We are completely stoked to be able to support the RSL at four events in 2024 with our sustainable Rapid Surf Fins.
]]>An independent culture with strong self-confidence has developed and since 2018 the best surfers have been competing annually in the Rapid Surf League. Season after season, the RSL tours the numerous rapid surf spots and determines the top notch rapid surfers.
We are completely stoked to be able to support the RSL at four events in 2024 with our sustainable Rapid Surf Fins. But we are just as stoked that some of our Ambassadors will be taking part and of course we are keeping our fingers crossed for them to finish at the top.
We will accompany each event with a blog entry and tell you about the most important events.
9.3.24 | L&T Hasewelle Pro | Osnabrück
read more →
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27.4.24 | The Riverwave Surf Open | Ebensee, Austria
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1.6.24 | RSL Berlin Pro | Wellenwerk, Berlin
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8.6.24 | RSL Hannover Pro | Enercity Leinewelle, Hannover
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Her brother is also a strong inspiration for Leah's music. As a professional musician and producer, he helped her develop her music taste and approach to playing instruments. Leah's journey with music has been fluid, skipping arpeggios and music sheets to instead learn her favorite songs by ear on the piano, guitar and bass.
During her five years in Australia, Leah studied sound engineering at the creative media institute SAE. "That was the first time I used recording equipment and software. It wasn’t until the past year at age 27 that I started recording my own music and mixing". Leah prefers a trial-and-error strategy, pursuing sounds she likes over following a musical formula.
For Leah, her music is all about the experience of sound and emotion. "For me with my music, it is all about how it sounds and feels". Without any fixed plans, she lets notes and melodies organically guide her creative process. "I don’t plan things out at all. I set myself up and find a melody or note that moves me and then go from there" she explains. Music allows her to lose track of time and just feel completely present. Although not every song may make an album, Leah enjoys the process itself. "It's like surfing - Even when you have a bad session, you always feel better after being in the ocean.”
Her first album, "Shine," was released on 5 January 2024 with 8 tracks. The songs feature an authentic lo-fi production style and lyrics that cover themes specific to Leah's journey, but relatable to many of us. "I wrote this after the end of a long relationship where I felt I had to be less of myself (strong, capable, athletic, independent) to make the relationship work… I think women often go through this experience." Shine symbolises the importance of not suppressing yourself to fit in someone else's shallow box..
With the single "Cupids Chain", which was released on 14 February 2024, Leah gives a foretaste of her upcoming EP "Crush Notes", which is due for release later in the year. "Better", the second single from "Crush Notes", will also be released on 1 March 2024. She is also planning to release instrumental tracks later in the year, which she is particularly looking forward to.
Leah's music project sunbreather is not only an artistic creation, but also a journey of self-discovery and exploration. Through her honest lyrics and gorgeous melodies, she invites her listeners to find themselves and celebrate their own authenticity. In a world where conformity is often prized, Leah reminds us that it's important to stay true to yourself and live out your passions unapologetically.
Of course you can also listen to Leah's Sunbreather tracks on our REBEL YELL Spotify Playlist.
Photos: Sydney Nash
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Malin's works are a fascinating fusion of art and nature and she describes them as Nature Material Artworks. For her pictures she uses self-made organic plastics.
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Her art rests on three pillars: photography, painting and organic art painting, based on marine and sustainability research. With her eye for beauty and passion for the environment, Malin creates works of art that celebrate the connection between humans and nature.
Malin's art is unique. She calls her works Nature Material Artworks and uses self-made, extremely sustainable organic plastics made from natural raw materials. “Organic plastic is, simply put - home-cooked plastic. A mix of water, glycerol, potato starch, and gelatine/agar agar slowly cooked together. It gets flexible and very resistant, but can also (if not treated with wax) dissolve into water again without doing any harm to humans or nature. This is just one of the materials I have experimented with during the past three years. Others are mycelium, kombucha scooby, and coffee- and clay leather,” explains Mali.
These bio-plastics are applied in liquid form to a Plexiglas plate and allowed to flow until they finally harden. The resulting flowing shapes evoke associations with sand, wind and waves, with the different colors and textures resulting from the different raw materials.
Through her art, Malin not only aims to create aesthetic beauty, but also raise awareness of environmental issues. She firmly believes that we can find ways out of the environmental crisis. “If we start taking interest in climate smart solutions, we can find a way to co-exist in harmony with nature again. This is what I want my art to awaken. This is why I choose organic materials” emphasizes Malin.
Her persuasiveness and positive attitude are also reflected in her answer to the question of why she chose this art form. "Why do I do this? I believe we as humans are flexible and smart. We can’t undo but we surely can redo. We are solution-orientated. And we want to do good," she explains.
Malin's art is more than just aesthetically pleasing - like all artists, it is a reflection of her values and beliefs. Through her unique approach, she inspires others to think about their relationship with nature and actively seek sustainable solutions. In a world struggling with environmental challenges, Mali's art reminds us that we are all part of a larger community - a community committed to protecting and preserving our precious nature.
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Every month, Jörg Tresp from Devil Duck Records will invite friends, record lovers and musicians to the ALBUM CLUB in the REBEL Shop to spend an evening discussing their favorite albums.
The Album Club #1
January 2024
With Carsten Schrader (Kulturnews) and Ronja Pöhlmann (Amber & The Moon).
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The start of the trip had to be postponed because Paco had to undergo various operations following a surfing accident. He is (almost) recovered and the adventure begins.
Part 1: Preparations and first stop Spain
"After a difficult year for Paco's health, and given that our motorhome has broken down, it was time to find our new home on wheels..."
Part 2: Spain, Galice to Portugal
"After two weeks on the road, we arrived in Asturias. Our friend Simon and his trusty T4 have joined us for part of the trip..."
"We arrived in Morocco on December 6 after a rather turbulent crossing. We passed through border control and then drove to the mountains and the town of Chefchaouen, a beautiful blue city renowned as the hashish capital..."
"The entire Sahara coast is an area guarded by the military. They are stationed every 500m along the beaches and cliffs. Some are very welcoming, allowing us to sleep on the spot and even offering to come and drink tea, while others forbid us to access the coast."
"Last fill-up before Mauritania, the pump attendant warns us that there is not much chance of finding petrol before Nouakchott, about 500km. It's going to be tricky, but we make the attempt with a small jerry can on the roof..."
"We did our first shopping in Senegal in a supermarket and found that everything was extremely expensive because it was imported. But it was the return of the beer that Paco had been waiting for..."
]]>For Maia, life is an exploration of forests, oceans, outer space and inner space. Her creations are a lyrical love song to existence itself, a celebration of compassion, connection, and the profound interrelatedness of all things.
Growing up between London city life and her grandad's cabin in the polish woods, Maia's childhood was a fascinating duality. She shares, "I was born in London, but the memories and nostalgia from my childhood are wrapped up in that cabin.“ This duality continues to inspire her, shaping her art.
A Silent Tale of Nature: "Wylder"
In her latest children's book, "Wylder," Maia tells a "silent" story, entirely through illustrations. She captures the essence of forests and the importance of gentleness, demonstrating compassion towards nature and each other. "A picture speaks a thousand words," she aptly says.
From Doodles to Dreams: A Journey of Art
While studying Hispanic studies at university, she finally felt the pull of her artistic side. “I challenged myself to do a sketch every day,” she recalls. Her love for art resurfaced and she developed her unique style.
Her artistic talent extends beyond traditional media; she also paints exquisite, dreamlike designs on surfboards and skateboards. This fusion of art and her love of surfing and nature is beautifully evident in her work.
Nature nourishes the soul
Beyond her art, Maia is an ardent forager of wild plants. "My love of foraging started at the cabin," she remembers. At home, she tends to her garden, growing her own food and embracing a slower, more deliberate way of life.
Living just a short walk from the beach in Cornwall, she finds solace in the ocean and surfing. “Surfing is good for the body and the mind,” she assures. It offers her the opportunity to disconnect and find joy in the simplicity of catching a wave.
In Maia Walczak's art and life, you'll discover a harmonious fusion of artistic expression, reverence for nature, and a deep connection with the world. Her journey is a testament to the beauty of embracing both city life and the serenity of the cabin in the woods. We invite you to explore her work and, like us, find inspiration in her celebration of life, nature, and art.
]]>In the lively world of sports, surprising ideas sometimes lead to great innovations. Football and surfing, which at first glance seem different, come together through their shared search for excellence.
The cleverness that characterizes well-known soccer players unexpectedly combines with the super-advanced technology that advances surfboard design.
Our Embassador Rod Cumba, who also works closely with his buddies at Lisbon Crooks and regularly tests our fins, presents an innovative approach that goes beyond the search for perfection and focuses on equipping surfers with the perfect tools to achieve their goal Improve your surfing experience. With 10SURFBOARDS, Rod and his friends have a vision and desire to reduce the impact of the surf industry in the world. They want to help surfers find the surfboard that makes sense or have 10SURFBOARDS make a board with the perfect properties.
"By combining great football and modern surfboard technology, we want to take surfing to new levels before surfers even get in the water. When we think of football, legends like Pelé, Diego Maradona and Lionel Messi immediately come to mind. With their skill on the field, their dedication and the ability to transform the ordinary into the extraordinary, they are true geniuses of the game. Similarly, we strive to see surfing as not just the conquering of waves, but as the art of capturing the spirit of the ocean and transforming it into a personal masterpiece."
