Aylana is an accomplished local surfer. She is know for a variety of things, from hosting surf comps to running her own apparel brand, but I’ll let her tell you herself! Hey Aylana! Could you give us some backstory on yourself?
Sure! I grew up in the Santa Cruz Mountains-Boulder Creek. I learned to swim in the San Lorenzo River before I could walk. I have always loved the water, and I would swim until my lips were blue. My sister and I grew up without TV, so our activities were adventuring in the woods and swimming in the rivers. My parents always said, “What’s most important is that you know how to love”. We were raised with much love and support to be good humans.
At the age of 5, I learned how to ski, and that was a major moment of growth in my life. Before skiing, I was a super shy kid, and after, I was a whole new person. Later, when I discovered surfing at 15, it was kind of the same thing. I feel so fortunate to have had these life-changing opportunities in my life that bring me so much joy. Here is a link to a blog I wrote about some of my history. It will answer more of your questions: https://www.olachica.com/post/thankful
How did you end up in Santa Cruz?
I grew up here and tried to leave several times, but every time I came home, I was so grateful to be here. I love home!
What inspired you to get into surfing? When and why did you decide to make it a major part of your life?
I’ve always loved the water. From my very first session struggling at Cowells at the age of 15, I was hooked. Catching waves is one of the best feelings in the world. For me it feels like the ultimate freedom. When I finished school, I began planning my life around surfing and I have continued to live that way.
What is so special about living and surfing in Santa Cruz? What would you like to change if you could?
I have surfed all over the world, and SC is one of the best surf towns I’ve ever experienced. We have a vast variety of waves and exceptional point breaks for all levels. One thing I would change is people’s attitude. We are out there to have fun, and if surfing doesn’t bring you joy, I believe you should choose a different sport.
Who are some inspirations, surfers or otherwise, who have inspired and made an impact on you?
When I began surfing, I looked up to Lisa Anderson. There really weren’t too many other women in the surfing spotlight, and I always liked her strong, powerful style. But most of all, I looked up to my friends. We motivated each other, and I knew if they could do it, I could, too.
You are known for competing in competitions that were mostly or oftentimes all men. What is it like being a woman in a male dominated sport, especially at the higher levels?
I don’t compete that much anymore, but one of my favorite events is the SCLU contest on Memorial Day weekend at the Lane. I still love being out there and competing, and there’s nothing like surfing the lane with only five other ladies—what a treat! For many years, they gave the ladies the worst tides and conditions, and I feel like that is no longer an issue. There were many obstacles being a female in a male-dominated sport. We didn’t get much support or respect and often, we had issues with non-competitors trying to come in and surf during our heats. I feel like my earlier days of competing really motivated me and in the end made me a more well-rounded surfer.
How has being an organizer of competitions in the sport changed your perspective? Are there any surfers who you love watching or would like to shout out?
I love being an organizer of WOW (Women on Waves Surf Competition). It’s very satisfying to bring all the ladies and girls together and create such a supportive, positive environment.
I cannot choose my favorites to watch since I enjoy watching all of them shine. But it always puts a huge smile on my face when the kikis go out and surf the jetty. Those little girls are so amazing. There is so much that goes on behind the scenes that unless you’ve organized a big event before you just have no idea. I am humbled to have the behind-the-scenes experience and every time I am at an event I have a whole new appreciation for how much work it takes to make it all happen and flow smoothly.
What do you like to do outside of surfing? Do those things connect to your work and surfing?
My other passions are snowboarding, kitesurfing, swimming, capoeira, salsa dancing, yoga, meditation, and adventures with my fiance and our dog. I feel that all these activities are intertwined and complement each other. It’s all about balance.
Not only are you an accomplished surfer, but an entrepreneur! What inspired you to create Ola Chica (Ola Chica is Aylana’s clothing brand that creates swimwear for active women like herself)?
My main inspiration was to have a functional swimsuit for surfing, which didn’t exist 20 years ago. I moved to Hawaii and was so frustrated that my bikini never stayed on. I had always surfed in a wetsuit, so I didn’t realize that this was a problem. Ola Chica was created out of pure necessity.
Where can people go to connect with Ola Chica and check out their stuff?
I will also have booths at various events this summer, starting with She is Beautiful on May 11, then the SCLU Memorial Day contest at the Lane and the Pleasure Point Street Fair. To find out about all our events follow us on IG or sign up for our newsletter on the the website.
FB: olachicasc
IG: @olachicasc
Do you have any aspirations you are looking forward to? What are you most looking forward to in the rest of 2024?
I am working with my two close friends and partners in Women On Waves to continue to make WOW a successful and positive event. This is a big project which takes a lot of our time and energy but we do it out of love for our community.
My latest endeavor introduces a series of graphics, transforming surfing snapshots of myself into cartoon renditions, which I will print onto shirts. And I have my fingers crossed that I will be accepted to set up my booth at the Capitola Art & Wine Festival this year.
Is there anything else we should know before we wrap things up?
I want the community to know that WOW would not exist without Marisol Godinez and Corey Grace. The three of us are the WOW team.
I love working with these inspiring, talented ladies, and it fills my heart that we are able to put on such an amazing event.
Save the date for Women On Waves – Oct. 19-20, 2024
If anyone wants to help us with sponsorships and donations please reach out to me via email: olachicasc@gmail.com
Thanks so much Aylana! Get your ticket to the NEXTies to come say hi to her and other movers and shakers being highlighted at this years’ May 17th NEXTies awards! See you there!
