Surfing before walking—now Kyla’s mission is helping women progress in the surfing lineup

👋 Hey, I’m Kyla!

Surfing has been a part of my life since before I could walk—my dad used to put me on his surfboard as a baby! When I was seven, he started Surfin Fire Surf School in Encinitas, where he’s also a Fire Captain. He wanted my sister and me to learn to surf in a safe, supportive environment, so he built a camp for us, our friends, and the community. We spent every summer on the beach, surfing and soaking up the sun. Now, he still runs the Encinitas location, and I run the Oceanside Pier location. Surfing is truly in my blood!

🌊🏄🏻‍♀️ My surf journey

Over the years, my passion for surfing has evolved into collaborating with other coaches, schools, and building a strong women’s surf community. My mission is to empower female surfers—helping them feel confident in any lineup and fast-track their progression. When surfers understand the fundamentals and build a solid foundation, it opens the door to having the most fun—which is what surfing is all about.

It’s magical to share my love of the ocean through my dad’s surf school, and I’m always striving to grow, learn, and pass that knowledge to my clients.

💪 Overcoming challenges

My biggest challenges have been more internal—struggles with self-worth and confidence. But through surfing, I’ve found my strength and want to share that journey with others. I know what it feels like to doubt yourself in the lineup, and now I intentionally push myself into bigger surf and crowded spots to keep learning and practicing what I preach.

🛠️ My surf setup

I work with David Barr from BARR Design Surfboards in Oceanside, who shapes custom boards tailored to my ability and needs as a female surfer. My current favorites are:

• 5'1" twin fin fish from BARR Design

• Pyzel Red Tiger, which feels like magic

I also love longboarding and have built a diverse quiver—trading, collecting used boards, and getting customs has really helped me progress.

🌅 🌊 Dream waves & surf goals

My dream is to split my time between Oceanside and Nicaragua. This year, I’m heading to the Mentawais for my first Indo boat trip, hoping to finally get barreled!

Huge shoutout to my friend Elle Sampiere for coaching me and hosting all-girls surf trips—they’ve been an amazing way to travel, level up my surfing, and build lifelong friendships. We’re even teaming up to host a girls' learn-to-surf retreat in Nicaragua in June 2025 (with just two spots left!)

🤝 Giving back & community

Surfing has taught me patience, resilience, and how to stay present. It’s my therapy, my workout, and my favorite way to connect with nature and the people around me.

I’m passionate about giving back through surf lessons and collaborations with local non-profits like Surfing Madonna and International Rett Syndrome Foundation

I’m also co-hosting two surf and wellness retreats (Costa Rica and Nicaragua) with Salt And Earth Collective. We are teaming up on March 15th for a Yoga & Surf Day, where all ticket sales will be donated to Surf for Life—sign up here!

I also organize women’s surf community events, and you can connect with us through our Facebook group for North County San Diego. You can also find me @kylapeties & @surfinfire_oside