Surfboard Technology: A Fusion of Art and Science
Nowadays, technology has arrived everywhere, including sports. In surfing, which once relied heavily on the skills of surfers alone, technology now plays an important role. The combination of innovation and tradition has resulted in tailor-made surfboards that are specifically tailored to the needs of surfers, improving their performance and their overall surfing experience.
A perfect score of 10 is a major goal in both soccer and surfing and represents the highest achievement. But in surfing, a perfect 10 means more than just riding the best wave. It symbolizes a profound shift in perspective – an approach to surfing and life that focuses on feeling good rather than just excelling.
"Our mission goes beyond helping improve each individual's surfing skills; it's about helping surfers experience the essence of surfing. We want the excitement, serenity and oneness with the ocean to be felt , which only a surfer can truly understand. Just as a soccer genius leaves an indelible mark on the field, we strive to empower enthusiasts to leave their mark on the waves - not through dominance, but through a harmonious fusion of Skill, technology and passion. With 10URFBOARDS we fuse football genius and surfboard technology, inviting everyone to ride the wave of innovation and reach new heights in the surfing journey.
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From their departure to the moments that unfolded on foreign shores, this is a narrative of their unforgettable journey to the heart of the Boardmasters experience.
'The trip was a tale meant to be told and retold. After an earlier trip to England, the urge to return was undeniable, especially for the Boardmasters. With Thilde Sofie Rasmussen as my travel partner, and a little help from the one and only Kim (aka dad), our journey was set. Packed car and eager hearts, we hit the road for Cornwall. Yes, we drove – a long drive, but having the van there was a game-changer. No more car-packing marathons, just uninterrupted driving.
After reaching Cornwall, and a tad of ghost hunting for our accommodation, we were all set. Isolated in the middle of nowhere, no-signal, with the company of both ghosts and our host Rosemary. She made us some fantastic breakfast in the morning if it wasn’t at 6 am…we explored the area, soaked in Newquay's vibes (despite the festival crowds), met some friends, and enjoyed the competition atmosphere.
Wednesday, we had the most magical surf with the Rebel Surf team – waves, sunset, and surroundings coming together in pure magic. Bella Rose, sweet and talented, took some lifestyle and water pictures from that evening.
As the others were getting out of the water, me and Thilde decided to stay for a few more waves. We “forgot” that it took us 15 minutes to walk to the beach from the car. As we got out of the water and had to find our way back to the car, we got totally lost… We walked around for such a long time, waving at car (they must have thought we were crazy...!) and as one kind soul finally stopped and helped us find the car, we almost made it. We had talked about how it would be such a pity if one of us stepped in dog shit, and only 50 meters from the car, I obviously did… Bella's search for us was a heartwarming twist, and she lent me a hand (well, water) to clean up. What a day indeed.
Friday it was finally time to compete. I was in the hardest heat of my entire life. I did what I could and didn’t make it through. Still very happy about my heat and always learning something new.
Then it was Thilde's turn, and she blazed through to the semis – an absolute legend in the making!
Sunday marked Thilde's last day in the surf and our journey to Dover. We soaked in the finals' awe-inspiring performances, relished in delicious pasties thanks to Beth, and embarked on a ferry ride to France. 12 hours of continuous driving later, Thilde's triumph shone.
Looking back, it was an amazing trip. SO much fun, so many great people and one of the best surfs in my life!
Written by
Freya (Rebel Rider)'
One week later we caught up with Rebel Rider Beth Leighfield to give us the low down.
'The Boardmasters is always one of my favorite events of the year in the UK. It's so nice to meet and share waves wirh people from across the world. When I heard fellow Rebel team rider Freja and her friend Thilde were making the trip to England by van I was excited to meet up and show them what Cornwall had to offer. A 18-hour drive door to door is no mean feat, especially when you factor in having never driven on the other side of the road.
We arranged a rendezvous with the Rebel crew at a little roadside car park, somewhere near Perranporth beach. The aim of the session was to link up with my photographer pal, all around legend, Bella Bunce, escape the hustle of Fistral beach and find some secluded peelers (you would be surprised how much a 20-minute walk from car to surf can often put people off getting in). Whilst we waited for the Portuguese contingent to arrive, Freja and Thilde began recounting tales of their haunted accommodation experience the night before (think 15th century cottage, no signal and doors moving on their own). Despite the sleep deprivation and ferry sickness, they didn’t seem phased by their mammoth journey, no doubt fuelled by the stoke of being on a surf trip in a foreign country without their parents.
As we suited up, I began to feel that nervous hosting anxiety that comes with wanting to show new friends your home and make sure everyone has a good time. Fast forward three hours and turns out I had no need to worry. Cornwall pulled through with the magic and we were blessed with waist high peelers to ourselves until sunset. It was incredible sharing our Cornish line up with such a group of talented loggers. After the session Joao’s young brother Antonio claimed it was one of the best surfs of his life. I will let Bella’s amazing photos do the rest of the talking:
Feeling energised from our surf, everyone’s minds turned to the competition. Across the weekend the forecast was looking like a mixed bag of small wind swell and 8ft+ onshore gale conditions. Not quite your ideal logging days. Looking at the heat sheets the night before, myself and Freja were drawn in the same first round heat. With Joao being seeded straight into round 2.
The day of the competition we arrived early to be greeted by 2-3ft wobbly faces, which considering the report we were all happy to see. Freja and I, had a trickier first heat up against a world longboard tour competitor. Freja surfed stylishly the whole heat, with smooth cross steps and soul arch fives. It was a close heat and I think a bit of local knowledge helped me edge the 2nd place position, progressing on. It was Freja’s first big international competition, at only 17 she’s one to watch for the future.
Joao sailed through his first heat, and despite performing some sick pocket hang tens bowed out in the quarters with a respectable 9th place. Chatting to Joao afterwards we discussed the state of the current European WSL tour, being a one event qualifier for the world tour doesn’t make it a very fair pursuit – but that’s a whole different blog post.
Thilde and I fought our way through to finals day and surfed our semis at low tide where the main concern was paddling out and not getting stuck on the inside. We both finished the event with a 5th European place. It was a big learning curve that we completed in some challenging surf. Next year we all have our sights set on a podium for the Rebel team.
For all of us, regardless of the actual competition the event was a great chance to meet new people from different cultures and share our love for longboarding. Plus, the hundreds of music acts, DJS and bars makes the elimination a little easier to handle. Finally, for the Danish girls, no trip to Cornwall could be complete without trying a Cornish pasty. For those of you who don’t know, the Cornish pasty is arguably one of the great British delicacies. Dating back to the 15th century, the pasty is a savoury pastry traditionally filled with meat, potatoes and vegetables. The crimp served as a handle for the miners, to avoid arsenic and heavy metal poisoning from the mines.
After eating it Freja gave it a 11/10, so I’ll take that. Big up Cornwall.
Last but not least, a big well done to the winners Alice Lemoigne and Eduardo Delpero taking the win in some challenging log waves.
Signing off
Beth (Rebel Rider)'
]]>In 2022 we sponsored the Nova Surf Club Festival in Portugal for the first time. It was an exciting opportunity to share our enthusiasm for surfing in a place where diverse people and cultures come together to create a new community. We spoke with Katja (a student and member of the club) to find out more about the background of the surf event and explain how you can become a part of the community yourself.
Who and what is behind the Nova Surf Club?
The Nova Surf Club is run by students from the Nova School of Business and Economics in Carcavelos, Lisbon. Our goal is to connect young people through surfing and other water sports. The Nova Surf Club makes surfing accessible to all Nova SBE students* by organising events around surfing. From surf trips, parties and surf sessions to competitions, summits and talks.
How did the club come into being?
NSC was founded by former national champion and Nova Alumni, Francisca Santos.
When did you start hosting a surf competition and with what mission?
The surf competition was held in 2017. Since then, we have constantly been developing the competition and try to organise one every semester (twice a year). Due to COVID the contest could not take place for a few years. However, we have come back from the break more motivated and stronger. We learn more with every surf contest and it is impressive to see what motivated students who share the same passion can achieve, alongside studying full time.
The surf contest aims to promote not only surfing and the associated lifestyle, but also the social aspect and networking within the Nova University community. At the same time, the contest provides visibility for our partners*.
Tell us about the most recent event.
The 6th version of the Nova Surf Contest was held as a surf festival in Costa de Caparica (near Lisbon) on 8th October 2022. For the first time, the contest was held as a day festival. In the process, our vision expanded into a larger initiative involving more than 15 universities in the Lisbon region. The surf festival included, amongst other things, two surf competitions, yoga and workout classes, a volleyball tournament, a beach market and a sunset closing party. Proceeds from the events will be donated.
Who can participate in your event?
Students* from Nova University - international students as well as alumni can participate in the surf competition. The festival is open to everyone, and everyone is welcome to watch the surf competition, stroll through the beach market, participate in the workouts or just enjoy the atmosphere and music on the beach. At our surf competition in October, more than 500 athletes* participated and more than 1000 visitors* attended.
Do you already have something planned for 2023?
In 2023 we want to organize another surf competition/ festival. We are still amazed by the amount of positive feedback and resonance from the last surf festival and are excited to kick off the new year. This time we want to improve and surpass our last competition. We are always learning and are looking forward to holding our next surf event in spring (probably in May).
How can others participate?
Previously, you could register for the surf contests online via Instagram or on our website. Tickets for the Sunset Party could be purchased directly from the organiser "Hungry4". No tickets are needed for the day time beach market or to be a spectator. Everyone is welcome, which aligns with our motto and goal: to connect people through surfing and create a community.
All information about the upcoming Nova Surf Club Event 2023 can be found on social media and on the Nova Surf Club website.
Written by Laura Nederkorn
For almost exactly two years now, Rebel has been supporting Provide The Slide in their mission to help surfers in Africa to live out their passion. To do this, PTS collect unused or defective surfboards, repairs them and then donates them as complete sets (including fins, leash and surf wax).
In our interview, co-founder Simon talks about the work at Provide The Slide and reveals how you can give your broken surfboards a second (and very meaningful) life.
How did the Provide The Slide NGO come about?
The deciding factor was a trip we took together to Liberia in 2019, after which Chris took the initiative to collect materials for our surf buddies we met out there. A few months later we founded the association "Provide the Slide". We both live in Switzerland (Bern) and this is also where the association is registered. Since the foundation, Tino and Basti from Germany have also joined us.
How did the idea come about?
We already knew before the trip to Liberia that there was a shortage of surf equipment on site. So we took two boards each, which we then, at the end of the trip, handed over to the local community. However, it was obvious that this was just a drop in the ocean and that there was a much greater need. We thought there was enough unused surfing material in Europe and since Chris works for an NGO that exports bikes to Africa, we saw a way to get the material to the West African coast at a reasonable cost.
Was there a particular event that sparked the creation of PTS?
When we let it be known in Robertsport that we would give away our boards after the vacation, the problem was to decide which surfers we would give our boards to. The surfers there asked us to give the boards to someone personally, so that the ownership would be clear. The person would then share the board with his friends. We wished we had a few more boards with us.
The driving force after that was definitely Chris. He had a vision, already had experience through his work and knew what the next steps needed to be. For me as a physical therapist, this was all pretty new, but I let my curiosity guide me. Very soon we realized that the idea of giving a second life to unused and broken surfboards made a lot of sense and generated a great response from surfers.
What is your role at PTS? Do you work full time for the NGO?
All work for PTS is voluntary, we all work for this project in our spare time. I am responsible for managing the hardware, I have over 100 boards in my garage with major and minor defects and a bunch of accessories. Most of my work is to make the boards water-tight again and assemble sets. We only export complete sets (board, leash, fins, surf wax). It is important to us that the quality is high and that the boards have as long a second life as possible in Africa.
Furthermore I am responsible for the finances and accounting. Besides that there are many small tasks like public relations, partner support and logistics.
I think that by now all four members are doing more than ten hours of volunteer work per week.
How big is your team in total?
Until recently, there were four of us. I met Tino and Basti through Chris and the project. The small team complements each other perfectly and everyone can play to their strengths. At the moment, the registration of PTS Germany is in progress. To comply with the law in Germany, we have added four more friends to the organization. Not to forget a bunch of friends and volunteers. In the end, we are all united by the fascination of surfing.
How are your projects financed?
In the beginning from our own pockets. Later from the sale of donated equipment. Now we have private and public institutions supporting us. This allows us to cover the running logistics, storage and repair costs.
What is your goal?
At a team meeting in the Swiss mountains, when we all met in person for the first time (Corona sends its regards), we formulated the following goals, among others: Primarily, as avid surfers, our goal is to help other surfers live out their passion. Secondly, it is our intention that PTS will no longer be needed in the future, because our partner communities will be able to produce or procure surfing equipment themselves.
This empowerment has become the second pillar of our activities. In addition to providing material, we also try to provide know-how and contacts in order to promote the independence of surfers in Africa.
What are the main obstacles for PTS achieving these goals?
On the one hand, there are large geographical and cultural distances to bridge, and on the other hand, we have only been on the road with PTS for three years, and there is still a lot to learn. We have now shipped surfboards to seven different West African countries, often to places where surfboards didn't even exist before. We've planted the seed. But what is emerging on the ground from the communities we are only just observing now. But there are very positive indications.
What has been your most exciting project with PTS so far and why?
The collection tour in autumn through Spain was a highlight, because I could combine surfing and working. By now we are known to a larger audience and doors are opening for partnerships with interesting institutions and exciting people. Often these are people who have also traveled to remote places through surfing and know the joy you can bring to a person when you lend or give them your board.
What are PTS's plans for 2023?
The plan is to make a big delivery to Sao Tomé, where we will be working with www.somasurf.com. Here we support an existing project that provides surf therapy for women. Every year there is also a project trip where existing projects are visited and evaluated. In what form this will take place in 2023 is still unclear.
What is the best way to support PTS?
There are many ways, the easiest is to Follow/Share us on Instagram. And to visit our website and spread the message that there is an organization like PTS. If person has no material to donate, we are also happy for monetary donations. For 70 Euro a surf set will find a new owner and for 5000 Euro we can load a shipping container with about 80 boards and handle all the logistics and customs formalities.
And last but not least, we are always looking for people who are willing to repair broken surfboards for a good cause. SurfUpcycling!
What does surfing mean to you?
I don't really want to inflate this term. For me it's a nice way to pass my time. Nowhere else am I so in constant contact with an element as I am with surfing.
On every surf trip I meet people who become really good friends and form a kind of surf family for me.
Your tip for a more sustainable surf world?
Educate yourself, there are lots of small start ups and initiatives that make eco surf gear, like Rebelfins, who press fins out of recycled plastic. The technology is there, it's up to us to make that choice.
Repair your boards, use the fellow surfers exchange on Facebook and other social networks, meet like-minded people and make surfing a water community sport and not a single engine sport.
]]>Written by Lottie Lewis
Our East Coast ambassador Autumn Kitchens caught the surfing bug from a young age, when she was given a surf lesson in New York for her birthday. Her love for the sport has only grown, as she now teaches surfing and plans to travel the world, board under arm. We caught up with our new team rider about her obsession with the sport, her home breaks and what the future holds…
How has surfing shaped your life?
I’ve been surfing since I was 15, which sometimes feels a bit late, but it very quickly gave me a community of water people that taught me patience, joy, and consistency, centred around the ocean. In these most recent years surfing has become pretty much the centre of my life. When I’m not surfing, I’m teaching surfing or working at a surf shop. I’m always trying to learn as much about the sport and the ocean as possible. It continues to teach me about myself and life in general.
Can you tell us a bit about the surf school you work at?
I’ve worked at New York Surf School for the past 7 summers. I learned how to surf there and was first introduced to what community centred around the ocean could look like. New York Surf School is one of the first surf schools in Rockaway started by Frank Cullen. I haven’t really been anywhere that encompasses the retro and “surfer” energy of surfing as much as New York Surf School. The school really takes on stoke and a passion to in-still that energy into the students.
I also teach with Laru Beya, a non-for-profit that provides surf lessons for students who wouldn’t necessarily be able to afford surf lessons. The organisation mentors students and provides a safe space for children. They aren’t only a student based organisation, they are a surf collective, and a family. I had a really horrible experience in the water and it was recommended that I surf with Laru Beya because they provide such a safe environment for their students and volunteers. I started working and volunteering with them after that incident. They completely took me in and although I took on a role as a mentor, they invested in me by really welcoming me into their family. My life and the lives of others are consistently better because of the work they’re doing.
What are the waves like in NYC?
The waves in NYC are interesting. They’re fun and fast. Sometimes it’s closing out. Sometimes there are consistent clean 2ft waves. Sometimes it’s completely flat, like this past summer. But if you can learn to surf really well in NYC, I think you have a slight advantage when you surf other breaks.
Where’s your favourite place to surf?
Rockaway has the number 1 spot in my heart but besides home, my favourite place to surf has probably been Nicaragua. I went on a surf retreat there and it completely changed my approach to surfing. There were so many different kinds of waves and I just had a blast. I’m really excited to spend this next year traveling for surf. I might have a different answer in a years time!
What are your travel plans for the future?
I’m planning to spend a month in Costa Rica and a month or two in Bali during the winter. I’m so excited. Costa Rica will be more of a solo trip and then Bali will be a trip with some epic surfers who are my friends, too.
Can you tell us about the wellness retreat you’d like to open?
Growing up, I was always dealing with ailments of the body. Seeing a myriad of specialists for my stomach, allergies, muscles and more. No one could really help make it better other than the holistic approaches that my mom was aware of. At a really young age, I learned the role and impact that stress could have on the body. I also learned that mindfulness and prioritising overall wellness could change your life. I want to create a place that takes on holistic health and wellness centred around the ocean. I’d like it to be a haven where people come to understand the way the systems in their body are connected and are impacting each other, then learn how they can positively impact these systems. Meditation, diet, exercise, and energy work are all things that have impacted my health positively. The water has a way of making people more still and in-tune with nature, which is why I’d like it to be ocean centred.
Why do you believe wellness is so important to humanity?
I feel like sometimes we are all on this hamster-wheel. Just making it through the day, not listening to our bodies, or overriding the messages it gives us. If we all gave more attention to our overall wellness, I don’t think people would be operating on such a deficit. Wellness prioritises self care and the only way you can give back to anyone is to be okay yourself. It’s like a cycle. If you look up wellness, you’ll see something about the balance of mental and physical health along with the importance of diet. You might also see the importance of the major parts of life like social, environmental, and even spiritual health. Wellness is self care which shouldn’t be a radical idea because it’s necessary.
Any other big dreams and plans for the future?
I really want to be the best surfer I can be in this lifetime. I want to see the world and impact it in a positive way.
Can you also tell us about the fundraising project you're working on to finance the surf school?
Laru Beya operates completely on donations, grant finances, and help from volunteers. To help provide equipment and transport for this growing organisation we put on a couple of events to help raise money. We are raffling some amazing items like boards that were made by one of our mentors who is a local shaper, who was also once a mentee within the organisation.
