In our latest edition of ‘meet the team’ you’ll get to know one of our newest editions to the team, Maria Diepenbrock. As part of our team on the Gold Coast, Maria always has a smile on her face and you'll enjoy every session you join her for. See what Maria had to say when we asked her a few questions.
Where are you from?
I’m originally from the Canary Islands, but more exactly from the island of Tenerife, in Spain, but currently living on the Gold Coast.
What do you do when you are not in the water?
I do a lot of things actually! I train at the gym and outdoors, I really enjoy functional training and mobility exercises, they help me a lot in my surfing. I also do a bit of Muay Thai and wakeboarding in my spare time, along with working as a freelance video editor and videographer.
How long have you been surfing?
I received my first lesson when I was 22 years old... so 15 years ago now.
Why did you take up surfing?
I've always had a strong connection with the ocean. I was a child sailor thanks to my grandfather, as I spent my childhood on boats, going fishing and spending time at the beach. When I finally had the opportunity to try surfing, there was no turning back.
Apart from the joy of surfing the waves, what else has surfing given you?
Surfing has given me a lot. I've made new friends, travelled to new places to surf, have overcome fears, and learned from my mistakes. But above all surfing has taught me to eat healthy, train with goals, enjoy the process and live the life that I want to live.
What do you like the most about introducing to other women the world of surfing?
That these women have just started a journey where they will always be learning, and to helping them to believe in themselves. Through technique, exercises and understanding, everyone can surf.
What would you say to a woman of any age considering trying surfing for the first time?
I would tell her that your life is going to change after your first experience, that there is a new world and that the beach is no longer going to be for sunbathing. So don't wait any longer and contact Surf Getaways now to book your lesson 😀.
What is your favourite surf break and why?
This is a difficult question, I have a few, I would say Rainbow/Greenmount, in Coolangatta. Although it is a crowded spot, the quality of the waves and the surrounding landscape, makes it one of my favourites at the moment.
Tell us a fun fact about you, something non-surfing related
I love to find an excuse to dress up, at my gym they call me the dancing queen, and I am known for always carrying my speaker and microphone with me at all times. ‘Without music, life would be a mistake’ (Nieztche), is one of my fav quotes!
What is the #1 surf tip you give women when they are starting out?
My number one tip is to focus on your successes and not your failures. During and after every session you should think about what you have achieved. Just by the fact that you have gone into the water you have accomplished something. If you catch a wave and fall while standing up, you have two options. One, you can think that you failed because you fell, or you can think that you succeeded because you made a decision, you paddled with strength and purpose and caught the wave.
If you could give your younger beginner surfer some advice, what would you tell her?
I like to compare surfing with languages. Learning to surf is like learning a new language. A young brain has an easier time learning and the younger you start the more time throughout your life to enjoy the ride. So my advice is that if you like surfing, start now, you don't have to rush, you just have to keep the constancy and enjoy every surfing session. ‘The best surfer out there is the one having the most fun!’ (Phil Edwards)
If you’re ready to start your surfing journey, join us today in our monthly Surf Clinics in your local area or enjoy a full immersion in one of our luxury learn to Surf Tours around the world.
