Meet the SAMBASSADORs: Athlete Edition

Kirra Bixby
8 min read Lifestyle
Category Lifestyle
Date
Read time 8 minutes
Author Kirra Bixby
Meet the SAMBASSADORs: Athlete Edition

Our SAMBASSADORS are on a mission to share the Delicious Powers of Açaí. These mindful warriors have intention behind their actions, the desire to live for something bigger, and an aspiration to be better than before by living an active and healthy lifestyle. Our SAMBASSADOR Athletes excel at the sports that their lives revolve around, and use the fuel that SAMBAZON provides them with to crush their competitions. Read on to learn more about the team members that we call family.

Ella Mccaffray

Ella McCaffray 

Sport: Surfer, Location: Encinitas, Age: 19, Rank: 51, Stance: Regular

Instagram: @ellamccaffray

How does SAMBAZON fuel you?

EM - It's my go-to quick and easy breakfast. The energy drinks give me the fuel I need for long sessions. And the chocolate Açaí Bites are a good grab and go snack or dessert.

Do you have any surf trips upcoming that you're looking forward to?

EM - Probably a surf trip down to Mexico - Salina Cruz. Hopefully Indo this summer. Just for fun - see some new places, surf some new waves.

Do you have any passions you picked up during the pandemic?

EM - I've gotten into archery. I loved the Hunger Games, she was so badass in that movie. I was so inspired and I thought it looked fun, and then I got a bow and tried it and had a great time. Just in my yard, with a compound bow.

What's your favorite Açaí Bowl to order at the Bowl Shop?

EM - Coconut Mango Açaí Bowl with gluten-free granola because it tastes amazing. It's my favorite.

What board have you been surfing?

EM - JS Monsta 2020, 5'9", perfect for all waves. I was just in Barbados, perfect for waves with a little bit of power.

Where are your favorite surf breaks?

EM - Locally, probably Seaside Reef. In the world, probably Barra in Salina Cruz. Just right hand point breaks.

How long have you been surfing for?

EM - Around 10 years now. Started super young, started with little local comps and just worked my way up.

ruby lilley

Ruby Lilley

Sport: Skateboarder, Age: 15, Hometown: Ocean City, Maryland, Global Rank: 199, Stance: Goofy

Fun fact: Ruby has 7 siblings and grew up competitively dancing ballet and ballroom dancing. 

Instagram: @ruby_lilley

What is your favorite SAMBAZON product?

Açaí berry bowl to go!

What do you order from the SAMBAZON Açaí Bowl Shop?

My SAMBAZON go to order is: protein açaí bowl with granola, coconut, almonds, strawberries and blueberries and I add peanut butter sometimes too!

Who do you look up to?

I really look up to Lizzie Armando, Alex Pearlson, Evandro Mancha, Jim Madrid, and all the pool skaters. There’s definitely a bunch! Too many to list.

What's your next goal?

Working towards the 2024 Paris Olympics!

What's your daily routine?

I stretch, meditate, eat breakfast, skate park in the morning, then school, then skate vert in the evenings and then school then bed! And repeat!

What's your favorite saying?

My favorite is: “ it’s only scary till you do it.”

Dakota Hunt

Dakota Hunt

Sport: Skateboarder, Age 25, Global Rank: 4780, Stance: Regular

Instagram: @dakotahunt_ 

What is your spirit animal?

DH - A wolf.

How does SAMBAZON fuel you?

DH - SAMBAZON Açaí fuels me with all the healthy nutrition inside of the bowls. Everything in there gives me the fuel I need for my day. The Energy Drinks... the sizzle...the carbonation...the delicious powers.

How did I get into skateboarding?

DH - Seeing one kid in the neighborhood, we just hung out, and a decade later, I'm still skating. It keeps me out of trouble.

Vincent Matheron

Vincent Matheron

Sport: Skateboarder, Age: 23, Location: Encinitas, CA, Hometown: Marseilles, France

Accomplishments: Finalist (7th) in the Tokyo Olympic games in Skateboarding.

Instagram: @vincent_matheron

What is your go-to SAMBAZON product?

VM - The best product for me is the Amazon Super Berry Ready to Eat Açaí Bowl. Already prepared you just have to eat it everywhere!

What’s your go-to order at the Bowl Shop?

VM - I really love the regular berry Açaí bowl with bananas and honey on the top.

How does SAMBAZON fuel you?

VM - I’m eat an Açaí bowl one or 2 times per day. Every morning for a good breakfast and sometimes around 4 pm before a skate session.

Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?

VM - I don’t really have a role model but I’m still inspired by Tony Hawks character, who stay always today one of the best vert rider in the world and continue to push limits.

What’s your next big goal?

VM - Few big contests are coming this year and I’m still working on the new video part but the main goal in 2024 could be get a medal for Olympic Games in my country.

What does your daily routine look like?

VM - As I said SAMBAZON bowl every morning for breakfast then surf session until noon. Skateboarding session the afternoon and sometimes at the end of the day. And I forgot playing fortnite with my lil brother in France.

Best advice that you follow?

VM - No regrets, One life!

Sofia Freyre

Sara Freyre

Sport: Surfer, Age: 15, Hometown: Huntington Beach

Instagram: @sara_freyre

What is your go-to SAMBAZON product?

SF - Açaí Superfruit Packs because I can make my own bowls or smoothies at home whenever I want!

