Born and raised in the Austrian Alps, I saw the ocean for the first time when I was 19. In 2017 I got the opportunity to study in Lisbon and I fell in love with surfing. Ever since I stood up on my first wave, I spend all my free time in the water. Last year, I started to take my passion for competing in the snow (Alpin skiing) to the ocean and I am working every day to become a better surfer and share the stoke with others.




Read more about my story on eu.oneill.com/maria.lechleitner.

I'm 36 years old, born and raised in Austria - a landlocked country. Yet I've always felt a deep connection to water and a fascination for the ocean. I truly discovered surfing at the age of 26 on the Canary Islands — a turning point that eventually led me to move to Fuerteventura, where I've been living and surfing for the past six years. Whether chasing waves or visiting my family in Austria, both keep me connected to where I belong. Joining the first Austrian Surf National Team is my way of putting Austria on the international surfing map and inspiring others to follow their passion. At the World Surfing Games, I’m here to connect with people from around the world, share this incredible sport — and simply enjoy surfing and being part of it!

I was born in Austria, far from the sea, but discovered surfing in France at 17 and was instantly hooked. Two years later, I moved to Portugal, and today I live in the Canary Islands, where surfing taught me the value of community and sharing the stoke. This is my second time at the ISA WSG, and as an Austrian I dream of building an Austrian Surf-Team to inspire more landlocked surfers. This year I started the project No Borders Surf Crew, which is a community to support Austrian surfers in competition and beyond. You can check it out on www.noborderssurfcrew.com.