Sophia Tiare Bartlow was a 26-year-old surfer and champion stand-up paddler.

She resided in Oahu but is originally from Long Beach, CA. ^[3]She is remembered for her infectious smile and for being a loving spirit who cared deeply for others. ^[12]

Sophia was born and raised in Long Beach, CA and is a 3rd-generation surfer. Her grandmother Bobbie was a junior Olympic diver, surfer, and bodysurfer, while her mother, Jericho Poppler, was a world champion longboarder who helped found the International Professional Surfers’ female surfing tour in 1976. ^[1]

Sophia went on to attend the University of Hawaii and graduated with a degree in Anthropology.

Bartlow first joined the world paddle-boarding circuit in 2014 and in 2015 was ranked 12th in the 2015 Stand Up World Series women's ranking.

Her goal was to attain the 2017 world title.

^[10]

On January 28th, Sophia was a passenger in a pickup truck driven by Sage Candelaria when he lost control of the vehicle, crossed over the center line and struck a tree in the front yard of a residence.

Authorities say that Candelaria was speeding and was under the influence of alcohol. Sophia died at the scene while Sage was sent to the hospital with severe injuries. ^[10]