“Tia Blanco: Riding Waves and Inspiring a Vegan Lifestyle”

Who is Tia Blanco?

Tia Blanco, born May 5, 1997, is a 28 Year-old professional surfer, vegan activist, and wellness influencer of Filipino-American descent. Raised in Puerto Rico, Hawaii, and Southern California due to her father’s military career, Blanco had a deep connection to the ocean from childhood.

She was introduced to surfing at the age of three by her father, who was also an avid surfer, and she soon embraced the sport, which became central to her identity. Her unique coastal upbringing shaped her love for nature and laid the foundation for her career as a competitive athlete and sustainable lifestyle advocate.

Blanco’s journey reflects a blend of athletic prowess, moral conviction, and entrepreneurial spirit that has made her a prominent figure in both the sports and wellness communities.

Surfing Career and Achievements

Blanco’s surfing career is filled with significant accomplishments that highlight her skill and dedication. She rose to fame as a teenager, winning the NSSA Southwest Women’s Under 18 and Surfing Prime America Women’s Under 18 competitions at the age of 17. Her breakthrough came with consecutive gold medals at the International Surfing Association (ISA) Open Women’s World Surfing Championships in 2015 (Nicaragua) and 2016 (Costa Rica), establishing her as a top-tier competitor.

Ranked among the top 50 female surfers globally by the World Surf League, Blanco has also competed in high-profile events such as the Rip Curl Pro Tofi no 2018 and the Corona Extra Pro Surfing Circuit. Her win with Zee Lau on ABC’s “The Ultimate Surfer” in 2021 further highlighted her competitive ability. The inclusion of surfing in the 2020 Olympics (which will be held in 2021) opened up new opportunities, making Blanco a potential Olympian. Her ability to sail unpredictable seas while maintaining balance, agility, and power underscores her athletic excellence.

Transition to Veganism

Blanco’s commitment to a vegan lifestyle is a cornerstone of her public persona. Raised vegan by her mother, who adopted the diet at age 12 for ethical reasons, Blanco has never eaten meat. At age 15, inspired by the documentaries Glass Walls and The China Study, she became vegan in 2013, motivated by concerns for animal welfare, health, and environmental sustainability. The decision was in line with her core values and improved her athletic performance, providing sustained energy for grueling surfing sessions.

Advocacy and Influence

Blanco’s role as a vegan ambassador extends far beyond her diet, making her a powerful voice in promoting ethical and sustainable living. Honored with a 2014 “Libby” Award by PETA for her advocacy, she has appeared in campaigns and documentaries like The Game Changers, which challenges stereotypes about veganism and athletic performance.

Through @tias vegan kitchen, Blanco shares vibrant, accessible recipes—such as green smoothies, stuffed bell peppers, and lentil soup—that encourage followers to embrace a plant-based diet. Her non-preachy approach resonates with fans, as noted by Teen Vogue, promoting positive dialogue about veganism’s benefits for health, animals, and the environment. Blanco’s influence also extends to her partnerships with brands like Vegan smart and Beyond Meat, which bring her message to a wider audience.

Holistic Lifestyle and Entrepreneurship

Beyond surfing and veganism, Blanco embodies a holistic lifestyle that incorporates yoga, art, and entrepreneurship. As a dedicated yogi, she practices daily to maintain mental and physical balance, which further enhances her surfing practice. Her artistic pursuits, including painting murals on surfboards, reflect her love of nature and creativity. Blanco, along with her sister Aja, founded Dear Self Skincare, a vegan, all-natural skincare line inspired by their ocean-exposed skin and commitment to self-care.

This venture reflects her entrepreneurial passion and her passion for wellness, which coincides with her advocacy for health and sustainability. Her ability to balance these pursuits while maintaining a positive attitude has earned her the title of “Wellness Guru” and RAEN Ambassador, inspiring others to live multifaceted, purposeful lives.