Jaya Gooch X Sunny California Spotlight

Standout Sessions & Progression

You're known as one of the standout up-and-coming surfers around Santa Cruz right now. Are you focused on improving anything specific in your surfing right now?

Honestly, I’m trying to improve in all aspects of my surfing right now. Trying to master the balance of surfing with flow, while also incorporating power and critical top-to-bottom surfing. I want to also stay curious and be open to trying to learn different types of designs.

What kind of waves actually get you frothing the most—are you looking for fun ramps, long walls, or slabs?

For me, I’m stoked to surf anything. Barrels are the most exciting for me; right-hand point breaks are where I naturally excel at the moment, and ramps are always intriguing.

The Good Days

What makes for a genuinely good day of surfing?

I would say having good equipment makes a big difference. Stretch has got me dialed in on some boards, Manera has me covered with suits, and Sunny helps me out with everything in between! South swells are a favorite for me as well.

Roots & Lineup Wisdom

Let’s talk about your dad, Darshan. Growing up with him around, how much of his style or approach did you naturally absorb, and at what point did you realize you needed to carve out your own thing?

Yeah, I totally look up to my dad and my mom. Since I have a similar body type to my father, I definitely have inherited some similar surf techniques. But at the end of the day, I’m Jaya! I’m my own person, and I have to carve out my own path.

What’s the best piece of advice (or non-verbal surf wisdom) he’s ever passed down to you?

Honestly, the most helpful piece of advice he’s given me is to not get caught up in what everyone else is doing, and just do my own thing. If surfing’s not fun, why would I do it?

The Quiver & Competition

When it comes to equipment, what are you riding most days? Are there specific shapes or local shapers you’re stoked on right now?

Great question! Stretch has been putting me on some boards such as the Spot On, ST1 and the Asym Quad, it’s been amazing getting to work with him and learn about designs. For longboarding, I’ve always ridden Marc Andreini’s boards. Incorporating his knowledge of surfboards from all eras truly makes each board special. I’ve also been super stoked to ride a fish that Kyle Albers made. He shapes under the label Deepest Reaches, and all of his boards are super unique.

Some surfers thrive on contests, while others prefer the pure freedom of chasing unfilmed sessions with friends. Where do you find your balance between competing and just freesurfing?

I’m definitely not naturally talented at competing, so it’s always been a struggle tapping into the competitive side of me. Definitely a free surfer at heart, anything that allows me to stay in the ocean.

Off-Season & Outlets

Winter is around the corner, but what keeps you busy during the flat spells? Give us a weird obsession, a rabbit hole, or something people would be surprised to know about you.

Hmmmmm, the easy answer is just surfing!! I mean I don’t necessarily need there to be great waves for me to be stoked; surfing is so healing for me even if the waves aren’t amazing. Other than surfing, I love God, chess, magic, chickens, my friends, family, baseball, basketball, and Young Sheldon!

Where to Watch

Where can people see you in action? Are there specific edits, film shorts, or Instagram channels where your clips pop up?

I’m working on starting an Instagram, but at the moment I’m mostly on the Sunny California Instagram!