The media has been buzzing with articles about this young paddler from Hawaii this month, so what's all the fuss about? 

Vanina Walsh has been on the radar for a while now, not bad seeing she's only 15. Growing up in Arizona and moving to Hawaii at age 9, Vanina has been surfing for most of her life, and it certainly shows in her surfing style. Previously sponsored by Walden surfboards for her longboard surfing, she made the switch to Stand up paddling as the sport gained popularity. Since making the switch she's secured sponsorship from the big time companies like Roxy, Kailoa Paddles and local stand up paddle board company, KM Hawaii. 

This watergirl (as she calls herself) is the most talked about female stand up paddler in the world right now, especially after placing second behind Candice Appleby in the recent Punta Sayulita Stand-Up Classic in Mexico. The result wasn't to be dismissed as a simple case of being runner up either, she snatched second place from the likes of Jen Lee and Talia Gangini who are fierce competitors and also local to the Hawaiin Islands. She's no stranger to the podium, earlier in the year she placed second at the Stand Up World Tour event at Turtle Bay Resort. Even the greats like Gerry Lopez have commented that she's one of the most inspirational female surfers in recent years. 

Watch out for Vanina in the future, she's sure to dominate the surfing scene for many years to come. Could this end up being like the Layne Beachely story after 7 world titles? Only time will tell.

Check out this video below of Vanina surfing at home in Hawaii, or like her Facebook page to see what the young surfer is all about.

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