Kelia Mehani Gallina
Age: 14
Home country: France
Special skill: Surfing
Hi there! I’m Kelia and I’m the youngest person to compete in the World Surf League Championship Tour. My home village of Teahupo’o in Tahiti, French Polynesia, is one of the world’s most dangerous surfing spots – but to me, it’s where I learned the sport!
*Image credit: World Surf League via Getty Images
How it all began...
I’ve been coached by my dad since I was 3 years old!
He’s an amazing surfer himself. I was 4 years old when I surfed Teahupo’o for the first time – my dad and his friend took me and my friend out to the reef and pushed me out into the small waves…
In July 2025, I took part in the Tahiti Pro Trials for the first time and, even though I was the most junior entrant, I won. As a result, I was picked to be the Tahiti Pro women’s wildcard!
I knew that was the prize after winning the Trials, but because I was under-age, I wasn’t sure if I’d get in. But after a few days, we got an email saying that I had.
I felt SO happy and surprised!
I ended up being placed 9th out of 12 female competitors, and was nicknamed “Miss Teahupo’o”!
*Image credit: World Surf League via Getty Images
Being a pro surfer
When I’m surfing, I’m mostly happy because I’m usually with my friends.
I get nervous sometimes when I’m in a contest or when the waves are big at Teahupo’o, like this!
As a surfer, I’ve had quite a few injuries. For example, I hit my face and my knee on the reef a few years ago. But I stayed calm and just let them heal and then stretched to make them feel better.
I always try to be careful and stay safe!
*Image credit: Alex Postigo/TwinMediaHouse
When I grow up...
I want to win the Tahiti Pro or win a world title – or both. I see myself on the World Championship Tour in 10 years’ time.
I’ll keep chasing my dreams until they all come true!
And the highlight of my career so far was…
When ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, I had the honour of carrying the prestigious Olympic torch through my home village of Teahupo’o, where the surfing events took place!
It was an amazing experience.
Competing always feels amazing, especially when it's in Teahupo’o, my home spot where I surf in every good-sized swell – a series of long, smooth waves.
I spend 5 to 6 hours a day honing my surfing skills!
Kelia Mehani Gallina