Clips and Questions with Malia Manuel

Clips and Questions with Malia Manuel from SURFING MAGAZINE.

SURFING MAGAZINE: Tell us about the edit.

MALIA MANUEL: Well, it’s all from a week in Bali. Right after the Rio event in May, I went down with a couple of friends and just brought my own camera. It was more like a personal trip. I had a Bali guy film the whole time, [laughs] which is why it’s a bit shaky at times.

Understandable. So how was your summer?

Good! It was long, but I had so much fun. I was in California for a while and there were a lot of ups and downs, but it ended on a really good note with a win at the Supergirl Pro in Oceanside.

Was that one of your best results of the year?

Yeah, it’s my best result of the year. I’ve kind of had a weird year on tour and I haven’t been getting the results that I expected. I’ve had some good heats here and there but I haven’t been able to flow through a whole contest. I was just coming off being super bummed after getting a 13th at the US Open, but it got me really motivated for Oceanside. Everything just seemed to flow a lot better there and yeah, I’m really happy with the result. I’m still two places off from re-qualifying through the ‘CT, but now I’m in third place on the ‘QS with only two contest in my score line, so I’m in a pretty good place.

What was your take on Anastasia’s twerking down there?

That whole thing went down on Friday and my heats were Saturday and Sunday, so I unfortunately wasn’t able to witness it in person. It has so many views now! [laughs] Good for her though. If it works, it works. She had a few different colored jerseys on so I guess she was actually making heats. Maybe it’s superstition?

Could be. Who do you think is going win the world title this year?

Well, I’m cheering for Carissa for sure. It’ll be interesting though, it could happen in France. Carissa has been so contest-savvy her whole life and she really has the technique and power down. And she’s really smart in the water. I think her and Stephanie are the most professional girls on tour.

Do you think she’s the best at airs?

I’ve seen Carissa land some crazy ones! We’ve done a couple of trips together and she’s definitely my pick for airs. Again, her style and technique — she does real airs!

You had some real airs in your clip. Do you focus on them?

This year has been so busy and I try to focus on things other than airs, but when I have off time it’s fun to try things out. It’s something new and progressive to learn. Plus it’s a good challenge and I like that.

We’d love to see you stick a good slob reverse.

Yeah, that’d be cool! I guess I’ll have to try some now.