Age: 38
Hometown: Grew up In Orlando, Florida. Now reside in Oceanside, CA
Leah Dawson is one of the most unique and creative surfers. Known for riding unique board shapes, she is always making the wave her canvas. Outside of surfing, Leah is a freelance copywriter, live action camera operator, and owner of Salty Sensations- a surf and empowerment retreat business.
“Surfing is an act of becoming one with nature. Daily life has the potential to be that as well. If we learn from surfing and apply it to life, it can help guide us towards a more harmonious future.” -Leah Dawson
You've been a team rider with Seea for many years, how has your time with Seea evolved, how have you evolved as a surfer?
Ever since its inception, Seea has been a representative of women’s surf culture, one not driven by mainstream surf culture, yet rather by the true representation of who female surfers really are: career women, mothers, daughters, athletes. Seea has evolved with the growing understanding that women deserve more than just one seat at the table in communities of male dominated spaces— rather we can build more seats, or even more tables. I love that Seea strives to honor all women, as we are all so diverse! Much of the surf industry “looks a certain way”, whereas Seea celebrates diversity for the beauty that it is.
What made this trip to Costa Rica special from other Seea trips? What impact did the group have on this experience?
The Costa Rica trip was extra special because it offered us all a relaxing environment to enjoy spending time together, both in and out of the water. I’m such a fan of Rosie and Mele, their surfing is top notch, so to be surrounded by them surfing for a week was a joy and inspiration. Add on the joyous energy of Farmy, Annabelle, and Jo, we all were just pinching ourselves the whole time that we had an opportunity to surf and hang together. I also really loved shooting lifestyle photos with Dupla because they are so in love with the art of photography. It was infectious to be around. Also, it was so fun surfing with Amanda and getting to see her surf in the fruits of her labor.
Share your favorite memory from the trip!
My favorite moment of the trip was watching Jo catch a big set wave, and hear the whole lineup erupt in cheers. Jo is a legend, she’s been loving all aspects of surfing for so long, and it really shows. She’s a student of surf history but also a purveyor of the stoke, sharing her knowledge with upcoming generations. Jo’s stoke and knack for bigger waves was so entertaining and inspiring to see. This trip led to a dear friendship that I now cherish with legendary Jo!!
What was it like surfing with Farmy, Jo and Annabelle?
Surfing with Farmy Annabelle and Jo was pure joy! They each have this fiery stoke, they are all clearly in love with surfing.
I was so impressed by Annabelle’s progression throughout the week. She has such a beautiful style already, and it was obvious that she was absorbing the inspiration of surfing each day with Rosie and Mele, who are two of the smoothest loggers in the world.
Farmata is so excitable!!! I’ve known her for four years, and in that time I’ve seen her transform as a surfer because of her dedication to studying the art of wave riding, as well as a determination to ride all types of boards in all types of waves. Seeing her read waves, make her way to the nose, zoom fast down the line, all of it was a joy to witness for me. She looks so at home in the ocean, and I know that will continue to inspire her peers. I look up to her even though I’m nearly 20 years her senior!!
Surfing with Jo is like being in a time capsule. Her surf awareness is so developed, and she loves surf craft so much. Once she is on a wave, the whole lineup pays attention because she impresses everyone! Crowds can be difficult to manage at times, but it is so cool to see people cheering for a woman ripping up a wave.
So many people in surfing look up to you, your style, and your attitude on life. What impact would you like to leave on surfing?
I dream of surfing being the most welcoming, cheerful space. We all deserve a place in the lineup, and while crowds can form because of this, it is our grace in which we approach life and each other that will affect how we feel. Surfing has given me so much community, so I too want to continue connecting communities for women through surfing. My goal is to not inspire competitiveness or comparison, but rather celebration of each and every one of us! We are all unique, and our surf journeys are reflections of that. The more we can cheer each other on, the better.
Hometown: San Diego, CA
Mele Saili has been part of Seea since its inception. As a Southern California local, she truly embodies Seea’s core values and continues to grow alongside the brand. A member of the Gordon & Smith Surfboards family, Mele proudly carries a deep connection to surfing history. Beyond the waves, she teaches art, works with G&S, and enjoys channeling her creativity into personal art projects during her free time.
