Roxy Pros Reveal How You, Too, Can Rock The Waves and Teeny Bikinis
When asked her favorite surfing destination, Monyca gushed about Mexico’s fun waves but as far as culture goes, she said, “I think Bali is really rad.” (Photo courtesy of ROXY)
“Follow your heart and dare!” The DVF Loves Roxy Spring 2013 line’s motto perfectly describes the collaboration’s bold prints and playful silhouettes. In celebration of this laid-back but confident surfer sprit, Roxy pros Kelia Moniz and Monyca Byrne-Wickey flaunted the new bikinis for the camera after lending a hand in the design process. We sat down with the two gals to hear about their recent epic ride. Read on to learn about Kelia and Monyca’s swimsuit requirements, bikini-friendly diet and why fitness is not just a passion, but their lifestyle.
How did you two get into surfing?
KM: My dad was a professional surfer, so it was in the family. We were raised going to the beach—pretty much on the beach. My mom homeschooled us so surfing was a big part of my life. Every day after school (and during school!) we’d go to the beach and surf. And I have four brothers—it was something we did for fun. Being in Hawaii, there’s not much to do so the beach is pretty much our playground.
MBW: I grew up in a really small town—like literally two general stores, one gas station. There’s not a ton of stuff to do and so the beach is kind of like our playground. That’s where everybody goes after school to have fun. My family didn’t really surf. My sister surfed a bit, but I mostly learned from my two best friends growing up…they’re all boys and boys usually pick up surfing a lot easier than girls do so I always was trying to be as good as them and keep up. They’d really push me.
What do you look for when searching for the perfect suit?
MBW: Comfort is very important, especially in the water because you need something that’s tight to stay on, but at the same time you don’t want it digging into your neck or imprinting on your sides. You want it to stay on so a cross-back top is always really good. Something that’s not adjustable here [points to rib cage] so you’re not flying open. As far as bottoms go, I prefer regular—no ties or anything like that—because a lot of times you’re standing up on your board and you could get them caught on your hand…I want something that’s functional, comfortable and also looks cute on the beach. So if you’re going to the beach, the waves aren’t looking good and you decide you’re not going out, you’re still going to be really cute. And just as cute as all the other girls who aren’t surfing. I also prefer a smaller bottom just because I think it’s more flattering and you don’t get as crazy tan lines.
Do you draw your color/pattern inspiration from Hawaii or other places you visit during competition?
MBW: Sort of. I feel like there are some places we go that there’s definitely more of a style that we don’t see at home in Hawaii. In Australia, all the girls wear structured tops, like mostly bra tops and florescent colors. I do like a bra top, but I feel like for surfing, if you’re going to be out there for hours it can get really uncomfortable. It’s super cute; I still love it. I prefer pastels, florals and solids mostly. All the girls we travel with and all the girls on our team completely enjoy a different thing and the great thing is we’re all with Roxy and they have such a wide array of all that—there’s a print for everybody, there’s a style for everybody and there’s a color for everybody.
KM: [Monyca] loves, just like she said, a cross-back and I love triangle adjustable tops. I love tie sides.
MBW: And we’re super different surfers. I ride a short board and she rides a long board so she could even get away with wearing a bandeau because it’s not as rough.
KM: I’m above the water most of the time and I’m not duck diving where my top’s going to come off so I wear bandeaus all the time, especially to stay away from tan lines. Read more
Categories: Fashion, Fitness | Tags: bikini, DVF Loves Roxy, Roxy, Summer, surfing
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Fashion Diaries: Talking Shop With Roxy Surfer Kelia Moniz
(Photo Courtesy of Roxy)
We were super excited to get 18-year-old Roxy surfer girl, Kelia Moniz, in on our interview series. She’s fun-spirited, carefree and one of the most talented young surfer chicks out on the water. Of course, growing up in Hawaii could do that to you! Oh yeah, and did we mention how her love for fashion makes her that much cooler in our books?
Here’s what Kelia filled us in on:
What is one food that you absolutely can’t live without?
Sushi! I’m obsessed. [Editor's note: We agree Kelia!]
What food do you eat right before you surf that you feel gives you the most energy?
Something sweet and filling, like a smoothie or acai bowl!
Surfing requires a lot of strength, what is your go-to workout move to help keep you strong?
I just stick to the basics: running, push-ups, sit-ups and other core exercise. Surfing keeps you strong and in shape, so I just try to surf as often as I can because it’s the most fun way to exercise.
Most athletes have a mantra that pumps them up, what’s yours?
I don’t really have a mantra. I just try keep positive and not think too much when the pressure is on because that usually throws me off.
How would you describe your fashion sense out of the water?
I wouldn’t know how to describe my style, but If I were to pick a couple celebrities whose street style I like, it would be Miley Cyrus and Selena Gomez.
What’s your favorite article of clothing in your closet?
Cut off jean shorts. [In true Roxy spirit!]
Categories: Fashion, Fitness, Motivation, The Fit Stop | Tags: athletes, Kelia Moniz, Roxy, surfing, Talking Shop, women's sports
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