Chicks Sticks – boards by Lola Jade

September 9, 2013 by Ola Niña

Southern Californian woman, Lola Jade is making a difference to the surf industry one board shape at a time.
Lola is the founder of Chick Sticks, a board company which shapes and designs surfboards for women.
From long boards to short, quivers to fishes, Chick Sticks are more than just catchy names and pretty designs.
They offer girl friendly modifications such as the right amount of width and foam to help with paddling, catching waves and duck diving.
Lola has a passion for the water as she does surfboards and stumbled on the concept after realising a strong male dominance in the board industry.

“ I started buying used ‘guys’ boards and then spray painting them and stickering them up and they looked really cool but they were too hard to surf on,” she said.
“So then I started having custom boards made for me and asking the shapers to experiment with the shape and dimensions.
“I began having an easier time and my friends loved my boards and wanted the same thing I had.
“Girls on the beach that I had never met before wanted to buy my boards that I had made for me and I started selling them.
“Chick Sticks came about out of necessity. I just thought I’m going to take this in to my own hands and make something that’s beautiful and works better for girls.
“Now I offer 20 different shapes and my paint designs are everything from super girly and flowery to very tomboy.”
As Lola hasn’t mastered the art of shaping boards yet, she has employed some of the best guys in the industry who do the hard work for her.
“I just started shaping so this winter when things slow down I can’t wait to get back in the shaping bay,” she said.
“I employ the top shapers locally to shape for me.
“They’ve shaped or still shape for Channel Islands, …Lost, Super, Rusty and other stand out brands so I’m very fortunate.”

Despite being an American brand, Lola says Chick Sticks has begun shipping worldwide.
“I’ve been getting orders from France, Japan, Europe, Australia, South America and Canada,” she said.
“I have a great relationship with an International shipping company so I am all set up.
“I just got my first bona fide dealer in Australia so I hope to really grow there like I have here in the States.”

Lola has been surfing for the past five years and says her other hobbies include skateboarding, running, yoga, jet skiing and just being active.
Some of her favourite places to surf include Trestles and breaks throughout Southern California.
For more information visit: www.chicksticksbylola.com
www.facebook.com/ChickSticks
Chick Sticks Australia on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChickSticksAustralia

The humble mermaid – Elaine Abonal

September 5, 2013 by Ola Niña

Ocean-loving beauty, Elaine Abonal is living proof that great things can happen if you set your mind to it.
The inspiring yet humble 29-year-old was born and bred in the Philippines and has been surfing for about 10 years. Elaine was first introduced to the sport when she was 18 and studying in the US.
“I pretty much just got obsessed with it and wanted to do it as often as I could,” she said.
“I love everything about the ocean. I love that I feel at home when I’m in it.
“I love that it teaches me things like courage, perseverance, appreciation of the simple things, beauty and how everything in life is connected.”
Elaine has been lucky enough to turn her love of it into one the best jobs around.
With the support from two pioneer surfers from the Philippines, Elaine launched her own surf company early last year.

From years of surfing and staying at the San Juan Surf Resort in La Union, Philippines, Elaine got to know the owner Brian Landrigan and professional surfer Luke Landrigan.
When Elaine told Brian and Luke about her dream to own and operate a surf tour company in the Philippines, they gave their full support and encouraged her to turn it into a reality.
“They’ve seen me spread the word about surfing and bring my friends and friends of friends on surf trips,” Elaine said.
“On one international trip with them, they told me that I could always do surfing for fun but that it’s also something I can do as my own business.
“ They know that I have the resources, support, and talent so I thought about it and realised that they were right.
“They helped me and I told my friends and family about it.
“I feel very lucky and blessed to of had their encouragement.”

Elaine now operates Surfista Travels Philippines – a surf tour company that helps surfers and travellers from around the world, men and women, arrange trips such as accommodation, transport, surf lessons and more.
For most people heading to the country to surf, Manila is the starting point to get to surfing destinations like La Union and Baler.
Elaine said despite Manila being a big city with no beach close by, a lot of Filipino’s have taken up surfing.
“Manila’s not next to a beach with waves so it’s definitely the concrete jungle,” she said.
“But ALOT of people from Manila, especially the younger crowd, are getting into surfing because many have the resources and money to travel to the surf areas.

“We’re still a long way compared to other countries when it comes to surf culture, but it’s getting more popular every year.
“Many of my Surfista trips are mostly made up of girls, which is pretty cool to see.
“Surfing here used to be an underground culture but now it’s the “cool” thing to do. I’d say it’s much mellow and friendlier in the water compared to other countries.

