Mari grew up on Kauai — exploring outdoors, moving freely, and finding her footing in the world around her. That foundation of dynamic, outdoor athleticism would become the core of everything she does as a coach.

She went on to become a multiple National Champion and two-time World Championship medalist in equestrian vaulting, culminating in an historic gold medal at the World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky in 2010 — representing Team USA at the highest level. Her cross-training included D1 collegiate gymnastics at UC Davis, acrobatics, dance, Pilates, and strength work.

After retiring from competition, Mari became a Master Trainer with FEI and US Equestrian, building programming to help riders develop the strength, balance, and proprioception they need before ever stepping into the saddle. That same methodology — training athletes for unstable, dynamic, unpredictable surfaces — is what she now brings to the surf world.

The connection is obvious once you feel it: the neuromuscular demands of balancing on a moving horse and a moving wave are nearly identical. Mari is one of the few coaches alive who has trained at the elite level in both worlds.

lets work together: