Howdy! Brown Girl Surf TM is all about sharing the stories and projects of trailblazing female surfers around the world. So I'm always digging and asking around about cool trailblazers and projects. A few weeks ago, I found one! Meet Fiji's first female surfer - Carli Lovell! I got a hold of Carli through my friend Tim McBride. Tim and I spent some time in Southern Fiji where he helped guide me out to some of the most pristine surf breaks there. (I'll have to share some of those blog stories with you at some point). Some of you know Fiji is one of my most favorite places in the entire world; I'd go back there anytime in a heartbeat. The Fijians are honestly some of the warmest hearted people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting. Anyways, I digress..... I am so stoked that I got to catch up with Carli, and have her share her thoughts on everything from localism to ocean protection. Read on to hear more!
Q: Can you share your story of when you first started surfing in Fiji? What is your earliest memory of surfing? How did you get involved?
A: Dad is an avid long-time surfer from California. I spent my early years cruising the South Pacific on our yacht. Dad used to go surfing with his buddies, and I would tag along on my bodyboard. Dad started the Fiji Surfing Association in 1993 to get the best together to compete at the South Pacific Games 1995 in Tahiti. The team required a female competitor and that was when my board-surfing took off. Numerous wipe-outs later while training at Sigatoka river-mouth, Namotu & Tavarua, I was keen to take on Papara’s beach break! I entered the women’s bodyboard and open (stand-up) events, and tag-team relay. What an exhilarating experience! My 3 medals (2 bronze and a silver) placed Fiji in 2nd place for surfing. At 13, I was the youngest athlete in the Games, and within the Fiji contingent, the one with the most medal wins! Sorry, brothers!!
A: Dad is an avid long-time surfer from California. I spent my early years cruising the South Pacific on our yacht. Dad used to go surfing with his buddies, and I would tag along on my bodyboard. Dad started the Fiji Surfing Association in 1993 to get the best together to compete at the South Pacific Games 1995 in Tahiti. The team required a female competitor and that was when my board-surfing took off. Numerous wipe-outs later while training at Sigatoka river-mouth, Namotu & Tavarua, I was keen to take on Papara’s beach break! I entered the women’s bodyboard and open (stand-up) events, and tag-team relay. What an exhilarating experience! My 3 medals (2 bronze and a silver) placed Fiji in 2nd place for surfing. At 13, I was the youngest athlete in the Games, and within the Fiji contingent, the one with the most medal wins! Sorry, brothers!!
Q: How has surfing exposed you to or raised your awareness on any social, environmental or political issues?
A: So blessed are we to grow up in paradise surrounded by a beautiful ocean teeming with life, providing food, oxygen and a perfect playground. For me, it is a natural sanctuary of happiness and serenity. I remember, at 8 years old I joined my parents in a protest against nuclear-testing on Mururoa Atoll in French Polynesia. Even now, I advocate strongly against pollution, over-fishing, shark-finning, whaling, and any exploitation of this precious resource.
We are most fortunate to live in a corner of our planet where the waves remain uncrowded compared to other countries. As is the Fijian way, we are ever encouraging to the younger surfers who look up to us, and welcoming to the newcomers and visitors from across the seas. At the end of the day, there are always enough waves for everyone, and more than enough to share.
A: So blessed are we to grow up in paradise surrounded by a beautiful ocean teeming with life, providing food, oxygen and a perfect playground. For me, it is a natural sanctuary of happiness and serenity. I remember, at 8 years old I joined my parents in a protest against nuclear-testing on Mururoa Atoll in French Polynesia. Even now, I advocate strongly against pollution, over-fishing, shark-finning, whaling, and any exploitation of this precious resource.
We are most fortunate to live in a corner of our planet where the waves remain uncrowded compared to other countries. As is the Fijian way, we are ever encouraging to the younger surfers who look up to us, and welcoming to the newcomers and visitors from across the seas. At the end of the day, there are always enough waves for everyone, and more than enough to share.
Q: What role does surfing play in your life now?
A: Upon coming to Australia to study, and gaining employment as a marine biologist and shark diver at Sea World, I realised there was more to life than the pressures of competitive surfing. So much that is new to see, explore and enjoy! Surfing continues to be my chill-out fav, with the sea, air and waves washing away daily stresses. I relish a social session before and after work with my surf mates, and epic road trips on the weekends scouting out secret spots. But every so often, I'll enter a local competition just for old times’ sake and adrenalin buzz.
Q: Can you tell us anything about girl localisms evolving in Fiji? (girl surfing communities that are forming in specific geographic locations that are uniquely defining themselves).
A: Localism certainly existed in Fiji in a commercial sense with resorts controlling the prime surf breaks for their own exclusive use. This was removed with the introduction of the Surfing Decree in 2011. With our Fiji surfers, a big `Bula’ characterises their all-welcoming approach to each other and those visiting. Besides this gracious and friendly manner, we have few female surfers in Fiji (two older ones, and eight under 18) and they all know each other, so there is no localism. Of course, numbers of female surfers come through Fiji from the United States, Australia and other countries seeking the best waves that Fiji has to offer. Their ability and style is naturally of great interest and inspiration to the local surfers.
The Fiji Surfing Association’s contests and open-days is spreading the word on this invigorating sport, particularly to the village girls. With most in school or working, surfing is usually done on the weekends. The cost of boards, and access to the surf spots which often require boats and outboard engines, are a challenge for all surfers in Fiji.
A: Upon coming to Australia to study, and gaining employment as a marine biologist and shark diver at Sea World, I realised there was more to life than the pressures of competitive surfing. So much that is new to see, explore and enjoy! Surfing continues to be my chill-out fav, with the sea, air and waves washing away daily stresses. I relish a social session before and after work with my surf mates, and epic road trips on the weekends scouting out secret spots. But every so often, I'll enter a local competition just for old times’ sake and adrenalin buzz.
Q: Can you tell us anything about girl localisms evolving in Fiji? (girl surfing communities that are forming in specific geographic locations that are uniquely defining themselves).
A: Localism certainly existed in Fiji in a commercial sense with resorts controlling the prime surf breaks for their own exclusive use. This was removed with the introduction of the Surfing Decree in 2011. With our Fiji surfers, a big `Bula’ characterises their all-welcoming approach to each other and those visiting. Besides this gracious and friendly manner, we have few female surfers in Fiji (two older ones, and eight under 18) and they all know each other, so there is no localism. Of course, numbers of female surfers come through Fiji from the United States, Australia and other countries seeking the best waves that Fiji has to offer. Their ability and style is naturally of great interest and inspiration to the local surfers.
The Fiji Surfing Association’s contests and open-days is spreading the word on this invigorating sport, particularly to the village girls. With most in school or working, surfing is usually done on the weekends. The cost of boards, and access to the surf spots which often require boats and outboard engines, are a challenge for all surfers in Fiji.
Q: Any advice to our readers?
A: Enjoy time in the great outdoors everyday whether it’s surfing, running or taking a walk. And, when it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer!
A: Enjoy time in the great outdoors everyday whether it’s surfing, running or taking a walk. And, when it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer!
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