Where are you from and what's the female surf community like there?
Originally, I am from the country. I moved to Noosa two years ago and only knew one other female who surfed. Now, I’ve had the pleasure of meeting so many amazing ladies who are just so beautiful and supportive.
We'd love to learn more about what made you want to start this surf community, Paulie & Friends?
Honestly, I’ve often felt quite intimidated in the water and thought if I have these feelings many others might also. Therefore, I created an all-women’s surf community to bring all types of women together to encourage each other and have heaps of fun doing it.
Any highlights from the year that's passed?
Ohhh, the highlight is definitely meeting all these amazing ladies and creating such a beautiful community in and out of the water.
We also won a Noosa Arts grant which we are super excited about.
Any big projects lined up for 2023?
Actually, we are running an exhibition in June to showcase all the amazing creatives that have been a part of the P & F community. There will be local musicians, live artist portraits, beautiful artwork and yummy food. It’s going to be a blast! You should come along!
If we came to visit you in Noosa, where would you take us? What would we do? And where are the coldest beers at??
I would definitely take you for a walk through the national park. Go for a surf, check out some oppys and then go for a spicy margie and live music at The Peregian Beach Hotel, PBH to the locals ;)
Style us out for the lineup, what would you have us wearing:
I’m all about the cute but comfortable onepiece, usually paired with a rashie and bucket hat. Gotta protect my skin and those eyes from the UV rays!
Favourite surf spot or destination:
Siargao in the Philippines, take me back!
Words you live by:
That’s what surfing’s all about (while throwing arms in the air with the biggest smile you’ve ever seen).
Top 10 essential (surf) travel items:
Can I say sunscreen x’s 10?
Log, fish, extra leash, sunscreen, zinc, 4 x swim and a big smile.
Anything thing else we need to know/how can we support what you do:
We love any community that empowers women in and out of the surf and therefore look for opportunities to collaborate with like-minded companies that believe in this vision and want to spread love to help others across the globe.
Photographs and Video by Clementine Bourke
Check out Paulie & Friends on Instagram