Stories Born in the Ocean: Discover the Projects Behind Queen of the Wave

Queen of the Wave adds a new shoot alongside Viviana Araya and Mike Stewart, where they share travel experiences and a way of life shaped by bodyboarding

For those who live surf and bodyboarding as a lifestyle, every trip is far more than just a destination. It’s not only about moving from one place to another, but about changing rhythm, surroundings and, often, perspective. That spirit was captured in a recent shoot with Viviana Araya, Chilean national bodyboarding champion, and Mike Stewart, Hawaiian bodyboarder and nine-time world champion, through a conversation that forms part of the projects behind Queen of the Wave.

Queen of the Wave was created with the purpose of telling real stories of women connected to the ocean. Stories that are not built around competition results, but around experiences, journeys and moments that leave a lasting mark. More than a documentary series, the project exists in an intimate space, where each story takes shape through personal experiences.

Within this context, the shoot with Viviana and Mike focused on sharing the travel experiences that have shaped their lives. Destinations that, for many, are simply points on the global surf map, but for those who experience them firsthand become places of learning, challenge and connection.

During the conversation, both reflected on experiences in places such as Teahupo’o in Tahiti, as well as several iconic locations in Indonesia, including Uluwatu, Bali and Watu Karung. Locations known for the power and difficulty of their waves, but also for the energy felt both in and out of the water.

Teahupo’o, one of the most challenging waves in the world, became a central part of the conversation. Viviana shared how facing this wave goes far beyond physical or technical preparation — it involves the environment, the intensity of the ocean and the way the journey ultimately shapes you on a personal level.

Another key element present throughout the shoot was the mutual support between Viviana and Mike. A relationship built around bodyboarding, travel and a life deeply connected to the ocean, where accompanying one another and understanding each other’s processes becomes an essential part of the path.

Beyond surf and bodyboarding, both agreed that these types of journeys create a mental and spiritual connection that is difficult to put into words. The ocean becomes a space for looking inward, facing personal fears and connecting with a more authentic version of oneself.

Viviana Araya, one of the protagonists of Queen of the Wave, embodies the core message of the project: encouraging more women to travel, explore the world and ride waves, inspiring them to trust their abilities and break limits both in and out of the water.

These experiences are part of the ongoing journey that Queen of the Wave continues to portray through real stories that connect surf, travel and personal identity.