Ivanka Trump recently caught the attention of both fans and critics after being photographed surfing in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, during a relaxing family vacation. Clad in a black-and-white swimsuit, Ivanka confidently rode the waves while her children watched from the shore. The photos, which quickly circulated online, drew a range of reactions — from admiration of her athleticism and physique to deeper discussions about her current lifestyle choices.
This outing wasn’t just a casual beach trip. For Ivanka, it represented part of a broader shift in her public and personal identity. Since stepping away from her role as Senior Advisor in the White House, she has increasingly focused on health, wellness, and family. Surfing appears to be one of the latest additions to her active lifestyle, which also includes Brazilian jiu-jitsu, a discipline she has practiced for several years.
During a 2024 appearance on the Lex Fridman Podcast, Ivanka offered insights into her personal experience with surfing. She described it as a meditative, humbling, and empowering sport. “It feels really beautiful, you know, with no noise, no chatter, no distractions,” she said. “You just have to sort of be in it.” She expressed a deep appreciation for how surfing forces one to surrender to nature while still allowing for intentional decisions — such as choosing which wave to ride.
Ivanka went on to contrast surfing with other water sports, stating that where some are aggressive, surfing is more harmonious. She explained, “You’re not fighting it, you’re flowing with it.” She also shared her challenges with paddling out to sea and navigating the “impact line,” where successive waves can crash down. According to her, it’s the most demanding — yet rewarding — aspect of the sport.
This newfound love for surfing joins her long-standing commitment to jiu-jitsu, which began when her daughter Arabella expressed interest in learning self-defense. Ivanka not only supported her daughter’s ambition but eventually joined her in training at the Valente Brothers studio in Florida. This evolved into a family activity — with her sons, Joseph and Theodore, and husband Jared Kushner also participating.
For Ivanka, jiu-jitsu became more than a form of exercise. It helped build a sense of control, situational awareness, and confidence. “It gives me this calm,” she said. “Just knowing how to de-escalate rather than escalate a situation.” She emphasized how this awareness makes her feel more secure in public, especially in today’s often unpredictable environments.
Her wellness journey seems intentional and grounded. It’s not just about looking good — though many online commenters noted her toned figure — but about building a life of balance, strength, and peace. In one Instagram post from March 2025, Ivanka was seen sparring with one of the Valente brothers. The caption emphasized the spiritual and psychological benefits of jiu-jitsu, calling it “a path to physical confidence, mental clarity, and emotional balance.”
While Ivanka’s lifestyle choices have received praise, they’ve also sparked public discussion, especially when juxtaposed with media coverage of her father, Donald Trump. Around the same time Ivanka was being applauded for her vitality and wellness, photos of Donald Trump with visible bruising on his hand led to speculation and concern. The contrast between their public images — Ivanka’s as serene and health-conscious versus Donald’s as embattled and medically scrutinized — did not go unnoticed by commentators.
Ultimately, Ivanka Trump’s recent activities, including surfing and jiu-jitsu, reveal a woman who is consciously reshaping her narrative. No longer just a political figure or business heiress, she is emerging as a symbol of resilience, empowerment, and mindful living. Whether she’s paddling out into the surf or training on the mat, Ivanka appears focused on a chapter that prioritizes presence, strength, and personal growth.
