When 12-year-old Kelia Mehani Gallina paddled into the lineup at the WSL Tahiti Pro, she wasn’t just dropping into world class waves, she was making history. 

Nicknamed Miss Teahupo’o, Kelia became the youngest surfer to ever compete in a Championship Tour (CT) event. 

Beyond the stats and headlines, Kelia’s presence is a powerful reminder that VISibility in women’s sports matters, especially for the next generation. 

Kelia grew up with Teahupo’o in her backyard. With a Hawaiian surfer father and a Tahitian mother, surfing was in her blood. She was standing on a board before her first birthday, and by four she was paddling out at the same reef that would one day test the world’s best. 

This year, after winning the Tahiti Pro Trials, in clean conditions, she earned her wildcard spot. She surfed against the world’s top ranked surfers. 

She didn’t win her heat, but she didn’t need to. Just being there, in 8-10 foot Teahupo’o waves, Kelia was able to send a message louder than any trophy could—that girls belong here: in the water, in the lineup, and on the world stage. 

Representation in sports isn’t just about who wins, it’s also about who is seen. Kelia isn’t just competing, she’s inspiring young girls everywhere. Whether they surf, kick, skate, or climb, their age, size, or gender don’t determine belonging. 

“I didn’t get to show the world everything I can do,” Kelia said. “But I’m proud. I learned a lot, and I’ll be back.” 

As women’s surfing pushes into heavier waves and bigger moments, like the upcoming Olympic event at Teahupo’o, athletes like Kelia are shaping the future of surfing from the inside out. Kelia is not waiting her turn, she is taking it full speed. And in doing so, she’s not just riding waves, she is making them. 

So to every girl dreaming of their moment, watch Kelia, and remember, you don’t have to wait to be great.