- WSL
- WSL
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Sofia's Proyeto Project

Last year former women's world champion Sofia Mulanovich embarked on an ambitious new project centered around giving underprivileged kids access to the equipment and instruction that could help them achieve their surfing dreams.

If you aren't familiar with the effort, the touching video above is a great window into Sofia's mission and the wonderful individuals she's helping with her Proyeto project.

The day of days. The kids waisted not time hooking into some bombs. 14-year-old Mateo Prias, charging. - WSL

The ongoing project has been underway for nearly a year, which is when the first 10 kids were selected to take part in the physical and mental training. This week their efforts paid off in a big way at Pico Alto, Peru's most celebrated big-wave break.

With big-wave chargers Gabriel Villeran and Miguel Tudela offering guidance and working safety patrol, Sofia and her students paddled the half-mile out to the famed reef and began charging.

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Proyeto Crew at Pico Alto

The team made history too, as 13-year-old Daniella Rosas became the youngest woman to ever surf the break.

"There were good waves and it was crowded but this gave me the confidence that I could do it," Daniella said afterward. "Once I got my first wave all the fear and nerves were gone, and I was excited to get my next one."

ENG: Daniella Rosas - Pico Alto Wave - Proyecto Sofia Mulanovich Photo credit : Jose Plaza / ESP: Daniella Rosas - Ola de Pico Alto - Proyecto Sofia Mulanovich Credito fotografico : Jose Plaza Thirteen-year-old Daniella Rosas makes history. - WSL

Sofia was thrilled to see their hard work pay off. "It was honestly one of the best days ever, watching all these kids take over the lineup and just charge. I'm so proud of what they've already accomplished."

ENG: Lara Barrios & Daniella Rosas - Apnea Training - Proyecto Sofia Mulanovich Photo credit : Camila Toro / ESP: Lara Barrios y Daniela Rosas - Entrenamiento de Apnea - Proyecto Sofia Mulanovich Credito fotografia: Camila Toro Lara Barrios and Daniella Rosas during a breathing training exercise. Photo by Camila Toro. - WSL

The program is aimed at high-performance surfing, but a huge part of that is preparing them for conditions they may face anywhere in the world. When they started talking Pico Alto, Mulonavich tapped local Big Wave Tour competitor Gabriel Villaran for help. Villaran played a huge role in adding elements like equipment knowledge to the training.

ENG: Mateo Prias - Pico Alto Wave - Proyecto Sofia Mulanovich Photo credit : Jose Plaza / ESP: Mateo Prias - Ola de Pico Alto - Proyecto Sofia Mulanovich Credito fotografico : Jose Plaza Mateo Prias, 14. Photo by Jose Plaza. - WSL

"It's more about understanding everything around big waves and not just surfing them," Villaran said. "We have been focused on safety, breathing, equipment, analyzing conditions, mental state and respect for the ocean. I was surprised and impressed with how well they responded."

ENG: Gabriel Villaran - Apnea Training - Proyecto Sofia Mulanovich Photo credit : Camila Toro / ESP: Gabriel Villaran - Entrenamiento de Apnea - Proyecto Sofia Mulanovich Credito fotografia: Camila Toro Gabriel Villaran training members of Proyeto Sofia Mulanovich for a big day. Photo by Camila Toro. - WSL

To learn more about Sofia's ongoing effort visit Proyeto Sofia Mulanovich.

ENG: Jhonny Guerrero - Pico Alto Preparation - Proyecto Sofia Mulanovich Photo credit : Camila Toro / ESP: Jhonny Guerrero - Preparacion para Pico - Proyecto Sofia Mulanovich Credito fotografia: Camila Toro Johnny Guerrero, 15. Photo by Jose Plaza. - WSL
ENG - Gabriel Villaran - Apnea Training - Proyecto Sofia Mulanovich Photo credit : Camila Toro / ESP - Gabriel Villaran - Entrenamiento de Apnea - Proyecto Sofia Mulanovich Credito fotografia: Camila Toro Training session with Gabriel Villaran. Photo by Camila Toro. - WSL ENG: Gabriel Vargas - Pico Alto Wave - Proyecto Sofia Mulanovich Photo credit : Jose Plaza / ESP: Gabriel Vargas - Ola de Pico Alto - Proyecto Sofia Mulanovich Credito fotografico : Jose Plaza 15-year-old Gabriel Vargas navigates the ledge with his coaches watching. Photo by Jose Plaza. - WSL ENG: Jose Antonio Espejo - Pico Alto Preparation - Proyecto Sofia Mulanovich Photo credit : Camila Toro / ESP: Jose Antonio Espejo - Preparacion para Pico Alto - Proyecto Sofia Mulanovich Credito fotografia: Camila Toro Jose Antonio Espejo, 14. Photo by Camila Toro. - WSL
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