“It’s so much better to surf here – the locals are friendly, the water is warm, the location is beautiful and it’s fun.”
Elaine says she doesn’t want to label herself as anything she just hopes to promote the Philippines as a beautiful destination to the rest of the world and inspire other like-minded women.
“I don’t really want to name myself as anything, but I do want to be an ambassador for surfing in the Philippines and show the rest of the world that we live in a beautiful country with beautiful people,” she said.

“I also want to be an ambassador for women to show that we chicks CAN surf, we CAN travel and that we CAN do whatever we dream to do.”

Carly Chivers – Soul Surfer

August 20, 2013 by Ola Niña

Carly Chivers is a 26-year-old surfer and yoga instructor living in Playa Gigante, Nicaragua. Although she was born in landlocked Winnipeg, Carly has been living and surfing in Nicaragua for two years.

She currently works as a yoga teacher and a surf guide for the local surf lodge and runs yoga retreats with Papaya Wellness. I caught up with her at the local internet-café to have a smoothie and talk about living the dream in this little costal town.

“I came here on a surf trip. I was planning on living in Costa Rica and teaching yoga for a few months but I started my surfing trip here. Playa Gigante was that place that I’ve always been looking for, it’s still really raw and untouched. Since I got here, I just haven’t been able to leave.”

Carly loves to surf and although she’s softly spoken, she speaks with heartfelt enthusiasm when she talks about her home break. One of her favorite things about her new home is the waves along the stretch of beach known to locals as Playa Amarillo (which means Yellow Beach in Spanish).

“Surfing at Amarillio, is just so beautiful. When I think about all the incredible sunset surfs I’ve had there and paddling around the point in the evening when the water is all lit up with phosphorous. It’s like, ‘where am I’?’ This place is magical.”

Carly learned to surf 6 years ago. Whilst in-between semesters at college. She traveled to Europe where she learnt how to surf on the Algarve coastline in Portugal.

“As soon as I started I fell in love with it. After that I kept traveling south. I stayed on the coast and surfed everyday. I spent a month in Morocco just surfing and experiencing this new passion.”

Growing up in Winnipeg, her college was in a small town 2 hours away.

“It was completely landlocked and in the middle of the prairies. My parents used to take us to the ocean on holiday and I always had this love affair. I would cry when we left.”

Her love affair with the ocean was what inspired her to paddle out for the first time in Portugal.

“I stood up the first wave I ever caught and it was the most incredible thing in the world, I didn’t even stand up for the rest of the day. But I kept trying. There’s nothing else like it.”

These days Carly surfs everyday. Whether she is taking clients on surf trips to the beautiful breaks surrounding Playa Gigante, or just paddling out on her day off she is living her dream of being one with the ocean.

“Ever since I started surfing I’ve felt that it’s a lot like meditation. You’re on the wave and you are literally being moved by nature. You are connected and present. Surfing is a blissful form of meditation – there’s no time for inner struggle during surfing. It’s a totally unique feeling.”

Carly likes to meditate and use her yoga practice to learn more about herself and her place in the world. Surfing also helps her get in touch with her focus.

“It’s finding those things that offer you that sense of peace and connectedness that is really important.”

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It’s no wonder that after attending her first yoga class with her mum at 13, Carly is now a qualified yoga instructor. Together she and her friend India run Papaya Wellness, a yoga, health and wellness retreat in Playa Gigante (you can find out more about it here).

Carly laughs about what her parents think of her living in rural Nicaragua.

“They love it, they are really proud of me because I’ve always had this dream of starting a wellness business and now we are actually doing it. I’m feeling happy and fulfilled and they are happy for me, but they are also like, “Nicaragua?”

After talking with Carly, you get a sense of her huge heart and her passion for health and wellness. She has a beautiful energy and when you take one of her yoga classes you leave feeling refreshed and empowered. She’s not only a positive influence on the town of Gigante, but spreads a great vibe to everyone she meets.

It is with great pleasure that I can announce – Carly is going to be contributing to Ola Niña, giving us health, wellness and surfing tips when she can! Welcome Carly and we can’t wait to spend more time with you. 🙂

If you’d like to find out more about Carly and Papaya Wellness, you can check out their website: www.papayawellness.com

By Carmen Angerer

Getting to know: Tarnea O’Meara

August 17, 2013 by Ola Niña

Sunshine Coast shredder Tarnea O’Meara may only be 19 years old but she is already turning heads out in the line up with her mature and impressive style.

The young, blonde bombshell has a passion for the outdoors, but her favourtie things to do are hiking mountains and surfing solid waves in Australia and exotic destinations overseas.