We’re so happy to be supporting Autumn on her journey to becoming the best surfer she can be, and watching her travel and grow. If you’d like to follow Autumn’s story too, you can click here to check out her Instagram.
]]>Every year since 2014, a small coastal town in Portugal called Figueria da Foz welcomes surfers and beach-lovers from all over the world to celebrate waves, crafts, music, art, food and Portuguese wine.
]]>Written by Lottie Lewis
“Just as barnacles spend their lives clinging on to the hull of ships, surfers live theirs clinging on to their boards, gliding over the waves, they are Gliding Barnacles.”
Every year since 2014, a small coastal town in Portugal called Figueria da Foz welcomes surfers and beach-lovers from all over the world to celebrate waves, crafts, music, art, food and Portuguese wine. The festival was originally born from a motion called SOS Cabedelo, a movement to save the locals’ beloved wave from urban expansion. Upon winning their wave, the team behind the project decided it was important to share what they had saved. A surf festival called Gliding Barnacles was born.
The event now has sister-events worldwide and is endorsed by Vans. Each year the smoothest boardriders descend on the sleepy town, waking it up with spectacular surfing, cinema nights, eating and drinking into the evenings and celebrating the wonderful coastline of west Portugal. The Gliding Barnacles event is a week-long ode to classic surf culture.
This year Rebel ambassador Iker has been invited to take part in the longboard event, and our team riders Vasco and Joao will also be attending the festival in the hopes of scoring a place in the runnings via the trials. Enjoy boys!
Would you like to get involved? Head down to the beaches of Cabo do Mondego in Figueria da Foz in September. The event will last for nearly an entire week, and you’re sure to meet some incredible surfers, see beautiful art, learn about the history of surf culture in Portugal and sink a beer or two as the sun sets over the Atlantic Ocean. Have one for us!
]]>Marine is our ambassador in Northern France, hailing from wild Brittany. She’s been in the water since the age of 3, and has progressed from bodyboarding to shortboards, longboards and SUPs. When she’s not competing or surfing for fun, Marine likes to draw, read and tidy, which she told us about when we asked her, “What do you do when it’s flat?”
]]>Marine is our ambassador in Northern France, hailing from wild Brittany. She’s been in the water since the age of 3, and has progressed from bodyboarding to shortboards, longboards and SUPs. When she’s not competing or surfing for fun, Marine likes to draw, read and tidy, which she told us about when we asked her, “What do you do when it’s flat?”
Read about her less-watery passions below.
Drawing:
“I draw whenever I feel inspired or bored. It has the capacity to make me feel better. Sometimes I just want to throw the entire sketchbook away, but I avoid this by drawing on single sheets of paper - even if there’s something already on it!"
"I use a lot of techniques, like watercolour, pen and paint. I’m more into drawing landscapes and characters, but I like to draw abstract things sometimes too. Wild landscapes, like the ocean or mountains, are my favourite things to draw, because the illustration is made up of a lot of elements, which work harmoniously with one another. Just like in real life.”
Reading:
“Apart from surfing, reading has to be one of my favourite activities. I can read anything, anywhere. When I was younger, I remember being obsessed with my mother’s bookshelf. She often wondered where all her books had disappeared too! She’s the one who helped me to discover the fantastic worlds within books; I remember her reading Harry Potter to me when I was barely 6. Today, fantasy is still one of my favourite genres, alongside fictional history. I also like psychological and philosophical books.
I don’t buy books very often. I prefer searching for them in my family home, or in old libraries, where they sell or donate books which are about to be thrown away. For me, every book has its own history, inside and out, so I don’t mind if the book is a little torn.
One of the reasons I love reading so much is that you can escape into another world for a moment. It feels good to ignore all the pressure we have nowadays.”
Storage:
“It may seems weird, but I like to tidy. Surfing is a sport where you don’t have control of everything, much like life. For this reason I tend to clean and tidy my stuff, and it makes me feel better. It feels like I’m sorting out my head at the same time as the room I’m cleaning. During this time I think, listen to music, accept and realise what’s on my mind and make space for new things, both literally and metaphorically.
I throw away what is broken and can’t be repaired (if this is really the case), and I recycle or donate what I don’t need anymore. This way, it’s better and useful for everyone.
As an athlete, I think it’s really important to have a certain control over what you have, it’s a part of the balance. If you have too many things on your mind, you won’t be able to perform as well as you could do. For this reason, tidying things up for me is not only a hobby, but also a need.”
If you’re enjoying these insights into the lives of the Rebel Ambassadors, then make sure you check back for more entries into, “What We Do When It’s Flat”.
You can find out more about Marine by clicking here.
]]>Written by Lottie Lewis
“First of all you have to know that we are not surfers, at least not the ones you are used to. We prefer football, a good bottle of wine, and some nice Portuguese food, and friends to go along with it. The truth is that we started to make surfboards, not only because we love the waves and the ocean, but also because we didn’t relate with the surf scene or the surfers around us, and we just wanted to do something for us and our friends. Simple, fun and adequate surfboards for every type of wave and surfer. And we have been very happy making some money doing what we love.”
The Lisbon Crooks are a Portuguese duo who we’ve admired for a while. Long-time Rebel team rider Rod makes up one half of the pair, and his style, musical flare and outlook on life has us hooked. Together with Nuno, the boys shape boards that are fun and unique, to be enjoyed no matter the conditions. “Our customers, who become friends, aren’t always the best surfers in the water, but they are always the ones having most fun.”
The idea for the Lisbon Crooks originally formed when Jamie, an Australian friend, introduced them to shaping. But the surfing bug bit the boys long before then. “When we were kids we were getting waves on a broken piece of styrofoam until our bellies got so red and painful that we couldn't do it anymore.” Nuno mentioned that his first surfboard came from “one of the rich kids in Cascais”, which he cut the nose off (the board, not the kid), painted it, then went back to make friends. We aren’t sure if he’s kidding or serious though. When asked about he most memorable board he ever shaped he said, “The first one. It’s a piece of shit, but it still floats and always puts a smile on my face.”
They also share our view on sustainability. “We believe that producing and consuming less is the key to do good to ourselves and the planet. With this in mind, we don’t produce surfboards to have in stock. We just do custom surfboards by order, and we only have a selection of ten surfboards in our quiver that everyone can test, rent, buy and exchange for a better world.” Nuno added, “It's an everyday thing, not only in what we do within the factory, but also how we live our lives.” They use Polyola recyclable blanks, which are the first ever Polyurethane surfboard blanks made of foam created from recycled materials. “We love these guys and we have been making surfboards using their blanks. Truth is that surfing is still a very ugly and dirty industry and it needs to change. These guys are going in the right direction and we are tagging along.”
We recently supported Rod to shape a couple of boards. One for him, one for our shop. We caught up with him to find out how it was riding; “Since I got the board I am trying new tricks, specially air manoeuvres. From the many things I like about this board, the tail and the rocker are the main ones. The idea of this shape was a combination of other boards I have and a few models from big surfboard brands. So far the best fin set is two plus one - two big twin fins and a small one in the middle. This type of surfboard pushes me to be more precise. It sacrifices paddling but it increases fun, and that's a priority for me. Soon I'll reproduce the same board, adding some foam. I’ve had some amazing boards and this one is surely one of the best!”
So, if you fancy a slice of the Crooks style, then get in touch with the boys. They even run a try-before-you-buy policy, if you’re unsure what you’re after; “We have our test surfboards that you can rent, but most of the time we let our friends take new surfboards out, and then we discount the price of the renting when they bring them back. This way we give you the possibility of surfing with a cool and new board, and not the shitty ones you normally find at rental places.” Plus, you don’t have to be in the area to score a fresh stick off the Lisbon Crooks, “No matter where you are, we can get the surfboard to arrive without a scratch. Let us know where and we will send you some quotes. At the moment we’re sticking solely to Europe, from other places just buy a ticket and come get it yourself.” They also said they’ll offer wine to everyone who buys a board from them, so what are you waiting for?
Written by Lottie Lewis
We are proud to have Camilo Abdula on our team of riders. The 42 year old lives in Sines, Portugal and competes in adaptive surfing and parasurfing championships. Camilo explained, “I was born with a deformation on my left arm and for that reason I am a parasurfing athlete. Surfing for me is a way of life, an escape from everyday stress.”
Rebel writer Lottie caught up with Camilo about his competitive career, his love of the ocean and the future of adaptive surfing…
When did you first start surfing?
I started surfing when I was about 13 years old due to the influence of my brother and friends. As Sines has many beaches for the practice of activities related to the sea, the street games were replaced by the ocean and this became our favourite meeting place. At the time, my brother, who already practised bodyboarding, offered me one of his boards and, despite my disability, this did not prevent me from accompanying him on his adventures. Whilst it was sometimes difficult, we always returned home with good stories from our days out surfing. After the age of 18 I changed my bodyboard for a surfboard, because I felt that I couldn't evolve much more in bodyboarding. At the same time surfing started to grow and change in our area, and that was the incentive for another challenge. I always liked challenges...
What has been your biggest achievement in the competition circuit?
I only started competing officially in 2018 after I got in touch with the Portuguese Surfing Federation who, a year earlier, had participated in the adapted surfing world championship. I talked to my family and decided to move forwards with the sport. I found it so interesting, as I was not really aware of other athletes with disabilities in the Portuguese surfing world. My biggest achievement has been obtaining 4th place in the 2022 Parasurfing World Championships, that took place in Pismo Beach, California, USA.
