Skylar Lickle has made a name for herself in the surf community, chasing the biggest, gnarliest waves Maui has to offer. This year the Maui surfer won the Red Magnitude, a video-based competition which scored 21 female surfers on their top three rides (many occurring just a couple miles away from the Maui Girl Store in Paia at Jaws in Haiku). This July, she had the opportunity to surf Maui’s historic-once-in-20-year swell that sent Freight Trains rolling through the Maalaea Harbor. “It was great. Perfection at its finest,” Sky described. Growing up on Maui, she had ample opportunities to embrace her athleticism, competing in sports at Seabury Hall and chasing waves in her free time. “My dad was a great inspiration. He was always on the water,” Sky explained. Her transition to bigger waves happened naturally as her skill set grew and she followed less crowded lineups. Women’s big wave surfing is an evolving sport and Hawaii is home to many surfers leading the charge. Skylar cited Paige Alms as one of her surfing inspirations by, “being a charger. Showing that it is possible.” Although the future of women’s surfing is unclear and highly competitive, Skylar Lickle is part of the movement showing that women are capable of conquering massive waves. 

Skylar at Pe'ahi on Maui. Photo by Amanda Beene Cantor

But Skylar’s talents go beyond the water. After she took a pottery class through UH Manoa, she fell in love with sculpting. This creative outlet acts as a meditation for Skylar, not unlike surfing. When her kitchen became overcrowded with pieces, she founded Big Wave Pottery. Maui is a haven for water sports, but also handcrafted artisan goods–you can find Skylar’s functional creations at Driftwood in Makawao or the Malama Studio at the Tropical Plantation. In addition to her art, Skylar has found a hobby in pickleball, a quirky sport that combines elements from tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. She recommends the new documentary Lindsey Vonn--The Final Season to our readers. The film offers a glimpse into the successes and tribulations of a professional athlete. 

Donut vases made by Skylar. Picture from @bigwavepottery on Instagram 

The team at Maui Girl Swimwear loves to partner with Maui surfer Skylar! She combines so many of the elements of a Maui Girl: athleticism, creativity, and authenticity to name a few :)