Patti Zhou: Rising Surf & Snowboard Star Eyes Olympics

The surf world is taking notice of a name that, just a few years ago, was largely unknown: Patti Zhou. Now 14 years old, Zhou is rapidly establishing herself as a force to be reckoned with in both surfing and snowboarding, with ambitions that reach all the way to the Olympic stage.

It wasn’t long ago that grainy videos began circulating online, showcasing a remarkably talented young surfer performing impressive aerial maneuvers in a wave pool. The question on everyone’s mind was simple: who *is* this kid? Those early clips, shared widely across social media, sparked a buzz that continues to grow as Zhou’s skills develop and her profile rises.

Zhou’s journey is unique, encompassing not one, but two demanding sports. A new profile video from Sun Bum delves into the story of this dual-sport athlete, revealing that she was named after punk icon Patti Smith. Her dedication and talent have already garnered attention from established professionals, and she’s quickly becoming a role model for aspiring athletes.

“I see myself going to the Olympics in snowboarding but after snowboarding I’ll try to get there in surfing as well. Try to get a title or something,” Zhou told Olympics.com, outlining her ambitious goals. This isn’t simply a matter of dabbling in two sports; Zhou sees a fundamental connection between them.

“Surfing and snowboarding feel very alike; you can fly, and the sensation of flying is amazing,” she explained. “For me, the similarity between these two sports is that I can communicate with nature through them. Surfing is about communicating with the ocean, and snowboarding is about connecting with the mountains.” This perspective highlights a deeper appreciation for the natural world that fuels her passion for both disciplines.

Her talent extends beyond wave pools and snowboarding parks. At just 11 years old, Zhou became the youngest-ever medalist on the Winter Dew Tour, a testament to her early dedication and natural ability. This accomplishment, noted in blog posts from Sun Bum, demonstrates a consistent pattern of success across multiple platforms.

The surfing community is particularly excited about Zhou’s potential. Surfing legend Mason Ho, after sharing sessions with her in Japan, expressed his admiration for her skills and her cultural background. “The reason I wanted to go surf with her, was because I heard she’s Chinese,” Ho said in the Sun Bum video. “I’m Chinese from my dad’s side. We grew up with so much respect. To be with Patti, there’s that saying, ‘real recognize real.’ I just wanna ride with her. I know we could level each other up.”

Ho described Zhou as a “hybrid,” recalling his initial impression of her aerial skills. “The first time I ever really seen or heard anything of Patti was a video on Instagram. Patti was flying through the air. I was like, ‘the world is getting crazy.’ She was doing some airs that I was like, ‘I wouldn’t mind doing that air myself.’ Then, right after, I saw a clip of her snowboarding. She’s like a hybrid.” This assessment speaks to Zhou’s versatility and her ability to translate skills between seemingly disparate sports.

Zhou’s story is particularly compelling given the relatively recent emergence of her talent on the broader sports scene. The initial social media clips, showing a “pint-sized” Zhou launching “massive and exceptionally stylish aerials,” quickly captured the attention of the surf world. Now, at 14, she’s no longer a mystery but a rising star with a clear vision for her future.

The combination of natural talent, dedication, and a unique perspective on the connection between surfing and snowboarding positions Patti Zhou as an athlete to watch. Her pursuit of Olympic glory in both sports is an ambitious undertaking, but one that she appears fully prepared to embrace. As Mason Ho aptly set it, it’s time to keep a close eye on this kid.