She’s got a happy-go-lucky attitude and loves nothing more than the coastline she calls home.

Tarnea recently spoke with Ola Nina to explain what it is about surfing she just can’t get enough of….

Q & A with Tarnea

How long have you been surfing for?
Three years

What age did you start?
I started surfing when I was 16. Before that, my dad tried to put me on a board when I was young but I didn’t like it. Now I can’t get enough of it!

What do you love about it?
I love the feeling it gives you, whether you get the best barrel, or make the best turn, you are always stoked for the people you are with or the wave you just got. It’s a sport that changes every day you can never surf the same wave so it keeps you on your toes ready for the next one. It’s also my form of exercise instead of paying for the gym, I’ll go surfing!

Do you have any sponsors at the moment or have you been approached by any?
Right now I am with a small clothing company called Rue Stiic and a health food and information company called Changing Habits. But I am always seeking out sponsors to help me and for me to help them. It’s always nice to have that extra support from them, every little bit counts.

Where are your favourite places to surf?
Anywhere where there’s not a crowd but if I had to choose, Durranbah, Canggu, Ulluwatu and home. There is nothing like surfing at home along the coast line like the Noosa Points all the way to Wurtulla.

What board are you riding?
I’m riding Hammo (Dane Hamilton) surfboards right now and I love them. Dane really helps me with my boards and what’s right for me. They range from a 5’5 to 5’7.

Do you have any other hobbies other than surfing?
Food if that counts, scuba diving, music, dancing (not the class or choreographed type), being weird and snowboarding. If I’m not near a beach, I’m up in the mountains.

By Lauren White

Surf profile….Alison Bailey

August 13, 2013 by Ola Niña

Originally from Victoria, Alison is someone who was very new to the world of surfing until her discovery of the sport two years ago.

A Geelong girl through and through, her love of surfing came to her when she moved further north to the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

The move into a warmer climate and a popular surf culture inspired Alison to give surfing a go.

“I start surfing two years ago,” she said.

“The first time I surfed was at Noosa Heads while on a lesson with three close friends.

“I was immediately hooked. The adrenaline of paddling to catch a wave and the even bigger high of standing on my fifth attempt was sensational.”

Following on from her first lesson, Alison was so ‘surf hooked’ that she decided to dedicate practicing her surfing skills just about every weekend.

“I eventually purchased my own board (mini mal 7 foot 4),” she said.

“I would then take trips up to Noosa or surf at Alex Headland with friends.”

Looking back on her transition, Alison says her move to the Sunshine Coast has opened her up to new things especially her new found love of surfing.

“I think my favourite time of year to surf would have to be spring, the waters clear and it starts to get warmer,” she said.

“Surfing is a great hobby that I wish I found earlier in my life.”

Some of Alison’s other hobbies include dancing, exercising, eating out, travelling and reading.
Cheers for the interview with Ola Nina Alison and happy surfing 🙂

India Reinartz – Duck Dive Diva

August 11, 2013 by Ola Niña

As a surfer and yoga instructor, India Rineartz is passionate about health and wellness. She’s going to be joining us on Ola Niña to share her tips on how we can live, eat and surf better.

I met India in Playa Gigante, Nicaragua where she lives and works as a yoga instructor. As we discuss her home, she smiles:

“Playa Gigante is a gorgeous little fishing village, surrounded by jungle and close to lots of waves. It’s a third world country and there are always issues that come with that, but I love it here.”

It is here, in this beautiful setting, that India and her friend Carly started their wellness center, Papaya Wellness, 2 years ago. As well as running regular yoga classes and yoga/surf retreats, the girls spend time working with the local community.

“We educate the local women on health and exercise. We run fitness and yoga classes weekly, which are free of cost. We run health workshops a few times a year to educate the village women about balanced diets using healthy local produce”.

India believes that education is the best way for local women and their children to maintain good health in years to come.

“What we learn mentally and physically manifests in our lives and our health. We use this to help improve their lives and the lives of their families.”

After living in Nicaragua for 5 years, India has seen a lot of change.

“We’re living here. It’s a mutual thing, we are friends with the locals, we give to each other it’s the only way to make growth sustainable here and give local women more opportunities.”

When she isn’t teaching yoga or motivating the local ladies in a cross fit class, India is surfing.

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“My favorite break here is Colorado’s (a chunky beach break) because it’s constantly challenging me. It’s always pitching me over the falls no matter how confident I am. It’s very humbling”.

