Girls rule the waves

Summer’s here and the surf’s up! Keen to get involved, we asked Kim Eulenstein of Girl Surf Network to share her hottest surf spots, some of the health benefits of hanging ten and how her platform is helping to unite female surfers worldwide.

Seven favourite surf spots around the world?

There are so many amazing surfing locations around the world! It’s hard to choose just a few. I’d have to start with my local, the Sydney Northern Beaches. Also Byron Bay and Snapper Rocks are some of my favourite Aussie locations. I’ve been lucky enough to travel overseas and surf Frigates Reef in Fiji, Solomon Islands, Hawaii and Mexico.

Six top reasons why everyone should give surfing a go?

Surfing is a great way to meet new people, enjoy the outdoors and exercise. It’s a relatively cheap sport. There are no fees involved – once you have a surfboard, wetsuit and sunscreen, you’re pretty much set for the year. Surfing can inspire travel and adventure in search of that perfect wave.

Five ways Girl Surf Network helps inspire and connect female surfers?

We aim to maintain a positive online platform via our social media accounts. Instagram and Facebook are great ways to network with other girls that share the same passion for surfing. We have an active website, girlsurfnetwork.com, that features female surfers at all abilities, all around the world. It lets the girls know that there are thousands of female surfers around the world. Our website has open forums where the girls can jump on and talk about anything and everything to do with surfing and surf lifestyle. We encourage positive, healthy lifestyles and have special guests contribute to the Network including professionals in health, nutrition, fitness, surf coaching, travel and the arts. We also run surf coaching sessions and overseas trips for the more adventurous.

Four best things about your job?

I love working in a positive, creative and motivational environment. I’m always meeting new people with amazing stories, talents and a thirst for adventure. I work with a pretty close-knit team of girls that always inspire me with my work. Also, being able to surf on the job is pretty good!

Three health benefits of hitting the surf?

Surfing can be quite strenuous at times. There can be a lot of paddling, duck-diving, pop-ups, breath holds etc. Exercise is definitely a plus factor. Surfing requires both cardio and strength, but it doesn’t always feel like a workout when you’re having fun! There is a great not-for-profit organisation out of Bondi called ONEWAVE. They use surfing as a means to fight depression, anxiety and other mental issues. Also we can’t forget about the precious vitamin D from the sun!

Two up and coming female surfers to keep our eye on?

There are so many girls shredding at the moment – it’s hard to single out just one or two. I’m working with a few up-and-coming juniors at the moment. I hope to see them grow into the world-class athletes they are aspiring to be.

One piece of advice you have for surfers starting out?

Make sure you put wax on your board!

Find out more at girlsurfnetwork.com