Finding good waves around the world, creating beautifully shot surf films with killer soundtracks, collaborating with Vans and building her own brand along the way. Karina Rozunko moves through surfing with a kind of ease that feels increasingly rare. Free-spirited but grounded, stylish without trying too hard, she has become an inspiration for people drawn to creativity, freedom and doing things on their own terms.
After years of admiring Karina Rozunko’s style, technique and presence in the water, Liisi Voolaid unexpectedly found herself paddling out next to her at a small break in an Indonesian village. The moment was surreal enough to leave her briefly speechless on the shore. But Karina turned out to be exactly as she seems – relaxed, warm and easy to talk to. What followed was a conversation about surfing, creativity, travel and building a life around feeling.
Your first memory of surfing. Where, when and how did it feel?
I don’t remember the exact first wave. I remember the feeling more than the moment.
I’ve read that getting into surfing was, in many ways, thanks to your father. Could you describe growing up in San Clemente with a surfer dad and board collector?
My dad would put me on the front of his surfboard. I remember the waves feeling huge and being pretty scared. Growing up, the ocean wasn’t an event, it was just there. Having the beach so accessible made it impossible not to fall in love with it.
My dad and brother were obsessed. Boards everywhere, old stories, and I wanted in on it. In my early teens we were feral little beach kids. San Onofre State Beach and Doheny State Beach were our world. We’d get dropped off in the morning and disappear until sunset.
Where is home for you now?
California is home, but for the last nine months I’ve been spending most of my time just south of Byron Bay on the east coast of Australia. It feels slower and I’m really loving the pace.
Did you have other dreams growing up?
I was really into gymnastics. I was always flipping on the beach or walking on my hands around the house. If we’re talking big dreams, I wanted to be in the Olympics. Obviously a bit far-fetched, but I loved the discipline and the feeling of pushing my body.
What drives you? What irritates you? What calms you down?
I’m driven by feeling. By creating something honest. By progression, even tiny shifts. I try not to let things bother me too much. What calms me down is being in the ocean or anywhere in nature.
How do you see surf culture today?
It’s complicated. The world is constantly evolving and there are positives and negatives. I talk about it with my partner a lot because he really lived through the boom of surf culture, and we compare the differences between then and now.
There’s something romantic about the past, but there’s also more visibility and opportunity now, especially for women. For me, surf culture is about community, creativity and connection to the ocean. That part hasn’t changed.
Are you a free surfer?
I guess a free surfer is someone who doesn’t follow the traditional competitive path. It’s usually a more creative approach involving filmmaking, travel and building your own identity outside of contests. It comes down to personality and style as much as ability.
Strategic career or organic unfolding?
Honestly, everything has happened pretty organically. I’ve just been lucky with the opportunities and the amazing people I’ve met along the way.
You’ve participated in events like the Queens Classic in Biarritz. What are your thoughts on the WSL and ISA? Is competing something for you?
The Queen’s Classic is a badass event run by an epic group of women. It supports women from around the world and highlights the passionate community surfing creates.
I’ve competed in World Surf League events before, but honestly I’d probably rather spend my money going on a surf trip with friends.
You have a unique and elegant style in the water. What does style mean to you in life?
Part of it is something you’re born with. The other part is what you absorb throughout your life – the music you listen to, the people around you, the art you’re drawn to. Subconsciously you piece it all together and that becomes your uniqueness.
Beyond surfing, you also seem deeply involved in visuals, films and fashion, especially now with your own brand Noise. How did that creative side evolve?
With surf videos, sometimes I edit and sometimes I hand the footage over and let someone else interpret it. Collaboration keeps it alive. When you’ve watched the same clip fifty times, you lose perspective. Fresh eyes can bring it back to life.
With Noise, I just wanted to create something I’d genuinely want to wear. The next collection feels more personal and I’m excited about the new designs. I really enjoy capturing what’s in front of me and shaping it into something honest.
You’re sponsored by Vans and recently collaborated on your own sneaker design. What has that relationship been like for you?
It was always my dream to surf for Vans and be supported doing what I love. It’s given me the freedom to travel and see the world, which I’m really grateful for.
I’ve worked with Vans on a few collections, but this one felt extra special. The Old Skool “New Future” project felt really personal.
Visibility and community matter. Who gave you that inspirational push growing up?
Growing up around so much surf history at San Onofre, because of my dad’s love for the past, inspired me deeply. I was inspired by Linda Benson and by watching Kassia Meador. That mix of history and individuality really shaped me.
Your experiences with discrimination in surfing?
There have been moments. Comments. Energy in the lineup that didn’t feel right. But the good outweighs the bad. Women’s surfing has shifted massively and it’s still shifting.
Any advice for girls?
Have respect – but don’t take shit from anyone.
You travel constantly for waves and projects. What do you look for most when arriving somewhere new? Any downsides to that lifestyle?
The surf is obviously number one, but I also love discovering local music, food and culture. I feel really lucky to travel this much, so it’s hard for me to find a downside. Maybe missing people sometimes, but the experiences outweigh that.
Places that have impacted you?
Nova Scotia. Parts of Indonesia that feel almost spiritual. France holds a lot of memories for me too.
How do you feel about cold water and harsher conditions?
It depends what “cold” is. The coldest water I’ve experienced was in Nova Scotia, and honestly I’m not usually someone who loves the cold. But that trip was one of the most memorable of my life.
There’s something powerful about surfing in harsher elements. It strips everything back.
Music adds so much depth to surf films. How do you choose the right sound for your projects?
Music carries the emotion. It dictates the pacing, the mood and the way a wave feels on screen.
Lately I’ve been deep into post-punk and ’70s girl bands. I recently went to a festival in South Australia called A Nice Day to Go to the Club, and there are some really good bands coming out of Australia at the moment.
If you had to choose one song that describes where you are in life right now, what would it be?
“Love” by Orange Juice.
The book of your lifetime?
Anything by Murakami. I love his surreal writing.
What thought gets you through hard times?
Knowing that feelings are temporary.
What are you dreaming of now?
I want to keep travelling and surfing for the rest of my life. And keep pushing my swimwear brand and everything that comes with it.
How would you describe surfing to someone who’s never done it?
It’s completely unique. Every wave is different – that’s what makes it so exciting.
Your latest inspiration you’d like to share with readers?
I saw Danny Fox’s show Big Love Baby in London last October.
Surf video: WinkWatch here
Photos by Karina Rozunko & Liisi Voolaid