It makes me feel really emotional and sad to see so many young girls being influenced by increasing social media outlets, media stars and marketing that is imposing the impossible on so many young women gasping for mentors. Why are we encouraging our youth to feel self conscious and judging themselves on others based on ridiculous time wasting nonsense.

We should be showing them how to live a healthy balanced life based on positive images and values. I am living this change because I practice what I preach: through my work teaching pilates, my connections through coaching surfing and snowboarding, I encourage body positivity. I am also studying a Good Change course, where we learn Healthy Habits that increases overall mental and physical health so inevitably I can help myself and others alike.

I was very fortunate to be brought up in a great family, we were taught a can-do attitude and that hard work and tenacity pays off. I paved a career in the Snowboarding Industry and now live a life by the sea, bliss. I feel a sense of accomplishment that I made the most of a career in Snowboarding, I travelled the world and met so many amazing people and went to so many incredible places. Hiking in the Himalayas, Snowboarding in Switzerland, Slovenia and traveling a lot, oh there are so many other adventures I can recollect if I take my mind back. I can only pray now that my son will get to have a free traveling life like I did.

In the Snow I got involved in many camps and programs to encourage and help women to get amongst the snow, we did coaching camps and special events, I started a Bikini Downhill at Snowpark in Wanaka, that was so fun. We raced down the mountain in our Bikini’s around a slalom course, hahah. We raised money for Breast Cancer and this event continues at Whakapapa, New Zealand annually. I met so many amazing women and coached a lot to overcome fears and shred harder on their snowboards.

When I started to surf more I started Wahine on Waves where we ran events and camps to encourage girls in the Ocean. These days Wahine on Waves is a little sleepy as my time is taken up bringing up our son and other work. I just love surfing and snowboarding they are the best. 

These days I feel so lucky to have had a child, I actually thought I had missed the boat but alas, I met a lovely man and now we have a 3.5 year old son. I have had plenty of ups and downs in my life but I just feel so blessed & content.