Emma

We proudly present the second half of the Sunshine Surf Girl magazine team – meet Great Gidget Emma, a waterbaby to and through.

Your name: Emma Krusic from SSG

About you in a few words and how you got to surfing:

From hand feeding sharks on scuba to trawling the oceans for research I have always found my career and life path revolving around the sea. I’m a lifelong coasty and have always been drawn to surfing, but only committed myself to learning ‘properly’ about 5 years ago. At this late age I realised that I was going to have to put in a lot of commitment to be a competent surfer, as I had no natural ability for it!
Surfing is now the most free, fun and relaxing way for me to really appreciate the ocean and spend time in my favourite environment.

Local break: Kawana Beach, Sunshine Coast

What I love about surfing: Everything – it makes me smile!

I love the challenge, the feeling of being on a wave, the friendships, and the fact it also totally consumes my lifestyle – all of my holidays (and work days!) revolve around catching waves.

Most of all, I love that it allows me to be in the moment. It’s a type of meditation that is great for people who find it hard to sit and ‘be still’. When I’m on a wave I can’t think about anything except what I’m doing right then and there. I even find just sitting out the back waiting for a wave to be relaxing because everything that’s happening on land seems so distant.

What I hate about surfing: Not much will keep me out of the water but… aggressive people in the line-up, intentional snaking and drop-ins can sometimes put a dampener on my surf. Not cool!

What advice would you give to ladies starting out on their surf journey: Sharing is caring, don’t be a wave hog and NEVER drop in ha ha. Always follow the rules of surf etiquette, even if others around you aren’t.

Persistence and confidence are key. Just keep trying because the more your surfing progresses, the more fun you will have. I once received some advice from an old surfy dude, he said ‘I’ve been surfing for 40 years and I’m still learning’. I like to remember this when I get frustrated or feel like I’m not progressing. It made me realise that there is no ‘end point’ when learning to surf, it’s about having fun regardless of your ability.

Favourite surfspot in Oz: A little secret (not-so-secret) spot near home where I have never had a bad surf – even when the waves are rubbishy. We call it the Bumming Hole – don’t ask!

Favourite surfspot overseas: Kavieng, PNG and South Sumatra, Indo.

Favourite surfboard: Chilli Toucan 5’10

Favourite surfer: Steph – She is graceful, powerful and feminine all at the same time. I would totally have her babies.

Favourite surf movie: Dear and Yonder – the women featured are so inspirational and make you realise that you can do anything you want in this life. I mean, ANYTHING. You can sail solo around the world on a friggin’ sailboat, surfing Tahiti and catching/gathering your own food like Captain Liz Clark if you’ve got the balls to go for it! Craft your own dreams and make them a reality.

What you do when you are not surfing: Think about surfing, talk about surfing and watch surf vids on youtube ha ha. I’m also publishing a new girl’s surf mag (YEW!), working my day job (BOO!), running, travelling and enjoying life with my friends and family.

Peace out x

By the way gidgets, the second issue of Sunshine Surf Girl Magazine is now out! Keep your eyes peeled for the print version. The digi version is already available through Issu…check it out here for a sneak preview http://issuu.com/sunshinesurfgirls