What’s your go-to order at the Bowl Shop?

SF - At the bowl shop I like to get the Berry Açaí Bowl as this is my favorite with coconut or the Strawberry Banana Smoothie!

How does SAMBAZON fuel you?

SF - Sambazon fuels me to surf twice per day everyday, if not more when I’m competing. It gives me lasting energy that is a good source of nutrition and calories to fuel my body!

Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?

SF - Yes, Brett Simpson is a coach and athlete I look up to as a role model. I aspire to be like Brett because he is a really good surfer and is always so positive!

What’s your next big goal?

SF - My next big goal is to help team USA win gold at the ISA World Games later this month.

What does your daily routine look like?

SF - My routine starts at 5am with yoga, surf, school, surf, train, homework then sleep! When I have time I like to skate and pursue my other passions.

Best advice that you follow?

SF - Don’t take life too seriously and have fun!

natalie

Natalie Krishna Das

Sport: Skateboarder, Location: Eureka, CA, Age: 40

Instagram: @nataliekrishnadas

What is your go-to SAMBAZON product?

NKD - Açaí plus Guarana packs.

What’s one of your go-to Açaí Bowl recipes?

NKD - I love to add plain Greek yogurt, raw cacao nibs, and dates with my açaí. I blend and then add fresh sliced bananas and strawberries.

How does SAMBAZON fuel you?

NKD - SAMBAZON fuels my brain and body. It helps me focus on learning my new tricks and keeps me in a healthy state of mind throughout the day. It helps me make better choices when it comes to what I’m eating for the day.

Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?

NKD - I’m a big fan of Nicole Winhoffer. I love her energetic dance workouts that sculpt your body. I also am a big fan of Yndira Asp. I love her surf my style on and off her board along with her fun personality.

What’s your next big goal?

NKD - My next big goal is to plan a sustainable skateboarding & surf event with all sustainable brands to show everybody that it’s doable. We only get one earth.

What does your daily routine look like?

NKD - Coffee
-Sambazon Açaí bowl
-Let the dogs out
-Pet the chickens
-Drop 6 year old daughter at school
-Head to see all of my accounts. (I’m a liquor rep & a skateboarder)
-If I’m in a rush, I’ll grab a Sambazon açaí pack to go. I love to enjoy them on my breaks on the beach.
-Skate at one of my favorite spots for a couple hours.
-Film content for sponsors.
-Pick up daughter. Head to a park or forest for a bit.
-Head home to make dinner for my family.
-Family movie time or game time.
-Tuck in my daughter.
-Adult chill time with my husband.
-Bed
-Repeat!

Best mantra that you follow?

NKD - People who beam sunshine will shine on you. Be a ray of sunshine and surround yourself with people who brighten your day.

Carmel Makibbin

Carlin Makibbin

Sport: Skateboarder, Hometown: Ocean City, Maryland, Location: Oceanside, CA Age: 14, Global Rank – 271, Goofy

Instagram: @carlinmakibbin

What is your go-to SAMBAZON product?

My go to SAMBAZON product would either be the Açaí berry to-go bowls for a quick eat on the run meal, or the Açaí superfruit pack to make a smoothie or bowl with.

What’s your go-to Açaí Bowl recipe?

Start by blending 2 Açaí Superfruit packs with coconut water in the blender. Pour it into the sustainable wooden bowl and top with pineapple, coconut flakes, hemp hearts, chia seeds, strawberries and kiwis. Eat and enjoy!

How does SAMBAZON fuel you?

SAMBAZON fuels me by giving me clean organic energy packed with tons of nutrients.

Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?

I am currently training with Mancha. Not only is he coaching me, but also helps me with nutrition which is very important.

What’s your next big goal?

My next big goal is a 540.

What does your daily routine look like?

I usually wake up, grab an Açaí bowl, go for a quick surf or skate, come home eat lunch and do my school work, play with my dogs and cats then skate again, eat dinner and go to bed.

Best advice that you follow?

It's not about how many times you fall down, but about how many times you get back up.

mancha

Evandro " Mancha" Menezes

Sport: Skateboarder, Location: Vista, CA, Age: 47

Instagram: @manchaskt

What is your go-to SAMBAZON product?

Original Blend - Rio Style.

What’s your go-to Açaí Bowl recipe?

I like everything blended together with minimal sugar.

How does SAMBAZON fuel you?

Gives me a perfect amount of energy without any crash.

Is there a coach or athlete that you look up to as a role model and why?

I take my inspiration from a few amazing skaters, but more than that I try to be a good role model to my coaching students, especially when it comes to proper sports nutrition.

What’s your next big goal?

To open a Vert skateboarding training facility.

What does your daily routine look like?

Get my kids ready to homeschool, coach a bunch of awesome kids, have a great session, get the kids ready for bed and have a good late-night workout. 

Best advice that you follow?

Be yourself, eat what the earth provides to you and remember that you are what you eat!

 Which SAMBASSADOR are you a fan of? Tell us in the comments below.

Kirra Bixby

Kirra Bixby is the Omni-Channel Marketing Manager at SAMBAZON and has been working in digital marketing for 7 years. Majoring in Communication and Media Studies with a focus on Journalism at the University of San Diego has provided her with a wealth of writing experience for different platforms and publications. Kirra is a lover of the outdoors, adventure, and all things Açaí, and enjoys sharing her perspective through digital media.

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