Ventura native Makena Burke, age 16, qualified to compete in the 2019 Vans US Open of Surfing. She earned 9th place out of an international field of the top 32 Junior girls ages 18 and younger from around the world. The 60th annual Vans US Open of Surfing was held in Huntington Beach July 27-August 4.
In addition, she was invited by WSL (World Surfing League) to participate in their 2019 initiative called Rising Tides on 8/2. This program aims to inspire young competitors to break down barriers for women and girls in the sport of surfing. This event focused on connecting the female Junior competitors with the professional women surfers on the Championship Tour (CT).
