Meet the Board Member: Marisa Finding Her Waves
Marisa's Path to the Lineup
What's your story? Could you share a bit about your background and what drew you to the ocean?
My name is Marisa Villarreal, and I come from a large Mexican-American family with roots in East Los Angeles. My parents moved to the westside of Los Angeles in the late 70’s and I grew up going to the beaches of Venice. Growing up near the ocean was such a gift and privilege. It has made being on a beach and being in the ocean feel familiar, and like home.
My mom was always very fearful of the ocean, and so my relationship with the ocean has always had the duality of being fearful and cautious of the ocean’s power, with this knowing of the ocean being a place where I and others could experience joy and a connection with nature (aka healing)! That duality created a real reverence for the ocean, and took me on a life path that led to studying ocean ecology and working in ocean conservation and policy work earlier in my career. The ocean is still a place I go to to feel renew ed, experience adventure, and feel at home.
Finding Surfing
How did you first get into surfing? What was it that sparked your love for the sport?
I was so lucky to grow up on the westside and be a few miles from the beach. I remember watching surfers at the Venice pier from a young age and being such a fangirl. In high school, my sister and I and our friends would rent foamies from local surf shops and walk them down to the beach to play in the white wash. It wasn’t until I was in graduate school at UC Santa Barbara that I picked up a surfboard again and started surfing more regularly.
I wouldn’t call my relationship with surfing an obsession, but I would call it a true and deep love. It’s taught me so many lessons about myself, has brought me so much beautiful community, and riding a wave down the line is one of the best feelings I’ve ever experienced and continue to experience.
I also love how much surfing teaches me about letting go of control, and embracing a beginner's mindset. Even if you’re an advanced surfer and you know a break super well, you can never control all the elements and conditions: no wave is ever the same and the combination of tides, swells, weather, and the board is dynamic and always shifting. In that way it’s always a dance of your and the ocean’s energy, and I love that.
Overcoming the Odds
What challenges have you overcome in surfing? How did you work through those experiences?
Feelings of fear and intimidation - both from the ocean’s power, and the energy and culture of certain crowds/breaks. Even if it’s small and clean out, I always carry a little fear, especially if I’m at an unfamiliar break. I really value local knowledge, especially when I’m traveling, so I try to hire or go out with a local coach/guide/instructor, when I’m a visitor at a new break.
Navigating the inner critic and ego while surfing has been a spiritual practice! I’m always trying to find more joy and presence in just being in the water, rather than getting intensely competitive with myself and others. I’m thankful for the teachers (gracias Miguel y Rayo) that have have taught me that each wave is a gift from the ocean, from the universe, and that you don’t paddle for everything that comes your way – you wait for your wave, you say thank you, and above all you be safe and have fun!
Finally, I do feel like surf culture (in CA at least) has changed and continues to change since I staring surfing more consistently 15 years ago. There's been an important movement to "decolonize" surf culture, which in practical terms means to make it more inclusive and accessible while addressing the harmful aspects of surf culture: territorialism, aggression, violence, racism, sexism, etc. I've also seen the impact of crowded surf breaks with beginners that aren't educated on etiquette and safety, or how etiquette is even changing.
I think as surf culture changes, we need to make sure we’re all accountable to being good community members in the water. I know that for me personally, I’ve had many hard experiences of aggression, and when I see women and/or BIPOC folks in the water, I often feel safer. I am truly grateful for the organizations and individuals that are part of shifting surf culture to feel more inclusive and communal.
Connection to the Ocean
What keeps you drawn to the ocean? What does surfing mean to you on a deeper level?
On a basic level - nervous system regulation, and healing. Surfing is such a dynamic experience: being in the ocean and getting to ride a wave means sometimes experiencing fear, joy, silliness, doubt, confidence, community, and a connection to nature all just in one session!
It’s also brought me so many amazing friends and connections! Helen and I met in the waves of Portugal, thousands of miles from where we live. More recently, as I’ve learned about the history and origins of surfing, I’ve realized that surfing also allows me to connect with a tradition that has existed for thousands of years, all over the world (Polynesia, West Africa, South America), and that feels powerful!
Giving Back to the Community
What is your role at Waves of Color?
I am the Community Partnerships Manager and Interim Secretary & Treasure. My role is to support and build relationships with aligned community organizations and leaders to help support the mission and programming of Waves of Color. Additionally, I will help oversee and review the budget and fundraising efforts for the organization.
How do you stay connected with your surf community? Are there particular moments or traditions that are especially meaningful
Staying active in my surf crew group chats and adding new members that are looking to get out on the water and wanting some community to feel supported in doing that.
Following local Bay Area surf organizations that are trying to build community and shift surf culture to be more inclusive, joyful, and connected – shoutout to Queer Surf, Salted Roots, and City Surf Project!
I’m lucky that over the last few years I’ve been able to travel and surf in other countries. Not only has it helped me advance my surfing skills, but it’s made me feel part of a more global community of surfers and surf travelers. I wouldn’t have met Helen if I hadn’t decided to take a trip to the coast of Portugal after my cousin’s wedding in Sintra!
The Ripple Effect
Why is doing this type of work and running a surf organization important to you?
Having access to surfing and the ocean – here in California and the places I’ve been fortunate enough to travel – has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. Supporting the growth and mission of Waves of Color feels like a way of honoring that gift through reciprocity or giving back, and to me that kind of reciprocity is something that deepens my relationship with surfing.
While there are incredible people and groups working towards access and inclusion in surfing, there’s still a wide gap in the professional sphere. It’s an honor to support an organization that is trying to address this gap and create a surfing world where every person who loves the ocean and surfing can see themselves in it, belong in it, and shape its future.
