Malia Manuel

Kelsey Malia Manuel (born August 9, 1993) is an American professional surfer. She won Rookie of the Year in 2012 and was ranked 5th on the 2014 ASP World Tour. In 2008, at the age of 14 she became the youngest surfer ever to win the U.S. Open of Surfing.

Early life
Manuel was born in Wailua, Hawaii and is of Native Hawaiian descent. She graduated from Kapaa High School and the American College of Healthcare Sciences.

Modeling
Manuel has been sponsored by several brands and appeared in advertisements and photo shoots. She made her debut in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in 2020.

Surfing Career Highlights

 * 2019 - 2nd Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach
 * 2019 - 3rd Boost Mobile Pro Gold Coast
 * 2018 – 2nd Beachwaver Maui Pro
 * 2017 - 1st Australian Open of Surfing (Manly, New South Wales)
 * 2016 – 2nd Van’s US Open
 * 2014 – Ranked 5th on the World Surf League Tour
 * 2014 – WQS 6star, Merewether Surf Fest Champion
 * 2013 – ASP World Rankings Champion
 * 2013 – WQS 6star, SuperGirl Pro Champ
 * 2012 – ASP Women’s Rookie of The Year
 * 2011 – Top Qualifier for the Elite ASP Women’s World Tour
 * 2011 – WQS 6star, Azores Islands Champion
 * 2011 – WQS 6star, Pantin Spain Champion
 * 2011 – Cover of TransWorld Surf Magazine (2nd female ever)
 * 2010 – Hawaii World Team member
 * 2009 – Hawaii World Team member
 * 2009 – US Open Junior Women's Champ
 * 2009 – Junior Women Regional Champ
 * 2009 – VQS Champion
 * 2008 – Youngest US Open Champ
 * 2008 – International Grom Search Champ
 * 2008 – Junior Women Regional Champ
 * 2008 – Hawaii World Team Member
 * 2008 – NSSA National champ Explorer Womens
 * 2007 – NSSA Middle School girls National Champion
 * 2006 – NSSA Open Women runner up
 * 2005 – Hawaii World Team member
 * 2004 – Surfing America Champion National Title