Surf Sister Story: Sasha Llamas is Building Belonging Through Surf
Growing up in the San Fernando Valley, the ocean felt distant both physically and emotionally. As a Latina raised to fear the water, surfing was never something that seemed accessible or possible. Over time, that fear transformed into connection, healing, and belonging. What began as a personal journey into the ocean eventually became a deeper mission rooted in community, representation, and creating safer, more welcoming spaces for women in surfing.
In this inspiring conversation, a Mental Health Therapist and founder of Cheekies Surf Club shares how surfing became her medicine, sanctuary, and source of empowerment. From overcoming fear and barriers in the lineup to mentoring women of color and building community through surf, this story explores the power of representation, ocean access, mentorship, and the ripple effect of uplifting others both in and out of the water.
Could you share a bit about your background and what drew you to the ocean?
I started to learn how to surf as an adult at age 26. I was wearing an oversized men's wetsuit and using a borrowed "foamy." I'm originally from the San Fernando Valley, a Latina, and a Mental Health Therapist by trade.
Growing up, I was taught the ocean was something to be afraid of—that "girls don't surf" and it was too dangerous. In Spanish, the words that stuck with me were "te va a llevar el mar," alluding to the idea that the ocean would drag you in and you'd drown. I believed it. I wasn't a strong swimmer then; I could only doggy paddle and float.
I grew up in a city surrounded by malls, mom-and-pop shops, and liquor stores where I'd get hot Cheetos. We came from a low-income background, so going to the beach was a rare treat. I never imagined surfing would become my "medicine." I care deeply about women, especially women of color, having access to the ocean because I know what it’s like to live in fear and at a distance from the beach.
When did you first discover surfing?
Before surfing, I had to build a relationship with the ocean because I wasn't a strong swimmer. I spent time just getting comfortable, watching the water push and pull, and eventually learning to float and let the ocean carry me. That fear turned into respect and connection
When I finally started surfing, it was largely self-taught, though I give credit to a Latino friend who believed in me and encouraged me.
I was surprised by how few women of color were in the water. That made it clear something was missing. Surfing became an act of rebellion for me—a way to say, "I belong here, and every woman belongs here too.
Describe the feeling of catching your first wave…
Catching that first wave is hard to put into words. Everything slows down and goes quiet; it's a full-body experience that shifts something inside of you. It's a deep, soulful feeling.
What keeps you drawn to the ocean? What does surfing mean to you on a deeper level?
The ocean is a place where I can get lost from the world but also be found. It's my sanctuary and playground. As a therapist, I hold people's deepest pains, which can get heavy. Surfing allows me to release that heaviness and be a kid again—to laugh, fall, and try again. It reminds me to slow down and celebrate the simple things.
How has surfing impacted your life? What has been a learning lesson?
It changed my life 360 degrees. It's a place where I can show up exactly as I am—sad, excited, or overwhelmed. The waves have taught me to live for today. They are a metaphor for life: some days are calm, some are chaotic or "spicy," but they all remind me that life rises and falls. The biggest lesson is that we aren't meant to do this alone; we need community. It's always easier to do things together.
In honor of Earth Month, we want to honor the mother ocean and protect them. Can you share ways you are protecting the places and waves we play in?
I practice a gratitude ritual before entering the water. I'll clean up any trash I see from the night before and take a moment to say thank you to Mother Earth and marine life. We are also teaming up with SunMud, a reef-safe sunscreen co-founded by a Latina.
We wanted to introduce sustainable choices to the Latino community where reef-safe products might not be the go-to because of cost or lack of awareness. We want to protect our skin and the ocean at the same time
What challenges have you overcome in surfing and how did you work through those experiences?
My swimming skills were a major early challenge. Once, I lost my board while surfing in Del Mar and panicked. I told myself to just float on my back, and I felt supported by the universe even in that fear. After that, I signed up for a year of swimming classes at a community college.
In the lineup, women of color often experience being "dropped in" on or cut off, even when they have priority. People sometimes don't take us seriously or make inappropriate remarks if they think we aren't at a certain skill level. I try to "kill them with kindness" by smiling to set a tone, but there is often a pressure to prove myself immediately so people will give me space.
Giving Back to the Community
Why did you decide to start Cheekies Surf Club?