You've been a team rider with Seea for many years, how has your time with Seea evolved, how have you evolved as a surfer?
From their early days sewing suits out of a garage in San Clemente, we’ve grown together. They’ve watched me grow up, and I’ve seen their business transform into something worn by women across the world. They’ve also taken me around the world, which has inspired me to travel more for surfing.
What made this trip to Costa Rica special from other Seea trips? What impact did the group have on this experience?
When you travel, the company you keep can make all the difference. Even the most beautiful destination can feel off if the people you're with are difficult, while the right group can turn a mediocre spot into an unforgettable experience. In Costa Rica, we were lucky enough to get it all—not only did we score perfect waves, but we were also surrounded by an incredible group of people and the most beautiful lush environment.
What was it like surfing with Farmy, Jo and Annabelle?
This was the first trip Rosie, Leah, and I have actually been on all together. We loved everyone’s company and getting to know our new friends Farmy, Jo, and Annabelle. With no expectations, everyone was blown away by the girls’ surfing. All three gals paddled out and took off on some big days. This was a magic group of ladies and everyone brought something special to this experience.
Your family has left such a large impact on surfing. What do you think is the most important part of sharing the history of surfing, and how do we remember that history while letting surfing evolve?
Thanks so much—that means a lot! I think the most important part of sharing surfing’s history is keeping the sport alive and remembering its roots: the connection to the ocean, the creativity, and the respect for those who came before us.
It’s all about telling the stories, honoring the pioneers, and celebrating how far surfing has come while staying grounded in what makes it special. Letting it evolve is natural—new styles, new boards, and new ideas keep it exciting—but it’s always tied to that shared love of the waves and the history that brought us here.
Age: 35
Hometown: Born and raised on the north shore of Oahu. Most likely won’t ever leave!
Rosie Jaffurs spend every moment dreaming about spending time in the ocean! That love translates to her ability to be a ballerina in the water. Rosie has been surfing since she was 8 at Hale’iwa beach. When she isn’t surfing, Rosie works as a stunt double for movies with a specialty in water work.
You've been a team rider with Seea for many years, how has your time with Seea evolved, how have you evolved as a surfer?
I’ve always wanted to live a free life. I consider half my paycheck as surfing time. Consistently trying to live in the moment and enjoy every moment. Trying to take things slow, enjoy the line up and everyone in it. I am always trying to perfect and evolve my surfing.
What made this trip to Costa Rica special from other Seea trips? What impact did the group have on this experience?
This Costa Rica trip was a real treat. We did it retreat style and everything was taken care of from food to loading our boards. Something I’ve never experienced before, usually we’re surfing and modeling for 8 hours and then heading back to the Airbnb and still need to get dinner going. The group made it even more relaxing because they were there to help us get our suits shot which relieves some stress for us:) and they’re all awesome girls to be around and converse with.
Share your favorite memory from the trip!
The whole trip was absolute perfection. I don’t think a beat was missed. My favorite part was easily the fact that we scored an epic swell that week when the date for the trip was planned months prior.
What was it like surfing with Farmy, Jo and Annabelle?
Jo was a major inspiration for me, to keep at it and not stop. Loved every moment with her and tried learning everything I could from an experienced woman who’s been in the surfing world for longer than me. Watching Farmy and Annabelle's confidence on the board expand daily was magic. Felt like they were two different surfers by the end of the trip.
You grew up in the mecca of surfing, Hawaii, but then surfing allowed you to travel and see new parts of the world. How has traveling to places like Costa Rica impacted your view on the world and your view on surfing?
Visiting this part of Costa Rica was magic. It felt like what my home was probably like years and years ago. No paved roads, lush jungle where you could barely see any homes. It made me wish once again that I could experience the world without technology. It made me want to protect this place and not put it on social media so that it can stay how it is for as long as possible.
We are so thankful to have the best team riders around! A group of people who uplift everyone around them, inspire so many with their creativity in the water, and are genuine human beings. Thank you to Leah, Mele, and Rosie for making this trip to Costa Rica one for the books!
