a bright-smiling fourteen year-old with a golden tan and unbleached locks has been blowing minds in her short time on the surf scene. She’s got it all; supportive parents, uncanny ability, epic sponsorships and an attitude of gratitude and positivity. She’s also doing all the right things a successful pro should; winning huge events such as the Explorer Women’s National Championship, working with surf media legends like Dave “Nelly” Nelson, and even bolstering her visibility with her fun Youtube channel, “Scratching the Surface”. She’s even tapped the shoulder of local surf coach to the stars, Matthew Myers

“She’s a sponge as a student and works tirelessly on her craft,” said Myers in between training sessions with the young ripper in Southern California.  “She’s incredibly coachable and listens well. I’m looking forward to what she can achieve this week down here at Lowers for the US Champs.”

With so much promise, it’s no surprise that Hardy was chosen by Stab Magazine to compete in the Lady Birds division of their Stab High aerial surfing competition in Japan last month. These days, if you want to get noticed as a up-and-coming young surfer, opportunities such as this are second to none. Held in a wave pool, this event pits all the best aerial surfers in the world against each other for a action-packed technical surfing extravaganza. While Hardy failed to advance, the pint-sized ripper put up a valiant effort, sticking some absolutely mental airs and earning a whole lot of valuable experience in the process.

While on her way down south for the US Champs, I was able to check in with Hardy about her time in Japan and plans for the future. Enjoy!

How did you end up getting the invite to the Stab High event in Japan? Did it come as a total surprise?

The invite came as a total surprise! I had training in the afternoon and when it was over my coach gave me an envelope to open. Inside it was my invite! I was definitely not expecting it!

Had you had much experience in wave pools before this? How is surfing in a pool different than in the ocean?

I had been to Waco twice before the Stab High event. Surfing in wave pools you get consistent reps, which are hard to find in the ocean. It allows you to practice tricks over and over again. I love surfing in wave pools and think they are really great for training!

Did any local Santa Cruz aerial surfers give you any tips or pointers that came in handy at the event?

I had a lot of support from local Santa Cruz aerialists. Jason “Ratboy” Collins helped me get my timing down, as well as with my approach to the air section. Homer Henard was also giving me tips and inspiration. His advice really helped me with the mental side of an event such as Stab High— how to stay calm, visualize, and maintain my confidence. I’m super grateful and couldn’t have done it without them.

What were your first impressions about Japan? What was you favorite food item there? Did you get a chance to surf in the ocean while you were there?

My first impressions from Japan were how efficient and clean everything was. For example, you could’t find a trash can out anywhere! Everyone keeps little plastic bags with them to but their trash in. I also couldn’t believe how nice and helpful all the Japanese people were. My favorite food was tuna curry from a little hole-in-the-wall spot we stumbled upon. I also loved all of the ice cream selection at 7-Eleven! I also got to surf in the ocean a few times. It was really fun, even though it was blown out. Lot’s of people were always surfing, even in the sloppy conditions.

What’s next for you in your surf life? Any fun trips planned for this summer?

I’m off to Nicaragua in July to get some barrels and plan to continue uploading content to my Youtube page! I have a few things cookin’ in the future that I can’t quite reveal yet, but I’m super excited about them to say the least. Stay tuned!

For more of Isla’s exploits, follow her on Instagram @islahardy_sc4

And check out her YouTube channel, Scratching the Surface!