Addie Hardy: Local Surfer X Sunny California Ambassador

Soundtracks & Surf Sessions

What artist, album, or playlist is currently on repeat on the way down to the water to get you hyped?

I really like to listen to The Lumineers, Noah Kahan, and Caamp.

Sketchbooks & Creative Outlets

When you’re out of the water, you’re constantly sketching and painting with watercolors. What kind of stuff are you working on in your sketchbook right now, and does the coast around Santa Cruz bleed into your art?

I am currently working on watercoloring fish, plants, and surf landscapes. I like to try a little bit of everything! I also enjoy creating block prints.

Who are the creators, skaters, or surfers on Instagram or TikTok that you find inspiring right now?

Some surfers I find inspiring are Alana Johnson, Luella Pace, Star D’Elia, and Malia Ilagan. There are a lot of cool artists I like to follow on Instagram, such as @Rachelbrooksart, @madisonmuellerart, and @tamikaheartart. All of these artists create really cool marine art.

Homeschooling & The Daily Routine

Since you’re homeschooled, what does a typical day look like when a good swell hits? How do you balance getting your schoolwork locked in with timing the tides at Pleasure Point?

When a good swell hits, I surf first thing in the morning, then I either come home and do some school or meet some other homeschoolers to do school at a coffee shop. Usually after that I surf again.

Behind The Lens

You’ve spent a lot of time shooting and working with Nelly, and you two clearly have a great creative connection in the water. What is it like having someone like Nelly behind the lens capturing those sessions?

Nelly is always heckling me and my sisters in and out of the water. It's pretty fun shooting with him. We laugh more than we surf. I am so grateful to be working with Nelly!

The Dream Surf Trip

If you could pack up and head out on a dream surf trip, where would you go, and who is the one person you would bring with you?

My dream surf trip would definitely be West Java, Indonesia. It would be so cool if I could go on this trip with my older sister Isla.

Beyond your board and wetsuit, what is the one weird or essential thing you always have to throw in your bag no matter where you go?

I would definitely choose my watercolors. It would be awesome to paint a different landscape everywhere I go!

The Quiver & Gear Check

What board are you grabbing 90% of the time when you run down to the beach?

I love riding my 9'2" shaped locally by Hewn surfboards.

Comp Life & Road Trip Memories

You’ve spent plenty of time traveling and competing in California. Looking back, what is the funniest travel disaster or behind-the-scenes road trip moment with your family or friends?

My mom took me and my friend Ruby to the South Shore of Oahu on a longboard trip. We hiked, ate yummy food, and surfed so many fun spots in Waikiki. Over the course of the week we had four different minivans because they kept breaking down.

Lineup Mentors & Inspiration

Who are a few surfers you look up to in the lineup around Santa Cruz—or surfers in general—and what is it about their style or attitude that inspires you?

I really look up to Grace and Darshan Gooch. Grace is always so kind and has the most beautiful style. Darsh is super inspiring because he has a great energy about him. He is always so positive and encouraging in the water, and plus he has good jokes!

Addie’s X Sunny California

How did your path first cross with the crew at Sunny California, and what is it about the brand’s vibe or local roots that feels like a match?

Sunny California has such a cool vibe.

Final Question

On the radar: Who is a friend or another grom around Santa Cruz shredding right now that everyone needs to know about?

There is a group of young girls in Santa Cruz who are surfing so well! Kaylee Dollar, Raea Gooch, and Nadia Flansburg! These girls always have a smile on their faces and always make me laugh in the lineup. These girls are seriously awesome!!!