Twelve-year-old Kelia Mehani Gallina is on a mission to change the surfing world. She’s readying herself to head to the World Surf League (WSL) as a competitor. She just qualified for her first main draw after winning the event trials last month. Today, she is the current WSL youngest-ever competitor. The competition venue is at Teahupo’o, one of the world’s most storied surf breaks, not far from her family home in Tahiti. Our star chef has spent thousands of hours there honing her craft.
Kelia’s path into the world of surfing began when she was only three years old. Her dad, Ryan Mehani Gallina, moved heaven and Earth to get her to take on the waves. It’s sort of difficult to recall,” Kelia says of her formative years spent on the water. By the time she was four and a half, she was riding the daunting waves of Teahupo’o. This amazing accomplishment is a testament to her exceptional skill and drive.
The young athlete has already ridden waves as high as 12 feet. Now, she’s looking ahead to the biggest test of her career. In the first round she has a daunting task ahead. She’ll face defending champion and current world No. 1 Molly Picklum of Australia and American star Lakey Peterson. Kelia’s link to the sea has a much deeper history. From her bedroom window, Niekler can see the waves, a daily inspiration that keeps her passion alive.
Life in the Teahupo’o village has given Kelia unique access to the sport and an up-close-and-personal perspective on its dangers. She’s a frequent rider on Rising Tides. This World Surf League (WSL) community program trains the next generation of local wave riders under the mentorship of professional athletes. Thanks to this initiative, she’s been able to learn from world-class surfers and return the favor by helping her own community.
Kelia’s family history deepens the meanings embedded in her words. Her Tahitian mom and Hawaiian pop provide her with a proud cultural heritage. This experience underpins everything she does, from the ocean to the outside world. As someone who has surfed Teahupo’o as a pro for more than 23 years, Ryan knows the inherent dangers of the sport. It became a recurring anxiety about his daughter’s safety. He realizes that he’s probably always going to be worried about his daughter’s safety.
“Like you worry when they’re crossing the street, or riding around in town, there’s always somewhat of a worry that comes with being a parent,” he shares. Ryan goes all in on Kelia’s surfing skills. He adds, with clear conviction, “I’ve been riding this wave for 23 years now, so I know this wave very well. I’m very proud of knowing exactly when Kelia should be on a wave.
Kelia’s ambition for her future is clear. “That’s definitely the goal, to make it on tour,” she states, reflecting on her aspirations within the competitive surfing landscape. Ryan may agree with the daunting task laid out before him, but dreams need to be secured in reality. “But we realize that it is almost impossible to get to that level,” he continues. He includes this disclaimer, “It’s an aspiration, not the aspiration.”
As Kelia gets ready for her next upcoming contest, she’s keeping herself grounded and centered. “I’m going to wait until the time comes,” she says, showing a confidence beyond her age. Her ability to balance ambition with patience will undoubtedly serve her well as she starts this new chapter in her surfing career.