Avasol Ambassador Spotlight: Marissa Miller on using Surfing as a Vessel for Conservation and Community Change

In an era of increasing climate tragedy, turning to the ocean can offer us resilience and hope. Surfing is significant in that although it is an individual sport, it unites humans and empowers them to feel a part of something so much bigger. If you’re a surfer, you already know the feeling. 

Marissa Miller is a socio-environmental activist, ocean conservationist, and professional surfer from Hawaii, living in Central California. When Marissa reached out to our team at Avasol, we were stoked to support her projects. From a surf camp for locals in remote Indonesia, to a Sisstr Surf Day, below is a brief recap of the magic Marissa helped facilitate towards the end of 2024, in her words.

Conservation International Surf Conservation Camp in Sumba

A: Tell us a bit about the project you have been working on developing surf protected areas in Sumba, Indonesia

M: “For the past few years, we have been working with local partners in Indonesia to support 4 local villages in West Sumba to protect their irreplaceable surf ecosystems while securing a positive future for local people, ecosystems, and economies. These 4 villages are working on developing community-based natural resource regulations which will be approved by the local government. After these regulations are finalized, we will work with the communities to support enforcement of those regulations and layering of additional guidelines around tourism and coastal development - to ensure a sustainable development path in alignment with community goals. We also plan to support local people to establish small businesses linked to conservation and surfing to increase and diversify sustainable livelihood and income opportunities which, in turn, help ensure long-term protection of the surf ecosystems.

A: How are you Building the Next Generation of Surfer Conservationists through Surf Conservation Camps?

M: “In October this year, we held a Surf Conservation Camp with 45 local youth from the 4 villages we are supporting to create Surf Protected Areas. Over the four-day community event, the youth participants learned critical ocean safety, surfing and surf etiquette, and conservation skills, while building stronger connections to each other and to their environment. For half of the participants, it was their first time surfing, and all of them were able to stand up and ride waves by the end of the first day. What was even more inspiring was that a group of young women and girls at the camp are some of Sumba's first-ever local females to start surfing. Several local government representatives and customary community leaders attended the camp and shared their enthusiastic support for the whole surf conservation program, which was a great sign for the future of the program. 

A: What future goals do you have for the project?

M: “This is just the beginning, and our goal is to not only protect Sumba's incredible surf ecosystems, but also to empower local youth as the next generation of surfers and conservation leaders in their community. We were so grateful to have critical support from donors & sponsors like Avasol, who contributed surf gear & supplies for the camp. The kids were so stoked to have access to surf gear that will help them get out and enjoy the waves in their backyard more often.

People protect what they love, and surfers love the ocean. We believe that when local people surf and have access to sustainable livelihood opportunities tied to conservation, they are motivated to protect their surf ecosystems in the long term. Our goal is to support them in creating those ecosystem protections and developing their sustainable blue economy so that both nature and people can thrive.”

Sisstr Surf Day on the Central Coast of California 

A: What happened at the event?

M: “In early November last year, we brought together over over 50 women and girls of all ages (from 6 years old to 45 years old) on the Central Coast of California for breakfast on the beach, a community surf session, and a small beach cleanup. We welcomed women of all skill levels and had a few of the more experienced surfers volunteer as mentors for some of the girls who were newer to surfing, to teach them some of the basics and get them into a few waves. All the girls were super stoked to take home some goodies from Sisstr and Avasol, and we raffled off a few tote bags and towels as well.”

A: Why are events like this one important?

M: “I think this was a really special event for a lot of the girls in this area and it was incredible to see so many women show up because, up until recently, there really weren't that many female surfers in the lineup around here. The coastline around here can be pretty intimidating for newer surfers, with the water being cold and the waves being mostly beach breaks that can get pretty big and walled in the winter. And then especially if girls aren't really seeing other females in the lineup, it can be extra scary. So I think it was really cool for us all to meet each other and be able to see more familiar faces in the water from now on. I feel like it takes a little extra grit to surf around here. That's why it's special to see more women here getting in the water. They're willing to bear the cold, take big sets on the head, push past their fear of some of the wildlife in the water, and just get out there. I think there's a lot of people that would shy away from the challenge, so it's cool to see the girls who go for it anyway.

My friend Sierra, who helped me plan and organize the event, grew up in the area and used to be one of the few women surfers in the lineup here, so it's been a lifelong dream of hers to have an event like this and to help build such a strong community of girls in the water. I was excited to support her in making it happen, since I shared her vision and love spreading the stoke. I also think it's important to support each other and help make the ocean more accessible to people while promoting safety in the lineup as well. Doing an event like this can help the girls around here build confidence in the water and teach them important skills to stay safe and have fun when navigating the waves around here.”

A: Any notable quotes or thoughts from those who attended? 

M: Here is a nice quote from Sierra: "At one point, I came in to observe the scene and felt a chill run through my body seeing this lifelong dream come true. Growing up on the Central Coast, the ocean was often an intimidating place for young girls. With water temps usually in the 50s, consistent swell, and little to no ladies in the lineup, the Central Coast was not the most inviting space for little lady groms. I was lucky to have the option to learn to surf. With two surfing parents and summers filled with the local Junior Lifeguard program, I eventually developed a love and life-consuming passion for surfing and the ocean. Growing up, I knew of one girl my age who surfed. The rest of my female surf friends were in their 50s and all had kids. Surf contests consisted of one women’s division that included all ages and all board types. To see surfing evolve into what it is today, with tons of ladies—and very talented ladies—in the lineup brings me so much joy. Now little groms have mentors of all ages and backgrounds to look up to, and the lineup isn't as scary as it once was." - Sierra Emrick

Another nice quote from Sierra: "As surfing grows in popularity among men and women, it's so important we nurture a women’s surf culture that feels good to belong to. Coming together to support and connect is essential for creating this positive and welcoming surf culture. Sisstr Surf Day highlighted women’s natural tendency to nurture, welcome, and rejoice in connection while also showcasing women’s strength, determination, and enduring spirits. Sharing surf and stoke and witnessing all the love and support at this event got me so excited for the intentional surf culture we are creating!" - Sierra Emrick

A: Do you have plans to create more events like this one?

M: Who knows what will happen next, but I think it's nice that now a lot more of the Central Coast surfer girls know each other and maybe have a new friend or two to surf with. I also have some ideas for potential future events like hosting a women's surf gear sale & swap so we can buy, sell, trade, and share surfboards and other surf gear. Maybe also host a surf film night or something else fun. We'll see what ideas the girls are stoked on!