Getting to Know Ava and Madison Lavender

Lavender sisters, Maddie and Ava, always show how good and radical their surfing is when they are out in the water. Now, their little sister, Brynlee, is riding her first waves, getting ready to join her older sisters. Becky and Blake are a 100% active family, always supporting their daughters, and being role models for the local surfing community.

Where are you from?

Ava: East Coast, Florida.

Madison: East Coast, Florida.

How old are you?

Ava: 12 years old.

Madison: 15 years old.

Tell us about your beginnings in surfing.

Ava: I started competing when I was 7 years old.

Madison: I have surfed since I was 5 and I started competing when I was 9.

What was your first surfboard?

Ava: A 4’11’’ Orion Surfboard.

Madison: A bright blue QuietFlight.

What is the best surfboard you have ever had?

Ava: The best surfboard I have had so far is my current Gordzilla board. Gordon shapes me some awesome boards but this one is so fun.

Madison: My favorite board is my Gordzilla I currently ride.

What is your local and favorite beach?

Ava: I surf Ponce a lot and it is probably my favorite break.

Madison: I love Smyrna Inlet. It has a lot of wave variety.

Why did you decide to surf?

Ava: I started surfing because my dad loves to surf, and we could always go as a family. It’s so fun to be out in nature and I love everything about the ocean.

Madison: I started surfing with my Dad when I was really small and have always loved being in the ocean.

Who are your surfing friends since you started?

Ava: I have so many surf friends. My favorite part of surfing and competing is making friends from all over the world.

Madison: Surfing has given me the opportunity to become friends with people from all over the world.

What kind of music do you listen to?

Ava: I like all kinds of music, anything that puts in a good mood.

Madison: I like all kinds of music… The Beatles, Queen, Shawn Mendes.

Tell us about your best surfing trip.

Ava: OBX was fun. Lots of breaks all along that coast and waves are super fun when they are good.

Madison: My best trip so far was surfing at BSR in Waco.

Do you have any sponsors?

Ava: My sponsors are Akela Swim, Catalyst Cocoa Beach Surf Shop, Headhunter Suncare, Charming Shark, Prolite, Icemule Coolers, and I ride Gordzilla Surfboards, ESA All-Star Member.

Madison: My sponsors are Akela Swim, Catalyst Cocoa Beach Surf Shop, Headhunter Suncare, Charming Shark, Prolite, Icemule Coolers, and I ride Gordzilla Surfboards, ESA All-Star Team Member.

Do you do any training besides surfing?

Ava: I try to skateboard and some fitness when I have the time; but mainly surfing.

Madison: I try to incorporate some fitness and land training when I can’t be in the water.

Tell us about your best contest result.

Ava: My best contest so far has been NSSA Regionals last year, super excited to surf it this season.

Madison: My best contest to date was the WSL Roxy Jr Pro.

How important is surfing in your life?

Ava: Surfing is very important to me; it is a huge part of my life.

Madison: Surfing is very important to me because it gives me the opportunity to have goals and work towards them

It is important to keep the beaches clean to enjoy this sport; do you think surfers can come together to maintain our beaches? What advice can you offer for the conservation of the ecosystem?

Ava: I believe it is important to keep the beaches clean, as a surfer when I see trash or an opportunity to help keep our beaches clean, I try to always pick it up and do a part to help. If we all work together to show love to our beaches and clean up fishing lines and trash, the animals and ocean will be a much better place.

Madison: Keeping the beaches clean is so important because it makes the ocean a healthier environment for marine life. As surfers, we can do our part to clean when we see left behind and educate the public on the importance of conserving our beaches and protecting when we love.

Feel free to follow us on Instagram:

Ava: instagram.com/ava_lavender_surfer

Maddie: instagram.com/maddie_lavender