There is an old saying by Theodore Roosevelt Jr.: “Nothing worth having ever comes easy.” Successful individuals are no strangers to hard work and perseverance, though it is worth pointing out that some aspects of life are harder than others for certain people. Women are a rising force in the workplace but are still a fair ways away from becoming equally represented in top-level positions. Operating in a traditionally male-dominated industry is challenging enough; rising to the top within constitutes a true achievement and signals a huge step forward.
In the world of big wave surfing, the name Maya Gabeira carries a celebrity status. Consistently ranked as one of the top 10 best female surfers, she also set the record last year for surfing the largest wave, for both men and women. Gabeira’s success is the result of a fiery combination of bravado and tenaciousness, which was tempered in a crucible wrought during a time when female surfers were only a nascent concept. She has come a long way since then, forging multiple surfing records and becoming an ambassador for Swiss watch brand TAG Heuer. Here, Gabeira reveals what her journey towards success was like and the challenges she had to overcome.
You hold the record for several firsts, from being the first woman to surf the Alaskan Sea (2008) as well as surfing the largest wave ever (2020). Did you have any strong role models growing up? What lessons drove you to achieve success?
This story is from the August 2021 edition of ELLE Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2021 edition of ELLE Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Follow The Green Path
Our pursuit of harmony with the planet is mirrored in the choices we make. We seek to adopt the best practices, drawing nourishment and inspiration from nature itself. Fortunately, the beauty industry is exploring promising avenues in this regard.
Bring On The Glow
Founding director of the Global Centre for Asian Women’s Health, Professor Cuilin Zhang shares why more should be invested in women’s health.
DEAR AGONY AUNT: What should I do?
The business of giving advice is booming, but who is qualified to offer guidance?
Harmony AMIDST THE HUSTLE
To cope with the relentless pace of corporate life, New York Times bestselling author Deepak Chopra unveils the keys to tranquility in the concrete jungle.
Embrace the Art OF JEONG
Creator of premium skincare brand Then I Met You, Charlotte Cho wants you to take a moment for yourself to connect with people… and your beauty products.
WHO'S THAT Girl?
For 2024, Dior proposes a new interpretation of its iconic Miss Dior—one that returns to the fragrance’s very roots in 1947. Natalie Portman shares her thoughts on the floral and fruity scent.
GO, GO, Gadget
From an AI-powered bespoke lipstick maker to at-home microdermabrasions, here are the latest gadgets for head-to-toe beauty to get your hands on.
STRAIGHT TO Perfection
From hot combs to keratin treatments and the craze on liquid hair, we take a look at hair straighteners of the past, present, and near future.
IN FULL bloom
Milly Carnivora is back with three new jewellery designs bearing the same hallmarks that made it a Dior classic.
Drab TO Fab
Reclaim your inner light with radiance-enhancing skincare and pigment-erasing treatments.