Lilie Kulber throws up some spray .

TOP RIGHT : CHRIS GRANT

Not only is she on the UCLA surf team , but she also reigns as the 2023 National College Women ’ s Champion , a title she claimed at the National Scholastic Surfing Association event last June . But the accolades don ’ t stop there . She ’ s also ranked No . 21 in the World Surf League Women ’ s Qualifying Series . And she was on the USA National Olympic Junior Surf Team in 2022 , helping the team place third . She also has sponsorships from T . Patterson Surfboards to Killer Dana Surf Shop and Salty Crew swimwear and clothing .

Her goals are clear : to win a Qualifying Series event , make it into the Challenger Series , eventually join the Championship Tour and compete in the Olympics some day .

She ’ s come far in the past decade . “ I started surfing at Doheny State Beach during a summer surf camp in 2011 , and it quickly became a passion I ’ ve pursued ever since ,” she says . “… Surfing is where I find peace and freedom .”

On the academic side of things , Kulber , 19 , is pursuing a career path to address climate change and explore social impact ventures , possibly even starting her own company . At UCLA , she works with a group called Clean Consulting . “ Our mission is to empower and equip companies

GO-TO PLACES IN TOWN “ For fitness , I love hitting Vessel for spin classes and a cold plunge ; I absolutely love their teachers and the vibe there . … Favorite coffee shop is Laguna Coffee [ Co ]. Besides having the cutest merch / store , they also have the best iced coffee . My go-to beach is probably Woods Cove . I love going for a sunset swim there . Favorite restaurant is Active Culture : Their Wholesome Bowl never misses .” FAVORITE LOCAL SURF SPOT Agate in Laguna FAVORITE GLOBAL SURF SPOT Thunders in the Mentawai Islands , Indonesia BUCKET LIST SURF DESTINATION Australia SURFING STYLE “ I ’ m definitely more of a back-footed surfer and would consider myself more of a power surfer .” HER BOARD “ I ’ ve recently switched to T . Patterson Surfboards , which has been a game changer . I have been loving … [ Italo Ferreira ’ s ] IF15 gold model for California waves .” OTHER HOBBIES Health and fitness , tennis , cooking , reading , creating content and playing the piano

to pursue sustainable and environmentally and socially responsible business practices ,” she explains . “ As the director of client relations , my role involves engaging with companies eager to enhance their sustainability efforts .”

Kulber returns home to Laguna every summer and on school breaks . “ I cherish Laguna Beach for its strong sense of community , vibrant arts scene and the breathtaking beauty of its trails and coastline ,” she says .

This summer , she ’ s enrolled in courses at UCLA and working in a chemical engineering lab on campus that specializes in sustainable cement production . But she won ’ t let that schoolwork weigh her down . She recently took a two-week boat trip in the Mentawai Islands of Indonesia and is planning a road trip across the coast of Portugal and Spain , as well as traveling to Barra de la Cruz in Mexico to ride a few waves .

Kulber rides through a barrel .

LAGUNA BEACH MAGAZINE 43