Age: 23
Hometown: Far Rockaway, NY and Senegal
Farmata (Farmy) is a bundle of joy and passion! Farmy started surfing 7 years ago with Laru Beya and now helps teach and facilitate the organization. Outside of surfing, Farmy models and is an Operations Associate at Queens Community Justice Center.
What were you expecting The SEEA x SWA Costa Rica trip to be like vs what was it actually like?
I was so excited for this trip!! I knew we'd be shooting the different swimsuits a lot, I expected to have some of the best surf sessions of my life, and to connect with some amazing people. I was SO excited to surf some of the longest waves of my life. I would track the swell everyday! Once I found out Leah Dawson, one of my first surf idols, was gonna be on the trip. I knew this was gonna be one for the books.
All that ended up being true, but it barely scratches the surface of my actual experience. The entire trip felt like a fever dream. I didn't expect us to be so surf oriented, which was a pleasant surprise. Waking up everyday with fresh coconuts and the most delicious home cooked meals was a blessing I miss everyday. I loved how the trip was retreat style because it allowed us to have a solid balance between work, play, and rest. It didn't feel like past shoots I've done where we worked 14 hour days. Every single person on the production team was a reflection of their art, beautiful, meaningful, and authentic. It was insane being surrounded by so many amazing surfers in world class waves. I loved hearing the backstories of Jo and Annabelle, the other winners. It's cool how we all came from completely different places and times but still ended up in the same place!
What was your favorite memory from the trip?
This is such a hard question because there are so many favorite moments. The surfing was obviously a highlight, but I think my favorite moment had to be the third or fourth day of the trip. It was post surf, everyone was decompressing back at the house. Leah and I sat down on the grass by the pool. We were working on an interview she was writing about Laru Beya for Session Magazine. I remember the smells floating with the wind, the huge tree that housed some parakeets, and the calmness that I was feeling at that moment. We spoke about so much. Our surf origin story, the value of community. We spoke about how that exact moment was something that we'd both dreamed of. If you had told me a few years ago that I’d be in Costa Rica surfing with Leah I probably would’ve laughed or ignored you so, to experience it first hand was insane!
What was it like surfing with Mele, Rosie, and Leah?
Man, coming from Rockaway Beach, NY where the surf is described as mediocre to Costa Rica, the second longest wave in the world was one thing. To be surfing amazing waves with Mele, Rosie, and Leah showed me what’s possible in the future. Every single time one of them was on a wave it was hard to do anything but watch them. Each person had something unique about their movements that made them seem like angels on the water. The images are literally burned into my head. Rosie lived on the nose. It’s like there was a magnet at the nose that would pull her to the front of her board on each wave. Mele is such a technical surfer and every single move she made was so clean. I loved how she enjoyed the bombs as much as the 1-2 ft peelers. And Leah, oh Leah. I remember describing her surfing as art. You never know what the outcome will look like and sometimes it doesn’t make sense. But it always felt perfect. She is what true freedom looks like in the water. Her arms flail and her toes point like a prima ballerina. I always say I wanna surf like Leah!
How did this trip help you grow as a surfer and as a person?
Surf wise, I learned so many technical skills and tips from Seea team riders. I feel like every time I went out with them I could see the waves differently. Understand the different sections in ways that I hadn’t before. I also learned to slow down a lot in the water. In Rockaway the waves are usually short or closing out, so having a long peeling wave that was super forgiving, with multiple sections really allowed me to plan what I wanted to do on the board.
As a person, it pushed me out of my comfort zone. Traveling by myself from New York, and meeting people that I had never met before was something that made me nervous. I expected everyone to be awesome to begin with and each person was even more amazing than I thought. I think there’s always a level of insecurity in these situations. Questions floating around my head, asking myself will they like me, am I good enough to have been chosen, are the pictures gonna look good? Being surrounded by so many women, and men who are firm in themselves and kindhearted people made me realize that I am and will always be enough.
