When you think of El Salvador, the first thoughts coming to your mind will probably include gangs and violence. And you wouldn’t be wrong; the civil war slammed the country quite hard between 1980 and 1992, which still has a big impact on people’s lives and on tourism development. While this aspect cannot be ignored, El Salvador actually remains a genuine hidden gem: its tropical setting, secluded beaches and unbelievable nests of perfect waves makes it a real paradise to any surfer. As it is slowly opening up to foreigners, and surfing is becoming bigger every year, the new generation of local surfers is coming strong…

But male surfers that is (!), since native women are seldom found in the line-up. The latter are indeed still experiencing tough dangerous living conditions mainly because of gender inequality and violence gone unpunished. In this context, the mere fact of practicing a traditionally male sport, overcoming their fear of the ocean and leading the life they wanted is a real revolutionary and courageous act. The local media has nonetheless been bringing more attention to those athletes, which is encouraging.

As I was travelling in El Salvador, asking about surfer girls while in El Zonte, the same answer kept coming up over and over: “You should meet Liliana”.

Tall, athletic, with a radiant big smile on her face, Liliana is not to be joked with when in the water. This descreet and strong-minded teenager will probably be the nicest person out there, but also she rips! If you venture on a surf trip in El Salvador, and if she’s not busy skateboarding or playing football with her school team, you will certainly see her paddling around the world-famous spots of Punta Roca and El Zonte with great confidence, having no fear for wave-size or crowds.

Surfing is a big part of her happiness and has helped her overcome challenging and sad events, such as her father being jailed a few years ago for drug trafficking. In a country where life is threatened in many ways, is stricken by poverty, and where abortion or even miscarriage put hundreds of women to jail every year (https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2017/07/el-salvador-rape-survivor-sentenced-to-30-years-in-jail-under-extreme-anti-abortion-law/), the extraordinary kindness of people only equals their courage. Her mother, like many others, had to raise and support a family of numerous siblings alone. Those hardships made Liliana stronger and shaped her into a promising and joyful athlete.

Here are a few words with the national 2016 El Salvador surf champion, Liliana Flores (the interview was translated from Spanish to English)

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–> Para traducir en español, copiar pegar el texto ahi : https://translate.google.com/?hl=es

Hi Liliana, could you please tell us about you and your surfing background?

“I am 18 years old and I have lived in El Zonte my whole life. I live with my parents and 6 siblings: 4 older sisters and 2 younger brothers. My mother looks after us and works as a cook, while my father does a little bit of everything, although he is in jail at the moment. I miss him very much, but he might come back home this year, which makes me very happy.

I love surfing and spending time in the ocean, but I’ve also been playing football since I’m a kid. When I’m not surfing or studying, I like spending time with my friends, skateboarding, listening to music (American or local, such as bachata or osuna), and I love eating too, especially meat : burgers, pinchos and pupusas – they are local specialties, you should try them!

One of my sisters introduced me to surfing 5 years ago and it has become my passion since then. I love it. As there was no infrastructure or surf club, I had to learn on my own how to paddle, duck dive and keep my balance on the board; so I practiced a lot! But it paid off as within 5 years I’ve won the national championship. I try to surf everyday now. Motivation is everything. Also, I am lucky to have my parents’ support; many adults would not let their daughter go and surf. Unfortunately, it is not enough. Having a sponsor would help me greatly, I have managed to go to contests so far but it is expensive. It definitely remains difficult without the help of a sponsor and I don’t know how to find one.”

What are your plans and dreams for the future?

“I still go to school at the moment, studying languages and mathematics (I’m a big fan of mathematics), but my dream is to become a pro surfer and live off my passion. I would also love to travel and compete abroad, as I have never had the opportunity to get out of my country. Surfing and travelling to Costa Rica, Estados Unidos, Nicaragua or Panama is definitely on my wish list.”

Are there many local girls surfing in El Salvador?

Unfortunately, not so many. For instance, we were only 5 girls competing last year. Whereas we have so many good waves here. I would definitely like to see more girls surfing but most of my friends are scared of the waves and the ocean. I was scared too when I started, especially before I knew how to duck dive. But I persevered; I tried to catch bigger waves until I finally overcame my fear. Now I almost never feel fear, except when waves are really big. The biggest waves I surfed were probably 8 feet. I remember a great session I had in Punta Roca with my friend (also a surf champion and a role model -Ed) Evelyn Centeno Alvarez. Waves were huge that day, and barrelling, but so perfect you know! I was scared but I had to surf them, and it went great. What a day!

Do you ever feel a bad vibe in the line-up for being a girl?

“Well, not so much. Sometimes yes, a guy will drop in on you, and as a girl, you are not a big threat I guess. But here in El Zonte, surfers are really nice; they actually cheer you up and give you many waves if you’re at the right spot. It’s such a good vibe. Unlike Punta Roca, on a good day, you really have to fight for a wave, just like anybody else, haha!”

Would you recommend your home spot for girls to come and visit?

“Yes, definitely! Waves are so good and more accessible than you would think. I have met many surfer girls from abroad who were travelling or coming for an international contest. I love to talk with them and surf together. Some surf really good, which is so inspiring. Bethany Hamilton came here this year, she is one of my biggest inspirations, as well as Mimi and Anali, they’re the best!” (Dominic Barona and Anali Gomez, respectively surf champions of Ecuador and Peru, Latin America surf leaders and real role models for hundreds of surfers and kids there – Ed”

Liliana hopes to see more girls in the line-up to be friends with and learn from each other’s. So ladies, if you come and travel to El Salvador, know you have a friend waiting for you there! And don’t forget to bring an extra leash or rash guard to donate, as it could help the next surfer girl generation bloom. 😉