Leila Hurst is so much more than just one of the top female professional surfers in the world. She is also a sister, activist, explorer—well, the list goes on. Born and raised in Kauai, Leila grew up surfing some of the most challenging waves in the world. Nowadays, she travels the world as a free surfer, constantly exploring new breaks and surfing new waves. She’s a dreamer, and allows her inspiration and creativity to lift up women everywhere she goes. She recently launched her very own non-profit Shine With Her, to inspire young female surfers and motivate them to be their best selves. Leila is leaving a massive impact on the surf industry, and she’s doing it HER way, with style and flare.

As a professional surfer, your routine and lifestyle is shifting and travel is often, as well as being known in the surf community. How do you balance being a professional surfer with maintaining your mental health?

I find that when I am home and have a routine I am my healthiest. I love getting into a groove I think because I wasn’t able to have much of a routine when I was younger, traveling more often. For me traveling and being healthy can be hard but I like to maintain a healthy lifestyle as much as I can and I definitely think it’s possible to do so on the road!

We know that you were born and raised in Kauai. What was it like growing up as a young female surfer in that community?

I actually am home on Kauai full time now. I am so happy! It’s my favorite place to be. I lived in California for 9 years after I graduated high school and moved back at the end of last year. It feels so good to be back with family and friends and see familiar faces. I loved growing up here. The simplicity of it. I love that.

How do you explore your identity and individuality while being a sponsored surfer? What has been one of your favorite experiences surfing for and collaborating with a brand like Vans?

It’s hard to find your identity in being an athlete. At a young age people are giving you advice and telling you where to go (in a very kind way.) So it’s hard to find your true identity. Being sponsored by Vans is really unique because they encourage you to be you and they back whatever that may be. I feel really grateful to be a part of such a creative and supportive brand.

What inspired you to start Shine With Her? And since starting it, how has the organization had an impact on you?

I felt like I was missing something and wanted to do more. I have two sisters and I grew up traveling the world with girls so I knew I wanted to give back to young girls. Since I grew up in a very competitive environment I wanted to do something that encouraged sisterhood and togetherness. It’s really interesting to see it come to life. It makes me so happy when I put on my events. It feels amazing to do something good for others. Really. There is no feeling like it.

How has travel molded how you see your own identity, and how has it changed your perspective of the world?

Traveling is so healthy for all of us. It makes me feel really grateful. I feel grateful on the road and I feel extra grateful to come home. Nowadays, so many of us are cooped up at home looking for creative outlets or inspiration anywhere we can find it.

Do you have any book suggestions that have helped with mental health? Or things you have done during quarantine to keep you feeling inspired and motivated to create?

I have been keeping busy! I try to do one active thing a day. A local yoga studio here on Kauai (Waves yoga Kauai) that I love has been doing Instagram live classes so I have been doing those as much as possible to feel good. Vans has been doing a bunch of creative at home challenges, those are always fun! And mostly I've been spending a lot of time at home with my family. I miss my friends but I do think this is a time for all of us to embrace the down time, take care of our bodies and love ourselves!

Interview with Leila Hurst: pro surfer and founder of Shine With Her