“When I look back I want to say that I did all I could to help create a better future for women’s surfing.” – Bianca Valenti

Bianca Valenti charges hard in so many ways. She’s a proven contest champion, having won events at Pipeline in 2012 and Nelscott Reef in 2014. She’s also going hard on the front lines of advocacy, striving for the advancement of women within the arena of professional big wave surfing.

Among other things, she fought for women to get a heat in the upcoming Titans of Mavericks competition, to be held in Half Moon Bay this year, pending ideal conditions. The Good Brine interviewed her about where she sees women’s professional big wave surfing going in the future, what it takes to surf on such a high level, and things people can do to support this evolution.

GB- From the creation of a women’s World Surf League (WSL) Big Wave Tour event at Pe’ahi, which you competed in, to the recent move to include women in the next Titans of Mavericks event, there’s a lot going on with the advancement of women’s professional big wave surfing right now. How does it feel to be on the front lines of this progression? 

Bianca Valenti- To be on the front lines of the women’s big wave movement is inspiring and empowering. It’s made me realize how awesome freedom of speech is and the importance and privilege we have in America to be able to use our voice. It has also made me feel that since I do have a strong voice to really think about my words as I feel it is my duty to use my voice to inspire and empower.  

GB- What does an ideal future of women’s big wave surfing look like?

Bianca- An ideal future for women’s big wave surfing is multi-faceted and involves a competitive tour with prize money, media exposure, and ownership in the market. When the future big wave athletes start earning good money like tennis players, golfers, NFL, NBA players etc. then we’ll be starting to realize the inspiration potential and we’ll be achieving the global reach that these amazing stories should have.

GB- How do you prepare mentally and physically for such an intense playing field?

Bianca- Mentally – intense detailed visualizations. I’ve been working with a sports psychologist, a former professional soccer player, Manav Ru for a couple years now and the tools he’s shown me are invaluable. I highly reccomend working with a professional like Manav for any serious or semi-serious athlete. Physically – movement based strength training with SFPT – Simon Fathers Performance Training, high intensity interval training, pool sessions, free diving courses, yoga, are my main go to physical routines. I’m lucky to eat the cleanest most delicious food as well at my restaurant Valenti & Co in San Anselmo where my amazing chef father Duilio Valenti cooks the ultimate high performance food for me and the rest of his patrons. If you want to enhance your life with good food that’s clean and high performance come eat at our place! 

GB- What’s your personal goal within the realm of women’s professional big wave surfing?

Bianca- Too many to list all of them. I’m highly goal oriented down to the smallest details. I think the biggest one is to help create opportunity and elevate our sport to the next level in a professional manner. When a full tour happens I would love to be a WSL World Champion and win as many events as possible, win XXL awards, etc – but what I care most about is the future and when I look back I want to say that I did all I could to help create a better future for women’s surfing.

GB- How can people get involved and help women’s professional big wave surfing grow?

Bianca- Follow us on social media. Support, encourage, and share the stories of this journey. Sponsor athletes, events, media exposure because as I mentioned before there is incredible inspiration power here and kids need role models!

sources and links:

Valenti And Co.