She is as passionate about surfing as she is concerned about the state of our planet. Through her social networks, this Basque sportswoman calls on us to let our environmental awareness take precedence – from time to time – over our passions!
His story
Originally from the Basque coast, Ainhoa has always lived in symbiosis with the ocean. Since she was little she felt a deep connection with the sea, developing a passion for surfing at the age of 9. For her, it is a sport that allows her to develop as an athlete and be in harmony with nature. Today, at only 21 years old, Ainhoa is a surfer for the French collective and has participated in the European QS circuit of the World Surf League since 2015. He is currently aiming for the French senior team to participate in the next Olympic Games.But although she is a talented athlete, sports are far from her only professional strength. It is admirable that he was able to successfully complete his studies in Physics and Chemistry in parallel with his sports career.
Your commitments
Ainhoa thanked her parents for the environmental awareness they instilled in her since she was little, but it was also surfing that allowed her to establish herself as an environmentalist. By spending hours every day training in the water, he witnessed the changes that affected his natural playground. Now he declares himself sensitive to environmental causes and has decided to dedicate a considerable part of his time and energy to them.For Ainhoa, this project became a reality through its presence on social networks: spaces to share the actions it takes to limit its impact on the environment, encouraging its subscribers to adopt more eco-responsible practices.In a recent post on the LinkedIn platform, he talks about his decision to refrain from participating in national surfing events abroad - a unique opportunity for the surfer - to limit his carbon footprint: “It is not easy to give up what you love, But sometimes the consequences are too great.”
And when it comes to his activism, he doesn't compromise either! Let me explain: in October 2023, she became an ambassador for Pure Ocean Fund , association dedicated to financing innovative scientific projects for the protection of the ocean and its ecosystems.
In January of this year, the surfer declined to participate in one of the association's events, considering that it was impossible to do so without damaging the environment or her studies.
Ainhoa's position is difficult but important: on an individual level, each person must do their part in protecting the environment. And sometimes that means giving up what you'd like to do, no matter the situation or the pressure others place on you.
Our assessment
Ainhoa's determination to balance sport, studies and ecological activism is especially exemplary. Without a doubt, it can inspire young people who can identify with their struggle against anxiety and guilt in the face of the environmental crisis that faces us today.At iT4W we believe that the activism promoted by Ainhoa – that of everyday green “small actions” – must be accompanied by collective action on a larger scale. This is what we want to achieve with our innovative technological tools that allow users to unite against the large systemic banks that generate a negative impact on our environment.If you want to know more, go to the “Technologies” tab on our website, and don't forget to subscribe to Ainhoa Leiceaga on social networks!
