Catching Waves + Chasing Dreams with Sanoa and Mathea Olin

Recently, Pacific Sands Beach Resort turned up the stoke with a Learn to Surf event for guests featuring our onsite Surf Sister instructors and two Tofino icons—pro surfers Sanoa and Mathea Olin. These sisters grew up steps from the Resort, lugging their surfboards through a well-worn rainforest trail to Cox Bay, where they cut their teeth on cold Pacific Ocean waves and began carving out their place as local legends.

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Learning from the Best

With an excited crew of lucky Resort guests of all ages and abilities participating in this free Learn to Surf event, Cox Bay beach was buzzing with good vibes and salty high-fives—the perfect mix for an epic day in the water.

“Growing up in and around the ocean is so special to me,” smiled Mathea (sitting far right), “I really enjoyed sharing that experience with Pacific Sands’ guests. People who may not have spent much time in the ocean are always happy to be out there, whether they’re just playing in the water or riding waves to the beach. The ocean brings everyone together, and it was fun and rewarding to share my love of surfing.”

After catching waves and riding sets, everybody enjoyed a fireside chat over hot chocolate. Mathea and Sanoa answered questions and shared stories about their surf journeys and the power of perseverance.

Sanoa’s Speed Bump + What’s Next

Currently on crutches, Sanoa is on a determined path to recovery after an injury while training in Germany. Not to be slowed down for long, she’s already set her sights on returning to competition in August, eyeing the US Open surf competition in Huntington Beach, California.

Last year, Sanoa was the first-ever surfing athlete named to represent Team Canada at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. While she didn’t take the podium this time, she was beyond inspired by the experience and learned a lot.

“There’s a lot of hype and expectation around the Olympics,” Sanoa reflected. “It definitely taught me a lot about dealing with the nerves and excitement at an event of that calibre. But when I look back, my biggest takeaway was the amazing support that I have here in Tofino and Canada. All the messages I got and the love that I felt. I have so much gratitude for my community here and how they keep me grounded while I’m out there chasing big goals.”

Asked about the 2028 Olympics, Sanoa paused and nodded thoughtfully.

“Yes, it’s time to slowly start thinking about the 2028 Olympics, which is another goal. I need to qualify again, but I had dreamt about the Olympics since I was a kid and never really thought it would happen. So, the 2024 Olympics also taught me that no dream’s out of reach. It’s definitely possible, so don’t be scared to dream big.”

Mathea’s Creative Shift

Mathea is a phenom force in competitive surfing and will compete in the Rip Curl Nationals Canada this weekend in Cox Bay, but she’s also riding a creative wave of her own. Her latest project with Rip Curl involved sailing to remote surf spots up the West Coast to film the next chapter of Transports of Delight.

“In the very first, 8-minute Transports of Delight Rip Curl film, some friends and I went sailing in a 37-foot aluminum boat in search of new places, reefs, wherever the wind would take us. This upcoming 12-minute film captures us heading back out on the water looking for new waves. It will premiere at the Rip Curl Nationals here this weekend, then be released to the public.”

“I’ve done several projects like this over the past seven years with Rip Curl and Red Bull. It’s given me a fresh perspective on the sport, and I’m enjoying combining surfing and storytelling.”

Words of Wisdom for Young Surfers

When asked what advice they’d offer young surfers, both sisters had some solid nuggets to share.

“Have fun,” declared Sanoa. “Surfing is an amazing privilege. Living life out in nature and moving your body in the ocean gives you a great base for life. Appreciate every moment, stay present, and take every opportunity to learn from the ocean.”

Mathea echoed this, adding, “I would definitely tell young surfers to enjoy every moment because time goes by so quickly. Learn from every single experience and be nice to every person you meet, because you never know how they’re going to help you along the way.”

What’s on the Horizon

As the Olin sisters gear up for another surf-packed summer, their message is simple: stay passionate, stay connected, and always find joy in the ocean.

Whether they’re ripping up a heat or inspiring the next generation at a beachside Q&A, Sanoa and Mathea continue to lead with humble authenticity, proving that the best surfers are the ones who never stop learning.