The Samoan Surfer. Surfing for all of Samoa.
Lucy Matautia-Jarrard: Competitive Surfer
Lucy “The Samoan Surfer” Jarrard surfing the waves.
Although surfing was most developed and recorded in Hawaii, it first began in the area that is now known as Polynesia. Some dream to become an inspiration for others, while others become the inspiration for the dream.
Tautua Multi-Sports had the pleasure of speaking with Lucy “The Samoan Surfer” Matautia-Jarrard regarding her accomplished surfing career and personal identity. Lucy Mata’utia-Jarrard is 22 years old; originally from California and currently living in Hawaii. She is the first female surfer to represent America Samoa in the International Surfing Association and compete in an Olympic Qualifier in El Salvador.
Ms. Jarrard was introduced to surfing at a young age by her father. It became a family tradition to surf on the weekends with her siblings and parents. Lucy considers her family to be her main motivation and why she continues to push through. Surfing has not only provided Lucy with many opportunities to excel in her passion-sport, but it has also provided her with the opportunity to share the Samoan culture with her audience. Despite being able to represent American Samoa in the surfing community, Lucy often feels as though she doesn't belong because her and her siblings become the only Samoan surfers competing. Despite her challenges, Ms. Jarrard continues to move forward and run her own race because she has goals in mind and her family to encourage her.
Tautua Multi-Sports acknowledges that Lucy’s career in and of itself is a tremendous success and accomplishment. Being able to represent American Samoa in a field with limited representation, in Lucy's opinion, is her greatest achievement. The Samoan Surfer provides representation by sharing her culture with her fellow competitors and performing her talents in the media.
As she concludes her remarks, Ms. Jarrard offers guidance to the youth of Samoa stating,
“Don't be scared to do something new because it can lead to better opportunities. Don't be scared of failures because it helps you succeed.”
In an effort to encourage and uplift the youth, Lucy offers to teach them how to surf should they choose to take up the sport as a lifetime passion. Lucy Jarrard is currently in contention for a spot in the Olympics; she will find out next month if she gets selected. If you’d like to support Lucy during her surfing journey, you can do so by keeping up with her surfing activities and competitions.
Recognizing, uplifting, and supporting our young athletes is the very least that we can do as Pacific Islanders. Reciprocity is just as important as representation.
~Thank you for your impactful work, Lucy.
