Pro surfer Sofia Mulanovich loves Huntington Beach.  She first competed here as a young teen and won the U.S. Open of Surfing in 2006.  Even so, Huntington is more than a contest location to Sofia.  “It’s a really fun wave,” she explains.  “I spend a lot of time in L.A., so I try to come here as much as I can.”
    Has the Peruvian surf legend ever thought of joining a women’s surf club like California ’s Wahine Kai?  “In Peru, there’s none,” she shakes her head.  “It would be fun, though!”  In the meantime, she surfs for pleasure with her brothers and her boyfriend.
   Today at the Open, Sofia aces her heat with a stunning 9.87.  I ask if doing well in the contest still holds any thrill for the former world champion.  “It’s always exciting,” she assures me.  “It’s always exciting to surf and compete.”
    Sofia’s energy and enthusiasm have propelled her towards the top of this year’s ASP Women’s World Tour.  When asked what she would do if she didn’t surf professionally, she looks baffled and says, “I don’t know!”  She eventually laughs, “I would have to think about it.”
    For now, Sofia focuses on the practice required to stay at the top of her game.  She treats each surf session as “a new experience” to enjoy.  “Just go and have fun,” she suggests.  “There’s always something fun in everything you do!”

Written By: Avra Kouffman