Sofia Finer, the inspiration for the young generations in Bahía de Banderas
by Yidda Mata
Water sports and activities are a great way for children and young adults to learn about the natural environment and how to protect it. They can also become positive role models for their peers by promoting a healthy and active lifestyle, making new friends and having a sense of belonging.
It is not a secret that encouraging the passion for water sports in young children and teens will potentially lead them to an active, healthy, and fulfilling life! We attest to this fact while having the pleasure to meet Sofia Finer, a 14 year old born and raised in the Mexican Pacific. The fierce competitor and skilled water sports athlete is a really good example of the impact that water sports are having on the new young generations.
Sofia Finer has always been drawn to the ocean since a very young age. She fell in love quickly with sports like surfing, SUP surfing, and kiteboarding thanks to the influence of her parent (who also competed at the ISA championships) love and support. It became a dream of hers to also be there representing her country someday and she did it! Last year her dream became true as she participated in the ISA WORLD SUP & PADDLE BOARD Championship 2022 in Puerto Rico and make a splash in the world at a very early age.
Training in Bahía de Banderas for kids
It is very rare to see teenagers so young in this competition but Sofia taught us all last year that conviction and effort are the keys to success, no matter the age. Her spot in the mexican team wasn't a gift since she spent every spare moment she had practising and perfecting her SUP surfing skills with the help and support of the Sayulita and Punta Mita communities, and the encouragement and training of her parents, Adam and Veronica at Surf Mexico.
This is just the beginning of her journey and Sofia ended 7th place in the SUP Technical race Junior Women! In an age where children and teens are attached to the screens of their phones and computers, it is wise to encourage them to practice outdoor sports and water sports like SUP surfing, which are just perfect for developing their physical fitness, coordination, balance, as well as their mental focus and concentration.
If your children are confident swimmers and at least 4 years old, you can enroll them at Surf Mexico's SUP Academy with their ASI-certified instructors, who will teach them all the skills to refine their technique and coach them so they can become future SUP champions.
Social Responsibility Among Teenagers
The young lady not only has her energy focused on water sports, school and her family. Due to her love for water sports, Sofia has become more aware of the value of preserving the ocean, her favourite playground. Motivated by sports, love and the community, Sofia started Zosha, a clothing line that inspires young kids to take action and make a difference by supporting ocean and beach clean-ups, whale conservation programs and environmental education and activities for kids, to create awareness and build a community of young kids and teenagers, that together preserves the beauty of the ocean for future generations.
Just as Surf Mexico, in la Bahía de Banderas, there are plenty of safe options where your kids can discover their passion and respect for the sea and all that sorrounds it. Let's allow our young community to thrive by encouraging them to go out in the water and have fun chasing the waves and their dreams!