As a young and influential person in surfing and in your community in Rockaway, what impact do you hope to leave on your community and how do you hope surfing will evolve?
The biggest impact I want to leave on my community is inspiring the youth to chase their dreams. I think you can live a life where your work is also your passion, where you are fulfilled by everything that you do, and where you can explore yourself and the world around you. I want to help build a world where we feel good about making mistakes because we know they are just lessons in disguise. A world where we realize that there is no such thing as perfect but the closest we can get to it is when we accept ourselves for who we are and fight to be the best versions of ourselves.
Age: 68
Home breaks: Wrightsville Beach, NC and Nosara, Costa Rica
Jo Pickett is a legend and inspiration in surfing! She has been surfing for 53 years and still charges! In 1996 she started her surf business, Crystal South Surf Camp, the first surf school in Wrightsville Beach NC. She still coaches today! She is also the organizer for the Wahine Classic, an all female surfing contest held every August at the south end of Wrightsville Beach, NC.
What were you expecting The Seea x SWA Costa Rica trip to be like vs what was it actually like?
I was so excited to watch Leah Dawson surf in person! Leah’s wave translation skills are uniquely innovative and the boards she rides are very impressive. I was also looking forward to meeting Amanda and the rest of the crew!
To have this opportunity to surf with a very accomplished crew, combined with SWA’s experienced guides, expert team (Jackie, Summer, and Angie), and excellent cooks—AND the rest of the crew—far exceeded any expectations I had.
Also, the house where we stayed, the guides and drivers' commitment to putting us in the best wave conditions were next level!
What was it like spending time with Rosie, Leah, and Mele?
I did not know about Rosie and Mele until I arrived and was VERY IMPRESSED with their wave-riding prowess. As I learned about Mele’s surfing legacy, I talked with her about riding G&S surfboards in the '70s. It was also amazing to hear about Rosie’s story of her role as the primary caregiver for her grandfather. This experience really defined her character, combined with her accounts of stunt work stints, what a cool girl. I enjoyed surfing with Leah and watching Mele, Rosie, Farmy, Annabelle, and Amanda longboard. I especially enjoyed time with Angie, one of the women from Surf With Amigas.
Throughout all your years as a surfer, has been your favorite part?
Memorable as my big wave sessions may be, the memories I cherish most are the years of surfing with my three children: Leilani (34), Airlie (31), and Douglas (29), sharing surfing and the surfing lifestyle—travel, challenges in conditions, competition, and precious time shared with family. My kids CHARGE!
Age: 30
Hometown: Kalihi Valley, HI
Annabelle is one of the most kind and thoughtful people you will ever meet! She has only been surfing for about 8 years, but her style and grace in the ocean does not go unnoticed. She works for The Nature Conservancy As the Associate Director of Marketing for Partnering with Indigenous and Traditional Communities, and is also a freelance writer, focusing on stories of reciprocity in the community. She balances her time in the water with time on land, inspired by the ways of her Indonesian-Chinese roots and the many islanders she grew up with in Miami.
What were you expecting The Seea x SWA Costa Rica trip to be like vs what was it actually like?
Before the trip, we weren't given too many details or information, other than what to bring and that we'll be surfing—it was a bit nerve wracking, but I've been a long time Seea supporter, and I trusted the process as much as I trust my Seea suits to keep me secure in big surf! I am also really not very comfortable in front of the camera, so I was expecting to be pretty uncomfortable. But, during the trip, the photographers, Seea and SWA team made me feel so comfortable and really embraced just showing up as your whole authentic self. I really think that is the recipe for success when it comes to these brands and their vision.
I also felt a bit anxious and intimidated to have to surf next to Mele, Rosie and Leah. But, I'm happy I was so wrong. I was so blown away by how much heart, intention, and attention to detail Amanda has poured into building Seea. Her team riders were carefully selected, and I can see why. Plus, I was so impressed with how thoughtful SWA is when it comes to supporting the local community and not contributing to extractive tourism practices that I have known other retreats to do. The food, the company, the accommodations, all of it was just so surreal.