For a long time, it was just a dream, but self-doubt held me back. I wondered if I was experienced enough to lead. A year ago, I shared the dream in a public speaking class and received so much encouragement. My professor donated a surfboard, and my partner helped me find a logo designer. I realized it wasn't about me; it was about Latinas and women of color having a space where they belong.
Cheekies Surf Club is centered on Latinas and women of color of all levels and ages to connect and ride waves together. We make it accessible by providing borrowed gear. The vibe is about music, food, and uplifting each other. We meet every first Saturday of the month. It's still in its "baby stages" but it's growing. Cheekies just celebrated our first birthday as a surf club earlier this month!
What motivates you to give back to the community?
I had support from a friend when I didn't believe in myself yet, and I want to create that same chain effect for others. I want to mentor other ladies so they feel supported and reminded that they belong.
How do you stay connected with your surf community? Are there particular moments or traditions that are especially meaningful!
We celebrate milestones. Recently, we hosted a "surf shower" for a future baby surfer, with games and food. We also celebrate birthdays. It makes the beach feel like a "home away from home," which keeps us connected.
Why do you feel called to become a surf leader and mentor?
Surf leader" feels like a big jump; I still feel like a "mentor trainee." I know the power of someone believing in you. I want to pass that down—to be an encouraging voice during wipeouts and remind women that it's okay to feel scared. I want them to leave the water believing they are capable of so much more.
Accessibility to the Sea and Ocean
Do you feel like you have been able to easily access ocean, surf, and water safety training as a surfer?
Growing up, no. There was limited access to gear and training. Now, it's a privilege. Waves of Color recently teamed up with ISA Surf to bring a surf safety course to our community, which opened a door. It helps us feel confident as mentors and leaders to teach things like surf etiquette and ocean safety
What does it mean to you to have women and/or women of color represented in the surf coaching space?
We are going to have more women of color surfers in the line up and slowly shift the surf etiquette culture and representation out in the water- from gatekeeping towards more of a party wave. I know this change won’t happen overnight because hierarchies, structures and territorial behaviors continue to exist. And we can start to create pockets in the ocean- it is going to look more like tides than a tsunami. It’s going to be up to all of us. Hoping to see more “you take it, you go and that’s your wave” kind of energy.
Have you had experience training with any women surf coaches?
No, but I am really excited to connect and learn from women surf coaches.
How do you feel when you are coaching or surfing around other women?
When I am mentoring other women I feel like a proud auntie or big sister. It’s that kind of joy that makes you smile without realizing. I am inspired by watching the ladies grow and going for it even if they are scared. When I am surfing around other women I am able to be myself and love that we get to celebrate one another.
Most recently, I met a group of ladies out in the water and had the best time as we encouraged each by saying “more passion, more energy” anytime we would go for a wave. That’s the type of energy that makes me come alive and be seen!
What are some of the barriers you have seen or faced as a woman and BIPOC woman in the surf?
In the lineup, women of color often experience being "dropped in" on or cut off, even when they have priority. People sometimes don't take us seriously or make inappropriate remarks if they think we aren't at a certain skill level.
I try to "kill them with kindness" by smiling to set a tone, but there is often a pressure to prove myself immediately so people will give me space. That's why representation, safety and supportive spaces matter so much for women to surf in.
The Ripple Effect
Why is doing this type of work important to you as a surf coach, leader, or mentor?
It's about breaking generational fear- those doubts and limitations that have been passed down through our families or communities. It’s about being able to have an opportunity to share our story.
I am very honored to be able to share that story today. By mentoring other women, it creates a chain effect to teach the next generations that follow. Together we can make surf culture kinder and more welcoming!
What is a message you want future surf leaders and mentors to take away if you had one piece of advice?
Mentor one, inspire many more! This is one of many ways we can influence the surf culture. We can share techniques, encourage a surfer, and celebrate someone's first wave. I believe we can spark the culture shift and bring that infectious energy.
Sasha Llamas is a Latina surfer, Mental Health Therapist, mentor, and founder of Cheekies Surf Club, a surf community centered on Latinas and women of color. Originally from the San Fernando Valley, she discovered surfing as an adult and transformed her fear of the ocean into a source of healing, empowerment, and connection.
Through community, mentorship, and ocean access, Sasha is passionate about creating more welcoming spaces in surfing and helping women feel supported, represented, and inspired in and out of the water.
Interview by Waves of Color Founder & Director, Helen Jody Lin