Maui surfer Annie Reickert is an accomplished athlete in a variety of different water sports. She hopes to use her talent and success on the water to inspire others to get out there too. Courtesy photo

At just 3 years old, Annie Reickert of Maui began her journey as a waterwoman riding on the front of her parents’ surfboard at Puamana.

Since then, she has grown into a versatile athlete, participating in 10 different water sports. While she now focuses primarily on big wave surfing and foiling, her deep-rooted love for the ocean — sparked by her parents — continues to fuel her passion for expanding her skills across disciplines.

In many ways, Reickert’s journey not only reflects personal growth, but also serves as an inspiration to get out on the water and embrace the unique and tight-knit water sports community that makes Maui so special.

For anyone who participates in water sports, whether recreationally or competitively, it is widely known that the ocean is always in charge. As the windiest island in Hawaii, Maui is home to some of the world’s most pristine and iconic water sports locations from Kanaha to Jaws. Reickert’s love for the ocean and these sports has shaped her into an adaptable athlete.

Unlike more traditional sports that are played on a field or in an arena, the conditions in water sports are never the same, requiring a level of quick adaptability, awareness and, for Reickert, a connection with the ocean that sets her apart as one of Mauiʻs most talented waterwoman.

“The ocean is always changing, so I think the real test of an ocean athlete is their ability to adapt to the conditions,” she said. “This unpredictability creates a fun challenge and fosters a strong connection to the place we spend so much time.”

The ocean can be intense, wild and nervewracking, but Reickert said there is something special about being out on the water.

“I love how freeing the ocean is,” she said. “When things on land don’t make sense, the moment I get in the water, it all melts away. It’s truly my happy place, and being in the ocean feels like a form of meditation for me. My home break is Ho’okipa. It can be challenging at times, but it’s definitely one of my favorite spots. I also have to include Peʻahi, getting to ride a wave out there is such a special feeling.”

Whether it’s gliding on a hydrofoil or dropping down the face of a massive wave, each time out on the water is a new experience, and the ocean delivers both exhilaration and humility, reminding the surfer that no matter how calm or intense the moment may be, there’s always an opportunity to return to your foundation.

“I also love how quickly the ocean changes,”Reickert said. “You’re never fully in control. It keeps you on your toes. You can only react to what it offers. The water sports community is amazing. I’ve made friends I consider family, and it’s given me life experiences I’ll never take for granted.”

Big wave surfing is not something the average person or surfer has the chance to experience. It comes with an immense amount of training, dedication, and mental and physical strength.

If Reickert had to choose, she said she would pick big wave surfing as her current favorite out of all of the sports she does.

“There’s something deeply moving about being in the ocean when it’s at its most powerful, whether that’s riding a massive wave or crossing a channel in 40-plus knots of wind,” she said. “Successfully riding a big wave is the most incredible feeling in the world.”

For those standing on the shoreline feeling the urge to dive in, Reickert hopes her story can serve as a source of inspiration. From riding on the front of her parents’ surfboard at 3 years old to mastering 10 different water sports and becoming a professional waterwoman, Reickert continues to chase her passion.

“I still feel afraid and intimidated by certain situations in the ocean, but the feeling of overcoming those moments and learning from them is incredibly rewarding,” she said. “Whether you’re standing on a surfboard for the first time or surfing a huge wave, the joy of being in the ocean is the same. The more time I spend in the water and connected to nature, the happier I am at any stage in life.”

Beyond the fun, the ocean offers countless life lessons too. While fear may arise and stress is inevitable, water sports can act like a mirror, teaching someone how to focus on what’s ahead and respond with strength and grace.

“I try to never take it for granted,” she said. “I’ve had injuries that kept me out of the water, and those times really made me appreciate how lucky I am to spend my days in the ocean. Not everyone gets to experience that. Being in the water is one of the main things that makes me feel like me.”