By Carina Glasser
Staff Writer
Sara Kohrogi, a freshman at Mira Costa, is up and coming in the local surf circuit. While she may be new to the competition, she is making a huge splash in the water.
Following in her father’s footsteps, Kohrogi first set foot on a surfboard in Waikiki when she was seven years old. However, she only began taking surf seriously a year and a half ago.
“I started because my dad has done it all his life, and I really wanted to start,” Kohrogi said. “I also skate and snowboard, so I thought I’d give surfing a try.”
Kohrogi is on Mira Costa’s surf team and practices almost every day of the week, both mornings and afternoons. She works with coach Tracy Geller and fitness trainer Mike Quinn.
“I love the Costa surf team,” Kohrogi said. “Mr. Geller is a great coach and supporter, and Mike Quinn is so much fun to surf with. Everybody on the team is supportive, and they are good friends.”
Kohrogi competes in many surf contests and is very aggressive. She is one of the integral parts of the girls surf team, which is comprised of herself and two other girls, Jordan Wible and Rachel Tominaga.
“She took first place in short board against Palos Verdes which was one of the toughest contests held all year,” sophomore Wible said. “This was a big win for her.”
Kohrogi represents Mira Costa outside of the team by participating in surf competitions in the South Bay. In October 2011, she had the honor of winning first place in girls shortboard at a contest in Malibu.
“I think Sara is one of the best female surfers in South Bay, and she is only a freshman,” Wible said. “She is always a top surfer and an excellent athlete.”
Her continuous dedication has struck the eyes of others as well. She already has two sponsors, a swimsuit company called Honeygirl Waterware and a sunglass company called Peppers Eyeware.
When school isn’t in session, Kohrogi spends time at her house in Hawaii. She is there almost every break during the school year, even during winter months, spending most of her time in the water.
“Sara started to take surfing seriously a little over a year ago,” Kohrogi’s sister, senior Sophie Kohrogi, said. “She flew to Hawaii last summer, stayed with family friends and surfed every day. She’s very adamant when it comes to surfing.”
Even as a freshman on the surf team, Kohrogi has consistently finished competitions by placing in the top three.
“I like surfing because it’s challenging, fun and always makes me happy. I’m always in a good mood when I surf, and it keeps me healthy and fit,” Kohrogi said.
Kohrogi expects to continue surfing throughout her life, continuing to work on getting better and entering more competitions. In the future, she wants to work in the surfing industry.
“Our girls are a huge part of our team’s success, and we expect big things from Sara in the future as she continues to progress,” Geller said.
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