Heya Crew!

Whats been happening? Sorry for the lack of reading material last week. I had 2 UNI assignments to complete and now I’M ALL DONE, for this year anyways…

Summer is pretty much here and I’m incredibly happy about it, although, at this rate it might just be the hottest summer EVER!

So start shedding those layers (if you haven’t already) and get out in the sun! Even Thredbo, Perisher, Hotham, Falls Creek and all the snowy spots have been enjoying perfect bluebird days and some of the most talented riding ever to be seen in Australia. The One Hit Wonder competition was held in Thredbo this week and minds were blown by Russ Henshaw’s triple cork!

So over the past few weeks I have been getting some stuff together, organising interviews and driving Leigh around when he needs a rescue. The focus at the moment is all things ocean. Surfing, bodyboarding, paddleboarding, sunbaking and oceanic goodness are all on the agenda and I’m super pumped about it!  This week I sat down with one of my favourite humans on the planet and an unbelievably talented bodyboarder, surfer, marine scientist and all round good guy, Adam Sillars. Even if you aren’t interested in bodyboarding, you can just bask in the glory of his hair.

Here’s what went down when we had a chat:

How old were you when you started bodyboarding? I started boogin regularly when I was 16, so just over 8 years ago.

At risk of being beaten up, why not surfing? I guess all my mates and myself were really into bodyboarding after watching the Tension films made by Chris White. Like every grommy at that stage we were always filming, trying to copy the big wigs antics in the schoolyard and on our weekend adventures to the coast. From there the more I booged and started to progress, mixed with my competitive attitude, made me strive to get better and better and surfing never got a look in.

What’s your favourite break, and why? I have two loves, South Straddie and Socials (in the Cook Islands). I have been surfing Straddie since I started out on the boog and it’s the place that has helped me progress and evolve as a bodyboarder. It is a heavy, world class wave that will teach you a stern lesson as soon as you think you’ve got the place wired. I have dislocated both of my shoulders there and had to mission it back to the hospital to be relocated after 2 hours. Not some my fondest memories, but I’ll never stop going there. I have been to Cooks three times now and have never had a bad surf at Socials. It always seems to produce these super fun barrels or wedging ramps that resemble the waves you usually only dream about.

Who inspires you? My family and friends in all their own little ways. Bodyboarding wise definitely Mike Stewart and Mitch Rawlins. Not only are they amongst the most talented people to enter the ocean on a bodyboard, but also their businesses (Science and Found) are setting up the sport for a very bright future.

Have you ever had one of those moments when you think: “Well, if I died right now, at least I’d die happy”? Yeah I’ve been lucky enough to have a couple actually. This usually happens whenever I have received the news that I am getting new sponsors (Flux Bodyboarding, Science Bodyboards, Gyroll Leashes, Buoy, Wings Performance), when I got my final university results, the day I graduated to become a Marine Scientist and recently whenever I hold my little nephew Ethan.

What’s your dream job? Working at the Hastings Point General Store obviously haha. On a serious note my dream job is within my Marine Science field. Either doing research or carrying out some sort or sustainability projects to help conserve the environment for future generations to enjoy.

What is your dream destination and why? Tahiti. That place blew me away with its awe inspiring landscape and of course amazing waves.

If you could catch waves with anyone on the planet, who would you choose? It’s a close one between Kelly Slater, Mike Stewart or Mitch Rawlins.

If you were hosting a dinner party and you had to invite 6 people, 3 alive and 3 dead, who would you invite, And why? Kelly Slater, Tiger Woods, Will Ferrel, Jim Morrison, Charles Darwin and Steve Irwin. In my opinion these guys are the best of the best in their chosen career paths and they would have some very interesting stories to tell.

What’s your favourite food? Peanuts? Ha yeah definitely not Peanuts. I love all food, but would have to say chicken wraps or hot chips with chicken salt mmm.

What are your Goals for 2012, before you become a real person with a real job next year? I put them in the notes section in my phone after a few golden ales on New Years and this is exactly how it reads. “Get a photo run, surf 6-8ft waves, three trips overseas, do a surf calendar, be happy, positive and healthy”. I am proud to say I’ve nailed this list, apart from getting a photo run in a magazine this year. However there is still 3 months left so fingers crossed I can still make this happen.

Blonde, Brunette or Redhead? Ranga’s are you serious haha. Dark blonde or brunette (stallion horse noise).

What are you reading at the moment? I just finished Kelly Slaters book ‘For the Love’ and strongly recommend it. Now I’m onto a fiction book by Lee Child, titled ‘Gone Tomorrow’, which is pretty cool so far.

What’s your favourite song, and why? ‘Lamar’ by the Beautiful Girls is definitely up there. It means the ocean, which is pretty fitting for me and I have since named my website after it. Also Pink Floyd’s albums ‘Dark Side of the Moon’ and ‘The Wall’ are pieces of absolute art that I will continue to listen to happily until the day I die.

If you found $1 Million on the ground, what would you do with it? Probably take my family and close friends all on an overseas adventure. I would then put a lot of it into investments (property, long term deposits etc.) to set up my family for the future.

Any shout outs? Bodyboarding wise, I’d like to thank Jarryd at Flux Bodyboarding, Johnny at Science/Gyroll, Craig at Buoy and Brendan at Wings Performance for their endless support. I’d also like to thank my parents, family, friends and lovely girlfriend Claire.

So there you have it, and if thats not enough for you, you can head down to North Burleigh on the 15th and watch the boys show their skills at North Bodyboard Clubs competition, round 7 any time after 7am.

More to come soon! Keep your eyes on the page and your ears on the Dreamkillers! Shows are being orgaised as we speak! Heaps of new stock in store as well so get shopping! Its nearly Christmas after all!

Peace and Love

Anne xx