What is the atmosphere like at adaptive surfing competitions?
Above all there’s a great friendship and camaraderie between all athletes, but also moments of learning, competition and respect for surfing.
What does surfing and the ocean mean to you?
Surfing is my DNA. When I am in the water I feel alive. The sea challenges me to be stronger, to be competitive and to overcome my fears. The sea is where most of my friends are from. I also gained the respect of not only friends, but my competitors, from spending dedicated time in the ocean.
Do you have any words of advice for people wanting to get into competing in adaptive surfing?
My advice is simple: Go for it! Don't be afraid. The secret is in training and showing that we are capable of overcoming our challenges. Nothing is impossible.
What do you see for the future of competitive adaptive surfing?
The future seems bright to me, because there are more and more adaptive surf athletes in the various categories and, most importantly, they are younger and younger. I also believe that the moment that adaptive surfing becomes a Paralympic sport, it will become more competitive and we will witness a great evolution of the sport.
To learn more about Camilo you can click here to view his ambassador profile, or check out our Rebel Surf Calendar to see where he’ll be competing next.
]]>Want to extend the life cycle of your surfboard fins? Read on to find out our top 3 tips to make them last, even after you’ve finished with them.
Broken fins - not an uncommon problem, especially in wave pools and river waves. But even when surfing in the ocean, a number of things could happen that cause you to lose a fin, especially on reef breaks.
Our Rebel team extensively test all materials to ensure that our surf fins last as long as possible. However, this alone isn’t always enough. So, here are a few tips and tricks to avoid common buying mistakes, plus information on how you can support us in our mission to make the surfing world a little bit more sustainable.
1. Reduce - Buy consciously and selectively
We believe that less is more, and only reduced consumption can help create a more environmentally friendly world. In addition, it’s a matter of urgency that we not only reduce but eliminate the plastic found in our waterways and oceans. To prevent plastic pollution, we need to consider the following:
If you prefer to surf in the ocean, you can use our classic thrusters, twins or single fins.
2. Reuse - Exchange, instead of buying everything new
Since it’s rare for an entire fin set to break all at the same time, you can order the replacement fins you need individually! Just send us an email on hello@rebelfins.com or use our contact form with an exact product description and which fin you lost. We will send you the corresponding replacement fin. For a thruster set, the price of a single fin is 1/3 of the total price. For a twin set ½.
3. Recycle - Recycle, instead of throwing away
It’s not always possible to save broken fins from the depths of the water. However, if you manage to grab it, or find one on the beach, send them our way! We collect fins that are no longer surf-able, sort them, and process them into new fins. So, before you dispose of your supposedly ‘unusable’ fins, you can send them to the following address:
REBEL FIN CO.
c/o Ingo Uhl GmbH
Quickbornerstr. 27
25494 Borstel-Hohenraden
Not in the mood for shipping? You can find our Rebel broken fin collection boxes at various standing waves, promoting a closed economic cycle. They are placed at these locations:
- Hasewelle, Osnabrück
- Wellenwerk, Berlin
- blackforestwave Surfwelle, Pforzheim
- The Riverwave, Ebensee
- Surf Langenfeld, Langenfeld
- Mühleschleuse wave, Thun
- Jochen Schweizer Citywave, Munich
- Nuremberg perm, Nuremberg
- Rapid Surf Langenfeld Surf Wave
Whilst it’s easy to retrieve broken or lost fins from wave pools, its much more difficult in river waves. The solution? River clean-ups. We took part in one at the blackforestwave. Does your river wave need a spring clean? It’s always worth asking! Some places even recruit special divers to gather and dispose of rubbish and waste.
What is easy with wave pools is much more difficult with river waves: the retrieval of broken surf fins. The solution is offered by river clean ups, like last April at the blackforestwave or special divers. Maybe your wave also offers a clean up? It's worth asking!
]]>Yook creates CO2 transparency in e-commerce. We are happy to be part of this mission and show you how you too can be part of it with just one click.
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Yook's mission is climate protection. Therefore, the company from Hamburg offers CO2 transparency as a service for eCommerce sellers, to make the future of online trade more eco-friendly. We are proud to be a part of their mission!
In our interview with climate activist and founder Varena, you can learn how Yook works, which climate protection projects are supported and how you can make your shopping more environmentally friendly with just one click.
How did the idea for Yook come about?
Yook co-founder Antoine and I have been moving forward with the initiative since September 2020. After working for a long time on climate protection in the mobility and energy sectors I realised that there was still a huge gap, especially when it came to consumption. The lack of transparency for shoppers makes it difficult for consumers to make eco-conscious decisions. I wanted to develop a way that allows everyone to do something for climate protection with just one click. Super simple, fast and uncomplicated.
Was there a specific moment of inspiration for the foundation?
There wasn’t a specific event, but a catalyst was the emotions you go through when shopping. Firstly, it’s easy to get lost in greenwashing, and secondly, we wanted to eliminate the guilty conscience caused by consumerism. Every purchase decision we make is also a climate decision. Yook helps with this without pointing fingers, in an easy and simple way.
Who is behind Yook?
We are a diverse team of 10 spread across Europe, consisting of permanent employees, working students and freelancers. As the founder, I am responsible for our partnerships with online stores and product development.
What is the goal of Yook?
Our goal is to enable sustainable options where purchasing decisions are made, whether by companies or end customers. We are convinced that climate-friendly action must become incredibly simple, so that as many people as possible do it. It must not be an additional effort or process that requires specific knowledge or a detailed examination of the topic.
What are the main obstacles to achieving these goals?
Many are hesitant as they are afraid of too much transparency or greenwashing accusations, yet theory and practice shows that transparent, authentic and honest communication always wins. Plus, more shoppers than previously expected made climate contributions on our partner’s online stores, which surprised many.
What does climate protection mean to you?
For me, climate protection means taking responsibility and working together to promote ideas across a wide variety of levels and platforms. This in turn will hopefully change the way society thinks and give us more time to fight the climate catastrophe. Above all, I think that this is possible through education and cooperation, because we only lose important time by blaming others.
Where do you see the "decisive lever" for reducing CO2 emissions in order to achieve the climate goals?
If you think of the climate crisis like a house fire, it becomes clear: we can't just put out the fire in one place, we have to try to contain it everywhere and with all available means. In other words, we must question all areas of life and industry and avoid, reduce and compensate at the same time.
In the area of consumption, the bigger levers include less consumption, long-lasting products and reusable materials. But ultimately, every small purchase decision contributes to the world we want to live in.
Tell us a bit more about Yook products. What do you offer?
We have created a climate protection plug-in for online stores, through which you can easily integrate a climate contribution, or the possibility of compensation, into the shopping cart. This makes it easy for shoppers and online stores to make their own contribution to climate protection. If you want to go even further, you can use our software to calculate the carbon footprint of your products. This creates transparency that helps both online stores and shoppers make better decisions, from the raw material to the purchase.
What criteria do you use to choose the climate protection projects you collaborate with?
We select our partner projects based on the "Oxford Principles for Net-Zero Aligned Offsets”. We are particularly concerned about the integrity and transparency of the projects. This includes honest communication about challenges, including things that go wrong! Besides the ecological effects, social aspects are important to us too. If projects are developed holistically, we believe they will be successful in the long run.
Which climate protection projects can consumers support with Yook?
Through REBEL FIN CO. you can support Fairventures Worldwide in Borneo. This is a great project because Fairventures reforests former rainforest areas, whilst involving the local population. We also have lots of other projects in our portfolio, allowing us to find the perfect match for every store.
Can customers see the positive effect? For example, in reforestation?
Yes, our project partner Fairventures publishes the reforestation measures on their world map, and you can also see the positive development via satellite images too, which is really impressive. In addition, we show the total reforested area of all store partners on our impact page.
How does "Click for Climate" (as integrated at REBEL) work?
REBEL customers shop online as normal, but will find our "Click for Climate” link in the shopping cart. With every order, one square metre in Borneo is reforested via the Rebel store and Fairventures. Customers also have the option to double their climate protection contribution with just one click at the checkout. We forward the climate contributions to the selected climate protection project on a monthly basis.
What is your top tip for a more environmentally friendly everyday life?
Do more things that really put you in a good mood, these are often very climate-friendly! Cycle through the city, shop less and spend more time with friends, be outside in the fresh air, use delicious vegetarian and regional ingredients, and appreciate what you have!
The Mexi Log Fest in Sayulita, Mexico took place from April 19th to 28th and our Ambassador Iker was there for the second time. He's back and has something to tell.
]]>Hosted in Sayulita, Mexico, the Mexi Log Fest is a surf invitational event packed with not only hot competition but lots of things to do. The week long gathering includes yoga, sound baths, kids surf clinics, tasty food, surf film showings and live music plus loads more. Hordes of incredible longboarders descend upon Nayarit to compete in traditional, single-fin sliding, scoring some of the best waves in Mexico and leaving a positive trace with the local community.
REBEL END Ambassador Iker took his place amongst the lineup, grabbing some beautiful rides, soaking up the Mexican sunshine and enjoying the party.
“It was my second year at the Mexi Log Fest. Last year we built a lot of relationships with the local community and the participants of the festival. We went this year with a base, as last year we didn’t know anyone!
The best thing about the festival is that it’s a party, not a contest. It’s like a gathering, you get there and see people you haven’t seen all year, have fun with them, go have dinner with the local guys, there’s concerts every night, it’s more about having fun that competing, in my case.
