Nestled in the vibrant city of Bilbao, Spain, ACCIONA Agua’s Development Director (encompassing Africa, Asia, and Australia), Jose Maria Ortega Loizaga, goes about his daily work. Little did he know that his very own daughter, Saioa, would soon take the surfing world by storm.
Saioa, a rising talent in the world of surfing, recently showcased her prowess by competing in the World Finals of the prestigious Rip Curl GromSearch. She demonstrated remarkable skill and determination, only narrowly missing out on the 16 and Under Girls final by securing an impressive fifth place (the top four made the final).
Since its inception in 1999, the Rip Curl GromSearch has been a pivotal event series, fostering the growth and development of young surfers from around the globe. With events taking place at some of the most iconic surfing locations, GromSearch has been instrumental in shaping the careers of numerous accomplished athletes. In fact, former winners on the Women’s WSL tour include Tyler Wright, Carissa Moore, Steph Gilmore, Sally Fitzgibbons, Brisa Hennessy, Tatiana Westeon-Webb and Molly Picklum.
Saioa’s journey began in Spain, where she emerged victorious in two events in 2022. Her success propelled her onto the international stage, representing her country in the European final held in the exotic coastal town of Taghazout, Morocco, on February 18, 2023. Undeterred by the fierce competition, Saioa once again proved her mettle, clinching the top spot and earning a place in the junior world final at the legendary Bells Beach.
As if by fate, while surfing the azure waves of URBNSURF, Saioa encountered one of her idols, ACCIONA ambassador and renowned professional surfer, Isabella Nichols. The young prodigy seized the opportunity to snap a photo with the surfing superstar.
Saioa’s father, affectionately known as Txema (pronounced ch-EH-m-aa), fondly recalled his daughter’s lifelong passion for sports, which eventually led her to focus on surfing at the age of 12. He attributed her dedication and unwavering commitment to the sport as the driving force behind her success.
Giddy with excitement, Saioa shared her exhilarating experience of competing in Australia. Describing it as a dream come true, she revelled in the opportunity to share the waves with the very athletes she had long admired. Her chance meeting with Isabella Nichols further fuelled her desire to train harder, in hopes of one day returning to Australia as a professional surfer.
Beyond the competition, Saioa’s Australian adventure rekindled fond memories of her early childhood in Melbourne. Visiting her former home and interacting with the country’s unique wildlife, such as wallabies and emus, made her journey all the more unforgettable. With her heart set on a bright future in the sport, Saioa eagerly looks forward to her next opportunity to return to the sun-soaked shores of Australia.
Here’s a clip of Saioa surfing at URBNSURF.
And you can follow Saioa’s journey on Instagram.