Thrilling Three #1: Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins

From first turns to racing down spines in Alaska. Landing your debut ollie to airing out of a vert ramp. Popping up for the first time to being charging monster waves. From the novice to seasoned pros, there's a thread that runs through our sideways sports: that huge adrenaline rush, then serotonin high, of achievement each and every time you strap in, go for a roll, or paddle out.

Mazda have tapped into this natural buzz with their new ad campaign, Mazda Thrillseekers, so to celebrate their pushing of boundaries in car design, we're showcasing the most progressive women in surf, skate and snow right now: first up, Lyn-Z Adams Hawkins.

Easily the most successful skater ever - at just 20 - Lynz was born Lyndsey Hawkins in San Diego in 1989, she grew up between Cardiff-by-the-Sea, California as well as Sayulita, Mexico, and started surfing at just age 6.

Brother Tyler turned her on to skating soon after, when he enrolled her at the local YMCA where she joined him in the park. Athletic, tomboyish and rebellious, she quickly became a grom phenom, starting to compete age 11, then winning contests across the globe, to pick up sponsorship from Volcom, Nixon Watches, Birdhouse Skateboards, Oakley eyewear and more.

So why's she so thrilling? Here's our top five reasons why we heart Lynz:

1. She's one of very few skaters to ride Danny Way's 50 foot DC Mega ramp - and the only female -  which became the highlight of Oakley's all female film, Uniquely. Check out Lynz and Lauren Perkins section below:

3. She's appeared as playable character in Tony Hawk's skate gamers several times - firstly in Tony Hawk's Project 8, the second woman after Elissa Steamer, then again in Tony Hawk: RIde in 2009.

4. Alongside the Alliance for Action Sports' Mimi Knoop and Cara Beth Burnside, Lynz campaigned heavily for men and women to be rewarded the same prize money at the X Games, which after promising to fufill, became reality in 2008.