It’s a different way of competing though, instead of going heat by heat, everyone has to surf 3 heats, then the best 2 waves of each heat gives you your average, then you get ranked and the top 16 goes to the quarter finals. Last year I came 47th or 48th, and my average was 4.83. My goal this year was to get a better average! I don’t really care about the ranking. This year I got 5.33 and I qualified 54th out of 88. More or less 54th in the world as the Duct Tape Invitational crew were surfing at the Mexi Log Fest this year, so it was a lot of fun to compete with the top guys.
The contest was in Sayulita, in Nayarit, Mexico. I was travelling with my friend Jon Garmendia who’s from my hometown of Zarautz, and also my brother Alex Trevino and my friend and camera man Xabier Beloki. We hung out with lots of people when we were in Mexico though, with people from Russia and Australia and the Philippines as well as locals, it’s been a lot of fun.
Last year we went in the sea at the comp everyday but this year we rented a car and headed to loads of different spots, capturing lots of photos and videos, so basically we’ve been free surfing every day, twice a day at least. We surfed Punto Burros, La Lancha, and other spots, heading to different towns to have lunch and dinner, trying different cultural things. Regarding the party, well, Mexico is Mexico. We didn’t party as much as last year, but we’ve definitely been partying. It’s been so much fun as it’s another way to meet new people.”
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By Laura Nederkorn
STRANDET's mission is to keep beaches along the West Coast free of plastic and focus on plastic pollution both locally and globally. Founder Jens tells us how STRANDET goes about it, the motivations behind it and how we can all contribute to a cleaner environment.
Nice to meet you Jens, please introduce yourself.
Hi, I am Jens Wilhelm - one half of STRANDET. We are a small environmental company that opened back in 2018. Well, that’s when we opened our physical workspace here I Vorupør. The company consists of me and my work partner Julie – we are the founders. We also have two part-time employees who help us with beach cleans and other things like that.
How did you come up with the idea for STRANDET?
Julie had the idea originally. She was working in Rwanda when they initiated the ban on all single use plastic and started to do national cleanup days. Inspired, she came back to Denmark and focused on waste, plastic and environment. She started out by doing beach cleans with an organisation called “Plastic Change”. There aim was to collect plastic and recycle them on a bigger scale – but unfortunately that didn’t happen, due to various reasons. Julie began to wonder, “Could we just do this on our own? Can we just go the beach, pick up plastic and recycle it into new things?” That’s kind of the basis for the whole idea: show people that we can recycle plastic pollution on a small, easy scale, right where we live.
What is your role at Strandet?
We both pretty much do everything! That’s the thing about having a small company, you end up doing it all!
So true! Can you tell me a bit more about STRANDET?
We are a small environmental company. We are a company, rather than an NGO, because we want to show others that it’s possible to create a business model around collecting and recycling ocean plastic. We don’t want to be dependent on funding.
The basis for the company can be divided into four areas:
Collecting and recycling: beach cleans. We do one community beach clean every month. Anyone can show up and do as much as they feel like. Besides that we do beach cleans independently, and several clean ups with schools. The latter is important to show the younger generation the plastic pollution problem we face along the west coast. And, of course, we are removing as much trash as possible. Some of that waste we recycle, primarily fish boxes, as that’s always the same type of plastic. We collect the fish boxes, clean, and shred them, then recycle the plastic into different products. We make products for ourselves and others.
Education: for schools, high school students, companies… They come here, listen and learn through a presentation, and then go to the beach and do a litter pick and clean up.
Consulting work for companies: footprint analysis, CO2 calculations, waste management systems… For example, right now we are working with a local festival and are helping them to manage their waste through considering what materials they will use and how they will communicate with staff and festival-goers about waste management.
Café and workspace: we also run a cafe and workspace for others to enjoy, utilise and learn.
Cool! So what would you say is the overall intention of STRANDET?
We want to put focus on a global issue - the waste in our nature - but in a local context. What we experienced when we started out was that everyone sees the issue as something that is present in developing countries. For example they think the problem is in India, Indonesia, China – all those places. But we want to show everyone that it’s also a big issue along the European coastline and that the impression we have in Europe is wrong. We are a big part of the problem and the issue is way bigger than people realise. Our own waste is actually exported to the countries where people think the issue originates. So it makes sense to us to do it in a local context.
We think it’s important to take people outside and show them that the actual issue is here, even though we live in a country where we think we handle our waste well and live environmentally consciously. It’s not always the case.
We know that solely cleaning up is not the solution, but it’s a fantastic tool to understand the situation. However, if we want to truly sort out the problem out we need to tackle it at source: we have to make sure that the trash doesn’t end up in nature through waste management and conscious consumption.
Best solution to fight against plastic pollution?
I don’t think there is one fixed solution. There is still so much we need to learn about how to solve these issues and we need to tackle it from all angles. But one of the big issues is that we see our waste as waste and not resources. We need to start looking at our packaging as a resource, which we need to handle correctly. A good way to do this is by giving it new life again and again. We believe a big part of the solution would be organising a global take back or a refund system, something like that to make it valuable.
Also, the price of virgin plastic is too low in comparison to recycled plastic.
For a year now there’s been a national waste system in place in Denmark. Things like this push our waste management in the right direction. However, we are still consuming way too much. We have to limit our use and look back to the oldest solution in the book:
reduce, reuse and recycle.
These are only a few points. There are so many issues which need to be solved and so many ways to do it.
What type of plastic do you find most often whilst doing the clean ups?
We have three different categories:
The biggest one is from the fishing and offshore industry (transportation). This waste includes fishing nets, fishing boxes, oil cans, working equipment… Weight wise this makes up over 50% of what we find.
The next biggest type is consumer plastic, the stuff we use in our every day life: cotton buds, tampons, water bottles, all kinds of packaging…
The third category we find is pellets – the industry standard of plastic. The weight we collect isn’t a lot as they are so difficult to remove, but we find them everywhere on our beaches.
What would you say is the biggest challenge for your company?
It’s an advantage and disadvantage: we are situated far away from the politics but right next to the problem. We often feel that we have strong stories that are worthy of national media coverage or a wider focus. However, it’s hard to get our voices out there sometimes. But, at the same time, it’s an advantage that we are situated where the issue is because we can actually get photos of the issues as they happen and develop. Plus, of course, the fact that we are only two people who work full-time makes it hard. It just takes time.
What are the day-to-day things you would recommend people do?
Reduce consumption and make sure you sort and handle your waste according to what is available in your area. Pick up trash in nature. Never litter. Reduce single use products, carry a reusable water bottle and coffee cup, invest in a lunch box. It’s the normal, little things that make a big difference.
]]>How did the idea for Paddle Paddle come about?
The project was born, at least in our minds, when we were traveling around Nias, Indonesia, in 2018 and met a young boy surfing a broken board. It made us think that we should have brought over some of our unwanted secondhand boards from home, and given them to the kids here. When we returned to Hossegor, France, we launched Paddle Paddle.
What is your role at Paddle Paddle?
I am involved in every project we run and I make sure everyone has everything they need to succeed. It’s not my full time job (I’m a freelance writer and journalist), but Paddle-Paddle could definitely be a full time job if it received enough funding. There are about 10 of us working on different projects, and the team is getting progressively bigger over time.
What is your intention with the work at Paddle Paddle?
If you are talking about personal intentions, I think I’m just a citizen and I have a role to play in society. I have to get involved in something, like we should all do. I want to convince other people to do the same. Not only in surfing, but in any way we can to make our planet a cool place to live.
And if we talk about the intention of Paddle Paddle - What is the basic idea of your organisation?
The idea is to make surfing more accessible, more inclusive and more aligned with the future of our planet. We think that when you look a bit closer, you can easily spot what’s going wrong with the sport. We aim to fix these things.
What are Paddle Paddle’s major obstacles in accomplishing this?
Money and time, of course, but also society itself. I don’t feel like current society takes NGOs into consideration, and it’s been quite hard to find our place anywhere. In France for example, most administrations think of us as a classic organisation earning money. We don’t receive any help and we’re expected to pay as if we were a profit-making business. Due to this we can’t move forwards as fast as we’d like to. It’s one of the reasons we act as independently as possibly.
How are the projects and employees financed?
It’s all volunteer-led and we also launch crowdfunder’s from time to time. It actually costs us a lot of time and money, but we all think it’s worth it.
What are some of the major action items on your group’s agenda at the moment?
The Make Some Waves #2 in Hossegor, a skate trip to Ghana with Skate’Her and a big project in Nigeria.
Sounds great! Looking into the past - What was the most exciting project you’ve completed with Paddle Paddle so far?
All of them were pretty exciting. Colombia was memorable as it was probably the most complicated to organise. When we pulled it off we were like, “Ok, that was crazy cool, let’s do it again”. A few of our upcoming projects look even more complicated. We’re trying not to think about it!
How can people get involved in Paddle Paddle projects?
You can support us through donations, all the money goes to fixing equipment and sending bags overseas. If you don’t have much to give, supporting us on social media is also a big deal. Doors open up more easily when you have lots of followers, it’s sad but true haha!
Do you surf too? What does surfing mean to you?
I do, I always had a board even if though I didn’t grow up near the ocean. When traveling, surfing showed me a pretty cool walk of life. I literally rushed into it. Now I’m surfing any kind of board, anywhere. Surfing is about opening-up and connecting to the world, it means a lot to me.
Your tip for a more sustainable surf world?
Just get involved in a non-profit organisations, even if it means creating your own! We should educate ourselves and the next generation to the non-profit way of life. It will definitely make a difference in the end.
