It was a breakout year for the Haleiwa native. Photo: Cait Miers//World Surf League
Born and raised in Haleiwa, Hawaii, Bettylou Sakura Johnson is no stranger to surfing heavy waves in the company of legends. A standout junior surfer, Sakura Johnson qualified for the Championship Tour in 2022. While she’s delivered some impressive performances in previous seasons, it was 2025 when she officially started to shine.
Sakura Johnson won the Gold Coast Pro and the Trestles Pro, rounding out the season in fifth. Here, she shares her thoughts on why she found so much success this year, her strategic approach, and her surfing influences.
This season was a big step up for you. What do you credit that to?
To being more dedicated and working harder in the off season. I did have two big changes this year, though. One is having a new coach, Tommy Whitaker, and the other is switching board sponsors. I now ride …Lost (Mayhem).
What did your off-season training look like leading into the season?
I did weight training and pilates for months to get prepped, physically. I do weight/foundation training with Kahea Heart and pilates at The Den (here locally) with Chelsey (Lowe). I was also working with Ross Williams over the winter season on the North Shore. I’ve been coached by Ross since I was 15. He’s helped me with so many aspects of my surfing. And if there was swell, you most likely would’ve found me surfing Haleiwa.
Talk about your confidence and strategic approach to heats as you’ve gained more experience on the CT.
I definitely would say my confidence and strategic approach has improved. You learn and grow so much with every experience. It is honestly really hard to have confidence all throughout the year. I would say I have more faith than confidence. To have faith and believe that you will perform at your best level and win is something I can resonate more with. Confidence comes and goes.
Sakura Johnson only got one heat in Fiji, but it was still a great run. Photo: Sloane//WSL
That’s really an interesting way to look at it. How did it feel to win not one, but two events this year?
Winning a (single) event was so special to me! One of my biggest goals was accomplished with that win. To get another win later at Lower Trestles was just a massive cherry on top. That (first event) win ever was a big confidence boost that I could make the final five.
Tell me about your finals experience, qualifying and then competing.
It was very much a “wow” moment for me. I really couldn’t believe I’d solidified that spot. I was so happy and stoked! It was pretty cool. Since it was in Fiji this year it didn’t seem like such a big deal because of how remote it is. But I was honored to be a part of the Final Five and I’m proud of all the work I did to get there. I have big goals and dreams to win a world title one day!
Do you have a favorite stop on tour?
My favorite stop on tour has to be at Pipeline! It’s home for me and I really want to win that event with all my friends and family there.
Winning at home would be pretty epic. So what about rivalries? Fans love those. Is there anyone on tour you’d consider your biggest rival?
There’s not really anyone I would consider as a rival. But when Molly Picklum and myself match up, just know it’s going to be a show.
We’ll definitely be watching that matchup now. What about growing up in Haleiwa? How have the surf influences you’ve had there shape your career?
It has really helped and pushed me to be the surfer I am now. There are so many amazing surfers from the North Shore. Growing up here and having uncles such as Sean Moody, Freddy P, Joel Cinteo, Mike Dodd, and Kekoa B, who led the way and still surf incredible out at Haleiwa. I’ve learned so much from them and am so grateful I have them to look up to. And just living here really helps your surfing. The waves we learn to surf on are so raw and powerful and can build your skills so quickly. We have barrels, big walls to do carves on, and some fun smaller waves around the island.
Who are some local surfers that you grew up surfing with?
Luana Silva and Ewe Wong. We all still compete. Luana is on the CT, of course, so it’s so nice to have a friend on the road to make the good times great, while Ewe is on the Challenger Series waiting to make her debut on the CT.
The kid deserves some downtime – and the quieter moments at home. Photo: RVCA
Do you incorporate your Hawaiian roots into your travels?
My mom and I make leis with the flowers we find on the road. We make them for our friends we stay with and if we are celebrating something. Making a lei is a sign of love and celebration. I’ve been making leis since I was a little girl and it’s nice to carry that tradition everywhere we go.
How are you planning to celebrate what was a pretty incredible season?
I’m having a big celebratory dinner with my RVCA family! I will also be enjoying my time with my friends and family in the months ahead leading into winter.
Any off-season plans?
To really just enjoy home for a while. I have a few fun trips planned. I’m really excited to travel without surfboards for a bit. This winter season at home will be the first time I will be here for the whole season in five years. I want to win events and be in the race for a world title in 2026! But I have no battle plan yet. I’ll be taking this off season to turn that switch off and enjoy the simple things in life.
