SURF MUSE: MAHINA GARCIA

Let’s start with your story. Where are you from? Tell us a little about yourself and how you grew up.

Aloha, my name is Mahina and it means Moon in Hawaiian. I am what most call a mixed plate (multiple ethnicities) and I am Native to the Hawaiian Islands. I grew up barefoot and in a bikini on the North Shore of Oahu. Bike rides, surf sessions, poke bowls and friends is what I knew growing up.

Where are you going? What do you see in your future?

That’s the book I’m still writing! In my future chapter I see a bird that has traveled the world, a bird who has gained new friends and new stories. A bird who has gotten to know herself on a deeper level. She may change and realize she doesn’t want to be a bird anymore, but by the end of her journey she will have accumulated years of laughter, experience and most importantly, love.

Can you describe what it was like growing up in Hawaii?

Growing up in Hawai’i is like indulging in your favorite dessert. The kind of dessert that makes your eyes close in satisfaction, followed by the ultimate happy dance. Hawai’i is a very special place, we live a beautiful simple active lifestyle. We don’t stress about wearing makeup or having materialistic things. As long as we have the ocean, a bikini, food, friends and a surf board were happy. Everyone here is family!

Kyla Dress

You and your crew (mostly creatives it seems) really seem to value the spirit of aloha and let it shine through in your work and lives. What keeps you so connected to your heritage?

Hawai’i has so much talent! Our love for the ocean gives us a respect and appreciation for all of the important things in life and I feel that’s what keeps us so connected to our heritage in all that we do. We share the same values and goals, and ALOHA lays in the core of it all, which naturally shines through in all that we do.

In 3 words, define the spirit of ALOHA…

LOVE, HAPPINESS & RESPECT

Describe your bond to the sea + surfing.

Its unbreakable! I would rather live in a shack on the beach with no electricity where I can surf and swim every day than live in a mansion that exists far from the ocean. The ocean and surfing has a way of balancing your mind, body and soul. It must be why people in Hawai’i are happier and age slower.

Long or shortboard?

LONG BOARD PLEASE

Have any pre or post surf rituals, either by yourself or with your crew?

We will normally surf for a few hours in the afternoon, go get Poke and Rice or an Acai bowl the head back to the beach for an evening surf while the sun sets. That’s when we count our blessings and give thanks for the life we live and the friends we have.

You’re THE definition of FITSPO. How do you balance travel, work and staying active/healthy?

Finding a routine while traveling is the hardest thing for me. That’s why staying active is so important. It’s the way I relive stress. If I feel good on the inside I will look and feel good on the outside physically and mentally. It’s not always easy though that’s for sure! Some days I just want to lay in bed with a box of pizza and a tray of oreos.

3 favorite things to do for exercise (without a gym)…

Surf, Hike & Kick Box

Could you give us a go-to no gym workout?

If I don’t have access to a gym or any equipment I will go on a 30 min uphill mountain hike (cardio/toning), during my 30 min hike I will pick 4 spots to stop and do 50 air squats (200 air squats total). Then I will jump in the ocean as a cool down. You can do a beach run instead if you prefer!