Thank you Mathieu. Your work at Paddle Paddle is really inspiring. We are happy to support such a great project!
By Lottie Lewis
“The ocean teaches me to be more patient and attentive. The waves are never the same and we all have different sensations when we are surrounded by water. It is in the sea that I drown my sorrows and fears.” - Rod
We love our seas. They provide us with our much adored playground, allowing us to surf, kite, swim and submerge ourselves. The ocean is a place where we lose ourselves, fall in love, relax, unwind, exert energy and connect with nature. From a young age we’ve been obsessed with the salty goodness of the sea, and most of us strive to incorporate the ocean into every single one of our days.
“The ocean means a lot to me. There I feel free and independent and I also can feel this deep, unique connection to nature.” - Anna
However, we are also aware that the ocean is so much more than a place where we feel free. It’s an incredibly important part of our stunning ecosystem, it keeps the world turning and it harbours millions of species of wildlife.
“The sea is the optimal definition of the present moment. It’s the closest I can get to the now. It makes us at one with nature. I feel more comfortable when I’m with her that on land. It is a matter of urgency to protect her.” - Sanna
Plastic pollution, waste and overfishing is harming our seas, and we dread to think what the earth might be like without our beautiful, biodiverse ocean. It’s so important that each and every one of us do our bit to help protect the big blue; whether its through small but impactful actions such as recycling and beach cleaning, or making big lifestyle shifts such as cycling instead of driving, cutting out single use plastic for good and donating or volunteering for marine charities.
“The sea restores me and brings me happiness like no other place in this world.” - Leah
Here are Rebel Fin we use ghost fishing nets and marine plastic to make fins. We also use carbon fibre off-cuts from factories, to save it going to landfill. The Rebel factory itself is powered by renewable resources and we strive to be as planet-postive as possible. We hope the small part we play in making the surf industry a bit cleaner and greener will one day make a big difference.
“The ocean means peace to me. It doesn’t matter if it’s with or without waves, the ocean will always be my place to find peace.” - Freja
Obviously, if you love something, you’ll do what you can do keep it safe. This is gospel for our ambassadors and the ocean.
“I love the ocean because it is my escape. Cold water swimming and wave sliding allows me a moment to myself, a break from the world. When I dive below the surface I think of nothing else but the present moment. There’s no other place I feel like that.” - Lottie
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Star of the Sea
Introducing our Italian, ocean-loving, planet-positive, lady-slider Stella. She has dedicated her life to saving our seas, longboarding and protecting the earth. Cornish copywriter and fellow ocean-addict Lottie got in touch to find out the who’s, what’s and why’s of Stella, and what the future holds for her…
Hey Stella! Who are you and where’s your home break?
Hi Lottie! First of all I want to thank you for this interview, it’s really cool!
I was born and raised in Genova, in the north-west of Italy, but my home spot is Recco, a small town outside of the city.
Nice to meet you! Tell us about your relationship with the sea.
I always lived in front of the sea. Since I was a kid I used to spend the summer in the water, swimming in the waves and rolling with them. It’s the only place where I can rest and think about how beautiful everything around us is.
And when did you start surfing?
I started surfing at the age of 14, after I met a surf instructor in a shop. Before that I actually didn’t know it was possible to surf in Italy!
Do you remember the first time you became aware of the threat against our oceans?
It was during my first year of university, I was about 20. I came across an article about the level of plastic pollution in the Mediterranean Sea, saying that between Tuscany (IT) and Corse (FR) the number of microplastics found is considerably bigger than in the pacific garbage patch. It really scared me, so I started talking about it with all of my friends. From that I started reading more and more about it and I decided to study Environmental Economics to find a way to solve the problem.
Amazing! What day-to-day things do you partake in to help protect the planet?
I think the best thing to do to help the planet is to be aware of what we are doing.
Every action we make has an impact on the environment, on the people around us and even on ourselves. We have to be aware of this and make our decisions based on the kind of impact we want to have.
There isn’t just one way to do things. For example, for some it can be easier to use only public transportation, while for someone else it’s easier to stop eating meat, but still use their car.
Can you tell us about Ogyre and the work you do with them?
Ogyre is an Italian startup born to clean the ocean. We enable and pay fishermen to collect the marine litter they find whilst at sea, by organising Fishing For Litter projects around the world.
At Ogyre I am the Sustainability Manager, and I coordinate these projects.
Sounds like an awesome job. What would you like to tell someone considering a career in ocean conservation?
Go out and talk to people! The best think you can do is talk to other people about your passion and your ideas, because no one can save the ocean alone.
What does the future hold for you? We’d love to hear about any plans you have…
Getting my degree! I haven’t finished my masters degree, so that’s the first thing. After that I hope I will have more time to dedicate to environmental divulgation on my instagram profile. And then chase waves around the world of course!
Your dedication to the sea is so inspiring. Good luck with your endeavours, degree and wave hunt Stella!
Stella on Insta | learn more about Ogyre
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About the short film "Choosing New Directions" by Philipp Sigmund. Interview with REBEL FIN founder Rainer Uhl, featuring surfer Finn Springborn and REBEL FIN ambassador Freja Kristensen.
]]>Author: Lottie Lewis
A film by Philip Sigmund, featuring Finn Springborn and Freja Kristensen
“Most of the things floating in the ocean are considered trash, but we like to think of the rubbish that comes from the sea and lays on the beaches as resources.”
Our friend Philip Sigmund, a freelance filmmaker from Germany, sat down with Rebel Fin founder Rainer Uhl to find out why he has chosen new directions, the past, present and future of the company, and how he finds a positive in the ocean pollution problem.
In this new short film Sigmund has captured the beauty of the ocean, contrasting with the detrimental affect of marine plastic pollution. Rebel Fin aims to combine the two, finding positive in the negative, and reutilising ocean plastic to create new products.
“The name Rebel Fins was born from the idea of making a difference and going against the stream,” Rainer tells Philip, “so we started making the first shapes and experimenting with different materials like recycled fishing nets and recycled carbon.”
Philipp has 20 years of experience behind the camera and is a passionate surfer and outdoor adventurer. Over the past few years, he has made a name for himself through high quality and professionally produced projects that show his love for details and the rough North. He is always striving for the perfect shot, be it on land or submerged with a water-housing.
Featuring surfers Finn Springborn and Rebel Fin ambassador Freja Kristensen, both using Rebel fins, the in-water shots depict dreamy scenes of sliding and slicing through the ocean, incorporated with factory and processing shots to show the journey from marine plastic to production to final outcome.
You’ll spot Hurley sponsored German surfer Finn Springborn in this short film. Finn is a second generation surfer who grew up in the most northern town of Germany. Hooked on cold-water surfing, you’ll find him regularly roaming the chillier parts of the world with a tight group of likeminded friends in search of empty perfection.
Freja, hailing from cold Hawaii in Denmark, has been on the Rebel team since the beginning. Whilst the ocean is her ‘happy place’ she also surfs competitively, scooping wins on the Danish Surf Tour and she aims to compete throughout Europe soon too.
We hope this short film inspires you to see the good in the bad, and to branch out in your own new directions as the year progresses.
Video "Choosing New Directions"
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Clare, an in-water and lifestyle photographer, has been capturing salty moments for a decade. She says, “Working for sustainable, innovative and environmentally conscious brands such as Rebel is one of my favourite parts of my job. Getting creative on-land and in-water alongside other local creatives, writer and surfer Lottie Lewis and talented illustrator Ellie Matthews, is inspiring and lots of fun. Part 1 of the video series will be released shortly and Part 2 featuring the Cornish Fin design by Ellie will be following close behind. Thanks so Scotch and Water for the beautiful music. We can’t stop listening to Floralia!”
Ellie is an artist, specialising in intricate mandalas and fine line drawing. Ellie said, “My drawings began as a form of escapism when my mental health wasn’t at it’s best. For me, worries are left behind as soon as I pick my pens up. Getting into the ocean has exactly the same effect; sometimes relaxing, sometimes exhilarating but always clarifying, so it was amazing to have Rebel Fins approach me for their Cornish collaboration. Both Rebel, and my fellow creators on this project, share an ethos of keeping things sustainable, a love for the sea and an appreciation of just how important both creativity and the outside world are for our mindsets. To take care of ourselves and our surroundings can run parallel, as there is definitely a huge amount of symbiosis between the two.”
Lottie is a freelance writer, lending her services to Rebel Fins and others when they are lost for words. At Rebel Fins she creates blog posts and social schedules, makes sure nothing gets lost in translation on our webpages and casts her eye over the monthly newsletter. Lottie said, “I love nothing more than cold water swimming, cruising at sunrise on offshore days and hiding in nature. For this project I stepped in as on-screen wave-slider and made use of my beloved rainbow coloured 5’11 Diplock single fin, paired with the Rebel 9” recycled Carbon longboard fin. In Part 2 of The Cornish Collaboration film I’ll swap in Ellie’s new single fin design and I can’t wait to be creating alongside the girls again.”
Together the three women have created The Cornish Collaboration. We hope you enjoy watching it as much as they enjoyed making it.
By Laura Nederkorn
Clark Foam, 2005: the California-based manufacturer of surfboard blanks had to close unexpectedly. Clark Foam was considered the best-known supplier of surfboard blanks of its time, both in the American market and internationally, until 2005. The reason for the closure was the use of polyurethane (PU), as highly toxic chemicals must be used to process this material.
The resulting complaints from employees and U.S. environmental protection agencies ultimately led to the closure of the factory and, beyond that, to a rethinking of surfing history...
