Supermodel Alexis Ren Learns to Surf in Hawaii (Video)

Alexis Ren has a whopping 18 million followers on Instagram.

The 26-year-old from Santa Monica, California is a model, influencer, fitness coach, ballet dancer, environmentalist, actress, and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit alumni.

And now, she’s learning to surf.

Per a recent Instagram post, Ren shared some surfing shots (mostly modeling with a board) in Hawaii. One of the slides shows her catching a small wave, shakily getting to her feet, cruising along somewhat comfortably on her backside (she’s a goofyfoot), and basked in a lemon glow Hawaiian sunset.

“Lots and lots of practice,” Ren captioned.

And tagged in the post was Fozzy Surf School, a private surf lessons organization based on the North Shore of Oahu and run by Chris Foster.

Upon further investigation, it looks like Ren was given lessons from Foster, while underground Oahu charger and frequent Mason Ho collaborator on nearly dry reef barrels, Sheldon Paishon, was on hand for a photoshoot, too.

Paishon has a real rags to riches story. He grew up rough on the westside of Oahu, at times homeless. But he kept surfing and pursuing his dream. Ultimately, through his connections with Mason, Sheldon got the recognition he deserved.

Sponsorships, international surf trips, acknowledgement followed.

“Just follow your dreams,” Sheldon told Inherent Bummer during an interview for his and Mason’s movie, Through the Doggy Door. "Surround yourself with the right people. Never give up. Surf as hard as you can. Try not to drink too much alcohol [laughs] and just be an all around good person. That's what I feel like I can say to encourage kids and people around me.”

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