Brisa Hennessy connects with what nourishes her soul

Costa Rica is considered one of the happiest countries in the world. Rich in culture, wildlife and stunning beaches, it is also home to one of the best surfers in the world World Surf League star Brisa Hennessy.

As a child, Hennessy's parents ran a surfing school and had a vision of surfing as a family. After Brisa was born, it didn't take long before she was introduced to the sea and a board. Even now, at the age of 22, she appreciates it moments in the water with her mother and father.

“Being able to connect with the people you love makes you happy from within and strengthens your soul,” Hennessy said. "The elements of water and exercise are more than just therapeutic. In general, water has negative ions, which is kind of ironic because it actually is boosts your mood, energy and mood. I truly believe that everyone who gets into the sea is a better and happier person.”

In just three years as part of the world's best surfing circuit, Hennessy is at the top, inspiring the next generation of girls in Central America. With all that she has experienced in such a short time, she learns to embrace and enjoy each experience without being overwhelmed by the pressure that comes with her talent.

Brisa Hennessy talked about the misconceptions surrounding sports, how she slowed things down for herself, the mindset of being the one everyone is aiming for, and some of the dishes she enjoys making for herself and her family.

Test the surf with Brisa Hennessy

I think the biggest misconception is how we are as athletes and that surfing is a lazy lifestyle sport. I know that this is completely changing and I know that I see it with my own eyes how people are really taking us seriously. We are athletes who train really hard and we put our whole heart into everything we do. It's definitely a different sport. It's not like basketball where there is a defined line or a basket that we have to shoot into. We must always test ourselves. I truly feel that as real athletes we are constantly redefining ourselves and pushing the boundaries of our sport in our own ways.

I would say if we are tested in bigger, scarier, more complicated conditions. I think when you really have to face not only these big waves, but what's inside and your fear in some way, and tune into your emotions in some way - it's a scary thing. We see these conditions often and they are constantly changing. I think that uncertainty of not just the conditions, but also the uncertainty of who we're going to surf or heat next or whether we're going to do well in a contest? This uncertainty when surfing is a very scary but beautiful component.

Brisa Hennessy is at the top of the wave

I'm in this position now where I'm at the top. Sometimes I don't believe that, and I've never really been in a position where I'm being hunted. It's a little easier if you come from behind. You know what you have to do and what you have to achieve. I would say you have to stay on that leveled wavelength. For me, I have to fully tune into an emotion. I can't be distracted with my feelings. I have to fully develop in the moment when I feel happiness, anger or calm. When I am fully immersed in this emotion, I can let go and tune into the task at hand. Surfing is like you're competing against yourself in a way because things are out of your control all the time. The only thing you can control is yourself and the preparation for the task at hand.

This year I really was Concentrate on breathing. I do it every morning and I think it sets the pace for my day and not get too anxious, think too far ahead or be insecure. I think that's one thing I've struggled with, and also the expectation. I tried to ground myself and be in the present. I live a slower and simpler life now, but in the back of my mind I have all the goals I have.

Brisa Hennessy's training tips

I don’t have a set routine that I go to. I have to constantly redefine myself in the gym, in the water and strengthen my weaknesses. Whether it's the timing of my speed and agility, smaller waves or my explosive power maneuvers - it kind of varies. If you can find the time to put it all together and tune into your body, I feel like surfers already have a knack for listening to their instincts. When I used to go to the gym, I honestly didn't really have a goal. I just went to training. But now I try to go there with every intention of strengthening my legs or whatever. I now know that I need my big thighs for those big waves. I need mine big arms and shoulders, and it's about strengthening and maintaining them while still being flexible and fast. It's constantly changing.

Know how to properly fuel your body

My mother was a chef, so you could say I was inspired by my parents. I come from a large family of cooks and chefs and grew up around the kitchen. I can't remember a time when I wasn't in the kitchen with my mom, and now I'm the one making all the meals. I come straight from the surf and go to the kitchen first. It's a way for me to get creative, let go and make food for the people I love. I find the most therapeutic thing for me is making people's bellies happy. I've always been mostly vegetarian and sometimes ate fish because my father is a professional fisherman. I have always believed that fruits, vegetables and vegetable protein are the best fuel for my body, especially lately. I simply feel best and free when I know what I'm putting into my body. I also believe in moderation and balance. If we can do a little to help the planet, save animals, and fuel our bodies, I think making or incorporating one plant-based meal per day is a great change for everyone.

I make pretty good gluten free sweet potato gnocchi. I make a basil cream sauce with a side of tomato bruschetta and crispy kale. Making sushi with my mom because she's like a walking weapon when it comes to sushi. We make some vegan sushi with tomato tuna and there are fried oyster mushroom rolls. We make our own spicy mayo.

Brisa Hennessy starts the day right

The moment I wake up I have to drink a big glass of water with lemon just to cleanse the stomach. I do some yoga, breathing and visualization and it goes straight to the kitchen. I usually start my day with a large smoothie bowl with mocha powder and Natreve protein powder. I either make a tropical one or one with berries. I'll top it with coconut, granola and some fruits. I drink a large cup of coffee or tea with it. Then I do a stretch and then I go straight into the water. I usually surf for about two to three hours. I'm going to do some exercises so I can do some runs with my trainer just to make it fun. I'll come home and either read or work on my Spanish.

Then it's back to the kitchen for lunch. I'm obsessed with summer rolls at the moment, so I'm going to make tofu summer rolls. I feel it with vegetables and make a peanut sauce. Afterwards, I spend some time with my family at the dining table while we eat. I might go surfing or walking with my mom one last time, and we'll be back in the kitchen for dinner. It's gnocchi, sushi, and it's endless. I always have to end the night with chocolate.