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Monica Guo Monica Guo

CURL POWER: INSIDE THE FEMALE-LED SURF REVOLUTION.

02 November 2020 - Events

It takes a brave woman to drop everything to become a surfer — especially in China, where the sport has been virtual-ly non-existent until recent years. Imagine being a girl from the Guangxi mountains, miles from the coast… Monica Guo, who currently holds the title of Women’s Longboard Surfing Champion and has competed as part of the Chinese National Surfing Team, had never seen the ocean growing up. 
But from the moment she first stood on a board in Hong Kong, she knew she was home.

Monica Guo

MEET CHINA’S FIRST GENERATION FEMALE PRO SURFER

It takes a brave woman to drop everything to become a surfer — especially in China, where the sport has been virtual-ly non-existent until recent years. Imagine being a girl from the Guangxi mountains, miles from the coast… Monica Guo, who currently holds the title of Women’s Longboard Surfing Champion and has competed as part of the Chinese National Surfing Team, had never seen the ocean growing up. 
But from the moment she first stood on a board in Hong Kong, she knew she was home.

Leaving behind her family, her career, and the comforts of the city, she moved south to Hainan Island, home to the Chinese St-Tropez: Sanya. Monica’s story echoes Vilebrequin’s back in the early 70s, when a young man set off for the French Riviera, with nothing but dreams in his jean pocket. Inspired by the board shorts worn by California surfers, he pioneered the very first swim short for guys… and surfer girls in China!

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Flying in the face of tradition, Monica set her sights on mastering the art of longboarding — not the easiest challenge! Longboards are bigger, heavier, and more dangerous than classic surfboards. Within 2 years, she had won her first title, placing first in the largest national surfing contest. Her tide had just started rising.
Picked to represent her country at the 2018 ISA World Championship, she became the first Chinese surfer to win a heat. Surfing has since been recognized as an Olympic Sport in China. Way to Guo, Monica!

With increased funding and acceptance from the government, Monica is more focused than ever on ensuring young women get their turn on the board. Her female-only summer surf camp encourages young girls from all across China to ride the waves, and — most importantly — to dream big.

Want more sea, surf & bikini life? 
Catch Monica Guo on Instagram: @monicaqie

Monica Guo

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