March 4th

How I Got Introduced to Surfing – A Late but Life-Changing Start

Being an Aussie, most people assume I grew up on the waves, paddling out as a grom at the age of four, catching my first waves before I could even ride a bike. But surprisingly, that wasn’t the case. My introduction to surfing didn’t happen in Australia at all. It happened in Indonesia, and not until 2019.

That year, I booked a volunteer trip to East Java, eager for the opportunity to give back, immerse myself in a new culture, and experience something different. The program involved community work, environmental initiatives, and cultural exchanges, but one unexpected addition to the itinerary was surfing. At the time, I had no idea that this one activity would completely change the course of my life.

I remember standing on the shore, watching the waves roll in, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness. Surfing had always seemed like this unattainable skill, something reserved for those who had been doing it since childhood. But as soon as I paddled out and caught my first small wave, something clicked. It wasn’t just about standing up on the board—it was about the feeling, the connection to the ocean, and the pure joy of gliding across the water.

That first surf session sparked something inside me, but just as quickly as I had discovered it, the world came to a standstill. The global p**d**ic put everything on pause, and for more than two years, I didn’t touch a surfboard again.

Fast forward to 2022—I returned to Bali, determined to pick up where I left off. This time, I wanted to truly understand the sport. It wasn’t long before I realised how little I actually knew—how much there was to learn about reading the ocean, understanding its unpredictable behaviour, and improving my technique.

Now, surfing is the foundation of my business, my lifestyle, and one of my biggest sources of inspiration. What started as a single, unexpected session in East Java has led me to create my own surf tour company and collaborate with Mel at Elation, blending my passion for the ocean with my work.

Looking back, I sometimes wonder what my life would be like if I hadn’t booked that trip. Would I have eventually found my way to surfing? Maybe. But I love that my introduction to it wasn’t the typical Aussie childhood experience. Instead, it happened exactly how it was meant to—at the right place, at the right time, in the middle of an adventure that was already shaping me in ways I couldn’t yet understand.

And that’s what I love most about surfing, it’s not just about riding waves; it’s about the journey, the people, and the places it takes you.

Still Learning, Still Loving It

At this point in my surfing journey, I’m still very much a student of the waves. I have a custom longboard and a mid-length that I switch between depending on the conditions and location. Every day in the water is a chance to learn!, some sessions feel like breakthroughs, others are humbling, but it’s rare that a surf ever feels like a waste of time.

Through it all, I’ve come to appreciate the importance of wearing surf suits that actually stay on. There’s nothing more frustrating than being distracted by a bikini that won’t stay put—or worse, a full-on wardrobe malfunction mid-wave.

Many girls ask me what is my go-to? The Mawi One-Piece. It’s been a game-changer for me, giving me the confidence to focus on my surfing instead of adjusting my suit. Honestly, I’m a little heartbroken whenever it hasn’t dried by the next morning! If I had to recommend a surf suit to anyone, without hesitation, it would be the Mawi One-Piece.

Here’s to the waves, the wipeouts, and the never-ending lessons that come with them🤍

Follow more of the journey on Instagram