KIRA CRAGE

Life Shaped by Water

Kira’s connection to the sea runs deep. Raised in a surf-loving family, she was on a board as soon as she could stand. After moving to Encinitas at 15, she swam competitively at Torrey Pines High and later at Stanford, where she graduated in 2023. Though she competed in swimming, surfing became her true passion. “When I’m surfing, I feel like my soul is dancing,” she says. Now balancing research administration at Stanford’s School of Medicine with her love for surfing, she continues chasing waves with the same enthusiasm she had as a child.

For Kira, surfing is an art form. “Surfing can be a window to the way someone’s mind moves,” she shares. While she enjoys pushing her limits in bigger winter swells, her favorite moments come from surfing with family. One of her most cherished experiences was sailing and surfing through Northern Sumatra and the Banyaks with her parents, who now live aboard a 46-foot catamaran.

Her passion has led to new opportunities, including joining the Bing Surfboards team and Mamala wetsuits. “I’ve never had warmer or better-fitting wetsuits,” she says, grateful for the support.

Though she competed in the Super Girl Pro, Kira sees surfing as personal expression rather than competition. “Surfing is my escape from competitiveness,” she says. Her goal isn’t trophies—it’s longevity. “There are surfers in their 50s, 60s, and 70s at my local break. That’s what I aspire to.”

 “There are surfers in their 50s, 60s, and 70s at my local break. That’s what I aspire to.”

She dreams of surfing South America’s famed lefts and one day paddling out at Australia’s Kirra. Whether in a remote paradise or at her home break, Pipes, she approaches each session with an open mind. “Surfing is unpredictable, beautiful, and moody. You have to roll with it.”

For those looking to improve, Kira’s advice is simple: surf often and observe great surfers. “Watch how they move, position themselves, and choose waves. Don’t be afraid to experiment with boards—expensive doesn’t always mean better.”

Most importantly, she encourages surfers to embrace vulnerability. “Falling and making a fool of yourself is part of the process. Surf because you love it, because it challenges you. And if it doesn’t bring you joy, that’s okay too.”

Kira Crage surfs with the wisdom of someone who understands the ocean’s lessons: respect, adaptability, and passion. Whether she’s gliding down a perfect wave or wiping out spectacularly, she knows she’s exactly where she’s meant to be—dancing with the sea.