What was your favorite memory from the trip?
Our last day in Costa Rica felt like a dream. We all paddled out to the line up and just caught forever lefts. We'd spend a good hour surfing, come in to change suits and fuel up on fruit, food and coconut water, and paddle back out. I must've surfed for like 7 hours that day. We were all so exhausted from the week, but the surf got better and better. The best part was just sharing that space and laughter with the entire group. From the incredibly talented production team, to the entire Seea and SWA crew, was just so fun. It was so magical, in such a rural community in Costa Rica, to just share our love for surfing together. I caught one party wave with Leah and got to nose ride it—I mean to share a wave like that with a living legend, that's pretty priceless.
What was it like surfing with Mele, Rosie, and Leah?
Surfing with Mele, Rosie, and Leah was like watching a documentary of badass female surfers, but in real life. Surfing in Hawaiʻi can be pretty intimidating at times. The crowd can be male-dominant, or filled with lifelong or professional surfers, making it difficult to feel confident or even worthy of paddling for a wave. But Mele, Rosie and Leah are just some of the most humble, graceful and inspiring team riders I have ever met. They'd call me into waves, cheer me on, and give me tips, and that was the most invaluable and encouraging part about surfing with these girls. I'd watch as they caught wave after wave and study their flawless steps and steez.
How did this trip help you grow as a surfer and as a person?
I learned from the team riders, Seea, and SWA is that there is so much more to surfing than just catching waves. These women care so deeply about their communities and carry that spirit with them into the lineup and on land. They are humble, but so passionate about building up communities and weave that into their surfing. They are connected in all aspects of their lives, you can just see it. I loved how they treated this sport as a sacred practice, and that definitely rippled into the way I approach surfing now, too. I'm much more intentional about my health, making sustainable choices and seeing myself as worthy even when the lineup can be intimidating. Besides just leveling up my surfing, I shared such beautiful, little moments and laughter with these women that inspired me to do the same when I paddle out wherever I go. If I can catch waves and fall on my butt in front of Mele, Rosie and Leah and still have the confidence to keep going, I can do that anywhere—in and out of the water. Plus, getting to surf with the other winners, Jo and Farmy, Amanda, Jackie and Summer, and Angie was just the cherry on top. Surfers can come from all walks of life, and it was just so validating to know that the water does not discriminate, we all deserve to embrace the healing powers of the ocean and companionship.
As someone who didn't start surfing as soon as they could walk, what advice do you have for someone who is starting surfing as an adult?
Find yourself a couple of friends who also want to learn and just paddle out, every single day. Get whatever equipment you need, preferably used so you won't care as much when it gets banged up, because it will. Paddle out to some beginner friendly breaks and just sit and watch, get to learn the environment, when to stand up, what the protocol and etiquette is, and just don't be afraid to fall. Before I started surfing I was a lifelong swimmer, but swimming laps is a predictable, and repetitive sport. I learned from surfing that no one day will ever be the same. The variables of wind, tide, swell direction, weather, and even how you're waking up will always be different from one day to the next, but that's the fun of it. Surfing is one of those sports that is totally dependent on nature, and you have to be keen, observe, and use the right equipment and apply whichever maneuver you need during your session—the same applies to all aspects of life, and I thank surfing for refining those skills.
The ocean is one of my primary teachers, there are so many lessons that come from connecting and surfing is a vehicle for growing that experience. Two of my top lessons from surfing are:
1. The ocean always humbles you— even when you think you're confident and on a roll with surfing, one little speed bump can just knock you off your board, and in front of a whole crowd, too. You are a guest in the waters, and remember to respect it as such.
2. The ocean doesn't owe you anything— you can have a bad day and say, 'all I need are some really good waves'. But, you may end up having a shit session, but, neither the ocean, nor any person for that matter, owes you anything. It's all about how you handle a situation.
Thank you to our incredible contest winners for being the most kind, thoughtful, and cool group of women! We are so thankful for all that you taught us and contributed to this team!
