Surfing's Sister

Outgoing 14-year-old Kuliouou surf star Kelia Moniz competes with the pros

by HILLARY CRAMER
Sun Correspondent
Archived October 2007 article

Sister is a sponsored surfer and a clothing model for leading women's surf brand, Roxy. Her brothers are also sponsored surfers and her father is Hawaii's popular big-wave surfer, Tony Moniz. Tony and wife Tammy are known in Hawaii for Tony's professional surfing career; their family's constant presence in the water; their surf school at the Waikiki Marriot, Faith Surf School; and for founding Faith Riding Company. Tammy totes the kids, their friends, and several surfboards to the beach in her limousine-length van. At the beach, she often heats up a pot of chili, or Portuguese bean soup on a portable burner. This serves as the perfect power meal, keeping Sister and the rat pack going daily until dark. For fun and practice, Tony often holds mini, unofficial contests for his kids and their friends after school, where he scores their waves from the beach and counsels them on technique and wave judgment.

Sister competes all year in amateur contests against kids her own age and has also boldly been braving contests in Hawaii, Europe and California in which she competes against the top adult pros in the world. This past summer, she swooped high honors with a second place at the Roxy Jam Honolulu, where she rode Waikiki waves with her toes dangling off the nose of the board. Many surfers can do difficult tricks, but they do them with rigidity and visible strain. Sister stands out with a graceful surf style. She makes intricate footwork on the moving surfboard, which is like doing ballet on a tight rope, look as easy as a leisure walk down the street.

Family time is a central part of this surfer's life. Her family surfs together and hangs out around the living room and dining room into the evening. At home, her family's "butler" or "doorman" is a pig named Kalua. Kalua lounges on the porch, blocking the front door. Sister's neighbor lady is very fond of the pig and frequently calls out over the fence, "Kaluaaaaaa! Come, my baby! Come here, baby." Kalua trots promptly to the fence and the adoring neighbor spoils him with spaghetti, pancakes and syrup, peeled mangos and numerous other treats. Sister says her hog is a sweetie, but keep reading and you will see that this is a matter of opinion.

Sister is a lively teen with lots of warmth for others. She gives the pig's course, bearded face kisses; snatches up the crying baby and calms him; and makes friends wherever she goes. Sister is full of spunk. She is gaining increasing recognition in the surf industry and will likely make a pleasing imprint on women's surfing as she gets older. Sister typed out the answers to our interview questions and then hit the hay to get rest for the next day's contest.

How did you get going with surfing?
I pretty much grew up on the beach, so surfing just came naturally.

Who are your sponsors?
My sponsors are Roxy, HIC, DaKine, and Ratio Fins.

What are the perks of being a surfer?
Surfing brings a smile to my face every time I go out into the water.
It is great surfing every day with my family and friends. I just love it!

What do you do besides surf?
Nothing really, because I surf every day. And on weekends I have surf contests. I like talking on the phone. I'm obsessed with my phone!

What are the pros and cons of being the only girl with four brothers?
The pro of having four brothers is that they don't give me any drama. If I had sisters, I would for sure have drama. The con is cleaning up after them, such as washing dishes and picking up all of their dirty clothes around the house.

Tell me about your pet pig. Do you have any funny tales about him?
One time my Aunty Hillary was over at my house and she went up to pet him and he fully attacked her! She freaked out, but she didn't get hurt.

What are your favorite things to do and your favorite restaurants in East Oahu?
Favorite place to hang out is Kewalos, but that's not in East Oahu. I like going to Sandy's and hanging out at Koko Marina. My favorite restaurants are Komokata, CPK, Costco, and Scoops' ice cream.

What's going through your mind before you paddle out for a contest heat?
The main thing that goes through my mind before a heat is I'm hoping that I will advance to the next round.

What are your goals in life?
My goal in life is to appreciate the things God gives me.