Kula Barbieto is a true waterwoman. The daughter of a Big Island commercial fisherman, she grew up seeing the ocean as the center of everything - the source of her family's food, income and fun. With spear-fishing and life-guarding already under her belt, she learned to surf at the age of 14, and life hasn't been the same since.
Kula gained recognition as one of the stars of MTV's "Surf Girls." Along with 13 other contestants, she spent six weeks training and riding waves, vying on camera for a ROXY sponsorship. She didn't win the competition, but her positive attitude and Hawaiian spirit got her the sponsorship anyway, as she became an instant favorite among fans, fellow contestants and the rest of the ROXY team. Kula has since traveled the world representing ROXY as a surfer, model and actress. Among the highlights was her trip aboard the Quiksilver Crossing, a round-the-world expedition to seek untouched waves and study natural ocean habitats. Surfing far-off breaks and examining coral reefs was a perfect match for her ocean-loving ways.
Rolling her television experience and surfing talent into a successful career as an actress and stunt surfer, Kula has appeared in numerous films and TV shows, and has been featured in magazines like FHM, Surfer Girl and Spin. She now lives on Oahu, but island-hops frequently to visit family and surf her favorite break, Honolua Bay in Maui. When there's no surf, you can find her enjoying other island pastimes: spear-fishing and dancing Hula and Tahitian.
|
