In the latest issue of our “Meet The Team” Series, we’ll get to know Merome, our Surf Coach in WA. Merome has travelled to some amazing places and scoring some epic waves in different corners of the world. This great surfer, full of energy and funny chick is all good vibes! Keep reading to know more about her connexion with the ocean, how and why she became a surf coach and what inspires her.
Where are you from?
I live in Denmark, Western Australia currently. Previously I was in the Margaret River Region, WA.
What do you do when you are not in the water?
OOOOh cook, clean, make meals!! Ha ha!! Well, I’m also an Education Assistant, so I work at a local primary school too… And I am currently studying kinesiology. For fun and leisure, I love exploring, being on the water in a craft of some sort, walking up mountains, a bit of yoga, love music and I am an artist and a joey carer of orphaned joeys…hmm that should all keep my life full and interesting!
How long have you been surfing?
I have been surfing for 27 years! Holey Moley no wonder I’m so good!! He he just jokes.
When / how / why did you become a surf coach?
I love this. I was travelling around Oz, 18yrs old and not a very skilled surfer myself, but keen as mustard. We were in Broome and some fellow Margaret Riverians were running a surf school for the winter (when Broome weather is flawless and Margaret River is cold and onshore!) and one of the two brothers had burnt his hand, so they were looking for some help. I volunteered and that became part of my shadow coaching hours towards my surf coaching certificate. It was so fun!
Apart from the joy of surfing the waves, what else has surfing given you?
Time out from responsibilities, being in the moment, being surrounded by dolphins, surfing the same waves as dolphins, life long friendships, a husband (I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have won him over if it wasn’t for my backhand snap!), laughter, hoots, reflection time, frustration, cuts, bruises, resilience, physical strength and fitness, a life of beautiful memories and moments.
What do you like the most about introducing to other women the world of surfing?
That there’ll be more chicks in the lineup! More laughter and fun and a lighter energy for the surf. Also, it’s such a beautiful life to follow that it makes me so happy knowing that opportunity is gifted to someone else in the world.
What is your favourite surf break / location and why?
Wow this is a hard question! I have so many!! Indo boat trip in the Mentawais was a highlight, Gracetown WA has been a ‘home’ of surfing for me, Mexico was epic, New Zealand, Byron Bay….. so many beautiful places. And now Denmark tops it off!! Turquoise blue water is always a winner.
What is the best piece of advice or the number #1 surf tip you give women when they are starting out?
Don’t be hard on yourself, it takes a lot of time, especially if you’re new to the ocean and waves too. Make it about the journey, not the destination. Give back to the ocean too – take rubbish, plant trees, give love…laugh a lot.
If you're new to surfing, make sure you download our FREE beginners guide to surfing today!
Tell us about an empowering female in your life and how they influenced your life / career / surfing?
I really think my sister, my friends and the women I’ve coached with in Mexico are my inspiration. Always having fun in the water, hooting each other, being as stoked to watch a friend catch a wave as themselves, and now all the energy they give to their children in the water, helping them progress in a beautiful way. Also, the hard times surfing has helped us all through. I think of the ocean as a female – so ultimately it's her too, the ocean, my friend.
Tell us a fun fact about you, something non-surfing related
When asked what I studied, I say I studied travelology! Now I’m actually studying and not travelling so much, I may have to re-adjust it (but not exclude it!!!).
If you happen to be in WA, join us on any of our Surf Programs and share a wave with Merome, her knowledge and energy will definitely make a difference in your surfing and will brighten your day.
