ROOTED IN THE CULTURE

By Brandon Petersen

Surfing has always been part of Hana Bakker's life.

Not just the act of paddling out or chasing waves along the Southern California coast, but the deeper culture that surrounds the sport — the families, the traditions, and the generations who pass their knowledge of the ocean from one lineup to the next.

For Bakker, that lineage stretches across the Pacific.

The Capistrano Beach native and reigning USA Surfing U18 Girls National Champion will join the Westcliff University surf program this fall, bringing with her one of the most accomplished amateur résumés in the country and a family history deeply rooted in both the California and Japanese surf worlds.

Westcliff head coach Lucas Taub has known Bakker for years, long before she began making waves on the national competitive circuit.

"Hana has been on my radar for quite some time now," Taub said. "I met Hana awhile back as we both surf for the same board builder for the past 10 years or more, Rumaner Surfboards."

Since then, Taub has watched Bakker steadily build her reputation as one of the most talented young surfers in the amateur ranks.

"Hana is an awesome human being and a powerful surfer with tons of competitive experience," Taub said. "She recently won the coveted USA Surfing U18 Girls Championships at Lower Trestles this past summer — one of the biggest titles in amateur surfing in the USA."

Lower Trestles, widely regarded as one of the most high-performance waves in the world, has long served as a proving ground for elite surfers. Winning a national championship there places Bakker among the country's top rising talents.

Her competitive résumé continues to expand beyond the United States as well. Bakker has already begun testing herself in professional development events, competing in Qualifying Series contests within the Asia International QS region.

But while her competitive achievements are impressive, surfing excellence runs throughout the Bakker family.

"Hana comes from a surfing family background," Taub said. "Her brother Gerrit, dad Steve, and mom Mari all rip."

Her mother, Mari Sugiura, is a respected figure in Japanese surfing and a former professional competitor who played an influential role in the growth of the sport in Japan. The family's connection to surf culture extends even further — Bakker's parents own Cyber Wetsuits, while her grandparents operate the well-known Doors Surf Studio in Japan.

That deep-rooted connection to the sport has helped shape Bakker into the surfer she is today.

Growing up along the Orange County coastline while maintaining strong ties to the Japanese surf community, Bakker has developed a unique perspective on the sport — one influenced by two distinct surf cultures that share a passion for the ocean.

Now, that experience and talent will become part of the Warriors program.

"I can't wait to have Hana a part of the Westcliff family coming this Fall," Taub said. "She is going to be a huge addition to this team."

For Westcliff, Bakker represents more than just another strong recruit. She arrives as a national champion, an international competitor, and the latest chapter in a surfing lineage that spans continents.

And for Bakker, the next wave of her career is just beginning.

If you want to get a jumpstart on your Hana Bakker standom, check out @hana.bakker on IG and give her a follow!