Pauline Ado was not born into a surfing family, though living at Anglet, France she had been lucky to grow up next to some of France’s best beach breaks. Aged eight she asked for a surfboard, a decision that would eventually see her become one of Europe’s most decorated women surfers.

Her talent showed early and by her teenage years, she had sponsorship deals that meant she was jetting off to exotic surf breaks to trade waves with her surfing idols. After a successful junior career where she won the World Junior Title, she qualified for the CT in 2010.

Pauline’s thirst for victory coupled with a flair for tactical surfing, saw her pierce the top ten of the CT in her rookie season. In 2011 Pauline set another benchmark by becoming the first European woman to qualify for a second year on the CT. She remained as an ever-present threat on the CT until 2014. After a few years back on the QS, she fought back to again make surfing’s top table in 2017, all be it for just one season.

Since then Ado has never given up her dream of surfing against the world's best. Despite the constant smile and her approachable nature, she is ferociously focused and incredibly committed. Her dedication to the sport came to fruition when aged 30 she secured her Olympic selection for the Tokyo Games through her performances at the 2021 ISA Games.

Instagram: @paulineado