Despite being known as one of Playa Gigante’s best female surfers, India didn’t grow up surfing. She was born in Jamaica and later moved with her parents to Canada, where she grew up and went to school. She caught her first wave at the age of 15.

“It was at Chesterman’s beach out in Tofino, on the West Coast of British Colombia. I was wearing a 5ml wetsuit. My uncle lent me his old school 10ft bomby board (it was 80’s splash retro colored). It was built for Waikiki outer surf breaks. I would haul that board around with me on local buses, in taxis, anywhere I could get them to let me.”

“The first time I paddled out it felt natural, it was exciting and challenging and I was hooked straight away. I stood up and I was hooked.”

“At first I surfed by myself, my parents would take me down and wait on the beach for me. Then I was taught by this total babe, who was 10 years older than me, his name was Adam and I had a crazy crush on him.”

“After that, I would surf the south island, close to Victoria every weekend, with some for my best girl friends. We had little surfer girl posse, we called ourselves the Blue Crushing It Team. [Laughs]”.

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Part of the reason India now teaches yoga is because she feels that surfing and yoga create a similar peace of mind.

“I got into yoga, not necessarily to teach, but to get away and learn about myself, my body and my journey. I found it helps me reflect, it’s a different experience to surfing but ultimately it’s same energy. It’s really positive and after I finish my practice I feel strong, focused and grounded. “

It’s also the reason she now runs her own wellness center.

“Because I love what I do, I put my energy into teaching people. The focus yoga and surfing give me, helps me move forward with my goal of bringing people a transformative experience at Papaya Wellness.”

When it comes to how she feels right now, India is a bundle of positivity. Her love of surfing, yoga and health have given her focus to keep creating positive change in rural Nicaragua through the things she loves.

“I feel charged, able, empowered and motivated as a single woman creating a sustainable business here. I want local women to be a part of the process. It feels right and it feels real. I feel alive because I know I’m creating change for the better.”

Apart from being a ripping surfer and a yoga goddess, India is just generally an enjoyable person to be around. We hope you enjoy her input into Ola Niña and that you can one day make it to Nicaragua to surf with her and the other women at Playa Gigante!

Kelia Moniz – Female Surfspiration

October 24, 2012 by Ola Niña

Who are we following this week? Kelia Moniz is an 18 year old pro surfer from Hawaii. She’s a talented longboarder and shortboarder who makes surfing look fun. She looks like a surfing ballerina.

She’s been competing in world long boarding competitions since she was 14 but that’s not the only reason why we like her. She’s an incredible surfer who wants to be a “positive influence in women’s surfing.” You can check her out on Twitter or you can keep an eye on her Istagram for pretty surf pics.

The first female surfer in Iran

October 9, 2012 by Ola Niña

Irishwoman Easkey Britton has made waves, surfing in Iran.

When she climbed onto a surfboard on a beach in Iran, the whole of the local village turned out to watch and I’m sure they were impressed. Easkey is the five time Irish surf champion and is a natural in the water.

“They were just so friendly and so curious – they hadn’t seen surfing before,” she said.

You can see Easkey and her journey in a new documentary about being the first woman to surf in the Islamic country.

Initially, she and filmmaker Marion Poizeau were unsure of their reception in the country.

As they got on with their surfing in the sea close to Chabahar, southern Iran, last September, a police car pulled up and they became more concerned.

But there was no need.

“The police were just checking we were okay. They were worried about the rocks on the beach and whether we knew about them.”

Easkey – named after a famous surf break off the west coast of Ireland – is passionate about the ocean.

“I have been fortunate, I was born into surfing. There is no other experience like it for me,” she explained.

Easkey travelled to southern Iran last September.

“We headed off to this Islamic Republic as two women looking for waves,” she said.

It seemed a little bizarre and they had a few preconceptions that were quickly squashed.

“The moment we landed, people were incredibly welcoming and Iran has an amazing heritage. Yes, as women we had to have our heads covered and it was incredibly hot.”

The other issue was one of respect for the local culture and rules.

“I bought a lycra hijab which had not been designed for the surf. But it covered me,” explained Easkey.

“The water was so hot … but it was certainly no place for bikinis and board surfing.”

Now Easkey wants to bring her love of surfing across the world, to cultures where women do not normally get the opportunity to enjoy the sport

We think this is an awesome achievement and applaud Easkey in her goal to give more women a chance to experience the joy of surfing. We look forward to hearing more about her travels.

Read more about Easkey’s story on the BBC News. Or check out the documentary!

If you have surfed in any unusual places we’d love to hear about them! Send us your stories and pictures. 🙂

Ola Nina – We love the ocean

Category Archives: Surfer profiles