Surfing phenom: Oceanside native wins U7 Championship at age 6

OCEANSIDE, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — Most people see the ocean as a body of water, but 6-year-old surfing phenom Uriah McDonald sees it a little differently.

“I love the ocean and it’s my friend forever,” said McDonald.

That’s not an exaggeration. The Oceanside Coastal Academy second grader says he was introduced to the sea at just 8-months-old.

“I didn’t really pop up quite yet because I was just 8 months, but I started to like the ocean when I was that age,” he continued.

His passion for the Pacific grew stronger over time.

McDonald recently won the 2024 U7 Surfing Championship in Oceanside. He also competed in the U9 and U10 categories, reaching the podium in the both divisions.

“I really like it and I hope like it forever, and I will like it forever,” said McDonald.

The young man’s success has led to waves of fans on social media, gaining him more than 50,000 followers on Instagram.

“I just try to give my best effort so I can like, be the best surfer,” said McDonald.

When he’s not in the water, he enjoys board sports like skateboarding and snowboarding in his free time.

“I did a lot of tricks on the skateboard and I really love snowboarding,” said the young athlete.

The Oceanside boy surfs almost everyday in hopes of fulfilling his ultimate goal.

“I really want to be an athlete and go into the Olympics, so I can get points for our country,” shared McDonald. “And make the United States a better place.”

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.