Swimsuit issues. They always make me skeptical. It frustrates me that so often the only time sports magazines feature women is when they're bikini-clad. Booty. Everywhere. 

Per usual, curiosity won the fight. I quieted my inner-feminist, and clicked on the SURFING magazine article because the title was "role models," and Malia Manuel, Coco Ho, Nikki van Dijk and Tia Blanco are all female surfers who rip hard. I was pleasantly surprised to find most of the images focused on their epic surf styles, and less on their other "ASSets." Thumbs up to that, SURFING Magazine! 

Photo Credit: SURFING Magazine

Photo Credit: SURFING Magazine

The first question from the interviewer asks: "The surf industry puts a huge premium on looks. Look at us: Here we are shooting our annual SWIM Issue with the four of you. Do you ever struggle with that?" 

Coco Ho eloquently replies: 

“Where is the line drawn between being successful as a surfer and being successful at being pretty? My biggest thing is, I want to prove to girls that athleticism is pretty. Confidence, charisma and character will outshine beauty as “beauty” is so often defined.”

BOOM. Alright, I'm in. 

As the article progresses, the four women continue to inspire. From discussing social media to surfing with the boys, they are full of insight, wisdom, and laughs. The whole piece seems like an endless set of motivational Pinterest quotes because everything they say is so on point. They even talk about some of the reasons why women aren't featured in editorial pieces. Spoiler alert: it's because they're too busy shredding. 

This is one of those interviews that induces a furious YASSS! head nod. You read it and walk away wishing Malia, Coco, Nikki and Tia were your besties, which makes this Yeww! Of The Week well worth the read. 

Read SURFING Magazine's Role Model Surfers

Photo Credit: SURFING Magazine

Photo Credit: SURFING Magazine