As co-founder and Director of Coaching at Surf Getaways, Serena Adams is a role model and an inspiration for the team and everyone around her. Her energy, charisma and vast knowledge leave a mark on anyone that gets to meet her. Through this interview, you’ll get to know Serena better, learn about her connection with the ocean and get some tips and advice that will help you better understand your surfing journey.
Where are you from?
I grew up in the Southern part of Australia and now live on the East Coast, Byron Bay.
What do you do when you are not in the water?
Ok so you mean night time ha ha ha I have taken up surf skating, and I also do yoga and love to chill with my family. When not surfing I’m working on Surf Getaways too.
How long have you been surfing?
For over 40 years!
Why did you take up surfing?
My family is a surfing family so really didn’t have a choice, it was just what we all did. Now it's my mental health check, it keeps me settled and happy.
When did you become a surf coach?
When I was 16 my mum started a surf school and we signed up for the first surf coaching course in South Australia. I coached for my mum till I was 20 when I moved to the east coast and set up my own surf school.
Apart from the joy of surfing the waves, what else has surfing given you?
Surfing and being in the ocean gives me a peaceful space in my head. I feel calm and happy. It's my go-to when land life gets hectic.
What do you like the most about introducing to other women the world of surfing?
For me, there are two aspects of teaching women that I like most, firstly when they say it's the first time they’ve had time to themselves and were truly shut out from the rest of the world and emerged in the now. And secondly, the friendships that are made. Women from the same community brought together through surfing is so cool!
What would you say to a woman of any age considering trying surfing for the first time?
Come with Surf Getaways, we have your back and will teach you at your pace, enjoy the highs and work through the challenges. Why not? Age is not a barrier.
What is your favourite surfing accessory?
My 4x4 so I can get a group of my girls together and do a road trip, and surf off the beaten track. And when I’m not surfing, I love my surf skateboard.
What is the best piece of advice you give women when they are starting out?
Be present and set your goals and expectations realistically. Surfing is a lifetime experience, it's challenging and also rewarding, women can be so hard on themselves and it's important to let that go and find enjoyment in every session.
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 have met so many influencing women throughout my life. I am where I am today in my career because of the women that have believed in me and have taken the time to teach me how to believe in myself.
Tell us a fun fact about you
I love to laugh, I have a loud laugh which many people that know me, whether in the surf or on the land, will usually hear my laugh before they see me. One time I was on a reality tv show teaching one of the guests how to surf, when it went live my friend who I hadn’t seen in a long time dropped what she was doing in the other room ran into her living room as she thought “it can’t be but it sounds like Serena laugh" ha ha ha
If you’re feeling the need to meet Serena now, we totally get it. Join one of our Lennox Head Surf Programs or come on a Surf Holiday with us, chances are you'll end up meeting Serena at some point.