For the first time, the industry and surfers were aware of the environmentally harmful boards under their feet. The foundation for more sustainability in the surf world was laid. This was also the case in Aachen, where Martin (a trained architect) started looking for a more sustainable alternative for foam boards. He was successful. Martin began shaping a wide variety of wooden boards, hollow in construction, from surfboards to SUPs to kites, and also offering workshops.
How Backwood came into being, what the label stands for and what role a book from the flea market played in all of this, we clarify in this interview.
How did your interest in surfing come about?
I had my first contact with surfing at the end of the 80s as a child. For years we went with the family to the Atlantic coast in Brittany (today my second home), that's where the enthusiasm began. At that time surfing was a marginal sport, but it fascinated me in a playful way. A while after I lost sight of surfing for some time, until I made a round trip through Iberia during my studies, which also led me to Portugal. This was the beginning of my career as a shaper.
And what happened next?
I was really into surfing again and wanted to buy a board, but I didn't have any money. Used boards were too expensive or too broken. As a self-taught person, I had an idea; "when I'm at home, I'll build a board myself". At the time we had plastics projects in college and constructed furniture out of foam and epoxy. I found Foamshaping super exciting.
At a flea market I found a book from the 80s. At that time there was a big windsurfing scene of people in Germany who built boards themselves. The book was about building windsurfing boards and I tried to transfer the knowledge to a surfboard. I still remember how funny the first shape looked, but it was definitely not a cheaper option to buying a second hand board.
My ambition was to do it better and better. On every vacation I tried to build as many boards as possible and one thing led to another... until the Clark Foam story in 2005.
That's where the idea for Backwood came from?
Backwood is an accidental product of my hobby and was not originally intended as a job. I am a trained architect but my heart beats for surfing.
The Clark Foam story was the first time I thought, "Shit, our sports equipment is not very sustainable. It’s a piece of hazardous waste”. After some research (by now there was the internet) I found a few projects in Australia that built hollow wooden surfboards. I loved this realisation because, a. I found wood very exciting as a material and, b (which was crucial). I found the craft challenging and final product awesome. But I had no workshop, no materials and no connections…
I happened to ask a very good friend, who was an occupational therapist in a psychiatric clinic, about wood. One thing led to another as they told me they had a lot of patients, but not enough projects...
"...and then I built surfboards with mentally ill patients.”
As a result, people became aware of my work and then in 2013 I started my own company.
What do you associate with surfing?
For me, it's not the sport, but the basic idea of surfing that's in the foreground. For me, it's the experience of being in the water. Breast-high, clean waves and watching the sunrise - that's more my idea of the whole thing.
How sustainable are wooden surfboards?
I don’t say "I'm going to make a 100% green product now" - because I can't. But I use wood to talk about the sustainability issue. I chose paulownia wood because it grows pretty fast everywhere and sequesters a lot of CO2. However, it is planted in plantation agriculture, which is not super sustainable either. Nowadays, unfortunately, the basic idea is not to make something better, but to act like you are. For example, you hear people saying "wooden boards and sustainability are trendy and that's why I'm doing this and I'm a world saver”. I think that’s bullshit.
"I'm not saving the world by buying a wooden surfboard, I'm saving the world by flying to Bali 3x less a year."
The advantage I see with wooden surfboards is the value, especially if you build it yourself in the workshop. It's relatively durable, but even if it's no longer surfable, you hang it on your wall as a souvenir, because you personally associate a lot with it. And that's the most sustainable thing you can do, not creating waste.
My favorite board is the second wooden board I built and it's 15 years old, I still surf that. It’s a longboard. I'm a longboarder by age.
That means you like surfing longboard the most?
For me, the whole surf culture has a lot to do with art and expression, I can't get much aesthetics out of shortboard hacking. I can watch a good longboarder for hours, it's not so hectic. I do think shortboarding can be fascinating. You have to react very quickly, but I quite like that I have a bit more time on the longboard.
How does a wooden board surf compared to conventional boards?
Very difficult question. It's different. Not all wooden boards are the same. The bottom line is still the shape, but a wooden board is different to surf because it is constructive. The hollow boards have more buoyancy than the foam boards. You're a little higher in the water, you get into the wave faster, you're faster paddling. That's always a big advantage, especially if you don't have loads of paddle power.
You will never see a wooden board in the WSL contest, as it depends on other things. Every piece of wood is different, so it's hard to set a standard.
What shapes do you recommend to your customers?
In principle I shape everything, but mainly lean towards the retro shape style. A shortboard is definitely more difficult to make in wood than a longboard. Custom shapes are also possible. I want to deliver a board that is right for the customer. Customers like to overestimate themselves and surf boards that are too small. Everyone claims they can surf like a champ.
"But there is no such thing as being able to surf.”
At what point can you surf? When someone asks me, I always say "I've been doing this for a very long time and totally enjoy it, but surfing is not my highest skill." A lot of people think they have to reach the shortboarding level, and that's bullshit. You're not getting anything out of it and you're never going to get anywhere if you don't get a proper wave.
Are there any shapers who inspire you?
I'm fascinated by the early 60s and 70s, where there was a very experimental phase. Freaky stuff. Something like flextail stories, displacement hull stuff. The great shapers still inspire me too: Stuart, McTavish... the old guys. What also inspires me at the moment is not the shape itself but the artistic expression behind it - in the overall work of creating surf culture.
Finally, best tip for an aspiring shaper?
The worst idea is to say: "I'm going to become a shaper because that's my career aspiration". If you're up for it, you shouldn't combine it with your career idea. Try it out for yourself and don't expect it to be the perfect board. It takes time and experience to understand certain things that make up a surfboard. And I agree that you have to surf yourself to understand what you are building. I'm not going to say you can only build a working board after 1000 tries, but it does take a bit of time and experience.
Thank you Martin for your inspiring views and your almost unstoppable flow of words.
]]>Do you know Cornwall?
If you love lonely spots, wide landscapes and the sea, this is just the thing for you.
Our ambassador and nature freak Lottie was hiking with her sister in their Cornwall homeland and came back with a memory card full of photos and a few words.
"4 years ago my little sister and I walked just under 150 miles from the Devon and Cornwall border to Lands End, at the bottom tip of the UK. We both love the beach, sea and countryside, and as we’d grown up all our lives in Cornwall, we felt like we knew the coastline quite well. The walk took us to secret beaches and past towering cliffs, along windswept paths and up winding country lanes. We saw parts of the Cornish coast that we had never even realised existed."
This year the hiking tour should be continued.
"Lockdown restrictions were easing in England and we decided to complete our journey around the Cornish coast. We calculated it would take us 8 days to walk just under 150 miles from Lands End to Rame Head, near Plymouth"
Rebel Fin Ambassador Sanna creatively expresses her thoughts and feelings on 2020 and added some beautiful photos.
Under pressure
Moving fast forward
Limbs are out of control
Forgetting to breath
Losing track
Remembering to breath
Focusing on the track
Limbs are under control
Moving forward
We live in a world where things move fast. Certain factors are creating more stress then ever. Plans are not working out. A wave of pressure rolls towards us; from ourselves, our family, friends and partners. Pressure can be received in negative ways, but it can also help us to focus.
Depending on how we talk to ourselves during stressful situations can make a huge difference. Our inner-dialogue holds a lot of power.
The most common mistake we can make, when our world is turned upside down, is to start moving faster, finding more things to do, keeping busy.
Instead we should pause, take a breathe, refocus, remember who we are and THEN go!
Go with the flow and see the opportunities unfold instead of focusing on the closed doors.
Now,
Real talk.
2020…
So many good things happened, and so many bad things happened at the same time.
A continuous loop of doors closing and doors opening.
Love, relationships and growth.
A year of remodelling values and morals. The importance of the self without being selfish.
Believe it or not, I never thought that this year I would be put in federal prison in Hawaii and also win the first stop of the Danish surf tour in both long boarding and short boarding.
(Winning the competition was a huge accomplishment for me because I suck at competing.)
Falling in love with my self and falling out of love with others. This year I learnt the importance of boundaries and how healthy they are. People will react, there will be a shift, and, depending on the relationship, that shift will make it stronger or weaker. Be ready that if you are practicing boundaries, people will follow.
Learning how to respect others plays a big role in how they will treat you.
Staying on track and continuing to show up for myself self has been a big one this year. Most importantly on the days I don’t feel like it.
A practice of consistency.
Believing that you are worthy of success.
Fuck, this year? I love it.
This year we learnt the hard way.
Experiencing hell and heaven at the same time,
Whilst being under so much pressure.
And remember, you are never alone. There is always someone to talk to. Let’s promote a community where all values, boundaries and beliefs are welcome. Differences are the beauty of this world. Let’s work together, let’s celebrate others wellbeing.
We don’t choose what happens to us. Pressure and regular “life stresses” are something we can’t control. It has nothing to do with us.
We’ve all been hit hard by the trials and tribulations of this year. Life can be hard. All you can do is focus on your positivity and learn how to handle situations when under pressure.
Tell yourself:
I AM GOOD UNDER PRESSURE
I CAN USE STRESS AS A POWERFUL TOOL TO FOCUS
I AM AWARE OF MY REALITY BUT CHOOSE A POSITIVE MINDSET
WHEN I FEEL ANXIOUS I KNOW MY HEART IS IN IT
I AM EXCITED
You can do this
I can do this
We can do this
Today
Tomorrow
Yesterday
STRANDET’s mission is to make the sea plastic free. We are proud to support our friends in Denmark to recycle and repurpose the ocean plastic they collect from their local beaches.