Therefore, I thought it was about time to get a proper lesson and fully embrace the Aussie lifestyle after moving here from England – and who better to learn from than professional surfer Ellie-Jean Coffey!
I was invited by SurfStitch to experience my first surf lesson with a masterclass by Ellie-Jean at Manly Surf School in Sydney.
Tanned, blonde and her Billabong one-piece looking effortlessly chic, Ellie-Jean reinforces every Brit’s stereotype of the quintessential fit Aussie surfer!
The surf lesson was great fun and I can see why it’s such a popular sport Down Under.
I nervously took to the waves with my board and wetsuit and tried to remember everything they had just run through with us.
Ellie-Jean was extremely helpful and full of supportive words, even when on my first wave I stood bolt-upright, too eager to stand and I toppled over like a plank.
It was only on my last attempt that I maintained some sort of dignified pose and stayed standing for more than five seconds.
However, afterwards I didn’t feel like a beach goddess as I tried to run my fingers through my salt-ridden hair, plus I was exhausted and I wanted to eat the world.
I was baffled as to how Ellie-Jean does this every day and still looks flawless and in great shape.
So I asked her what are the secrets behind looking so gorgeous around such a hectic surfing lifestyle.
What are your go-to beauty products you couldn’t live without when on the road surfing?
I use Ella Bachè for my days surfing in the sun. [They have a great skincare and sun protection range]
I wear quite a lot of make-up so mac is always my go-to for foundation, bronzer, and lipstick.
How many hours do you surf a day?
Normally, around two hours in the morning and then again in the afternoon.
What’s your favourite go-to outfit after a long day surfing? And what do you like to wear out to events, or nights out?
If I’m chilling at home a summer dress is always nice, I love wearing white as it shows off my tan and nothing too heavy because the Gold Coast is so hot! [Ellie-Jean is sponsored by Billabong so she always has a wonderful selection of clothes through their range].
If I’m going out to an event or party, I won’t lie, I’m as dramatic as they come so I will go heels, with jeans, and a cute top. I won’t shy away from fur (faux) coats, sequin dresses. Anything that screams “centre of attention” haha.
What’s your favourite thing to eat when you aren’t on a strict training diet?
Smoothies are incredible. A jam-packed fruit smoothie is so easy and simple, makes you feel full and it’s nutritious. Sushi is pretty amazing too.
Do you have a health/life motto that you live by?
I’m basically ‘all or nothing’. So if I’m training I will eat just fruit and vegetables. And if I’m not, then it’s chocolate and junk food. It’s probably not a good thing but I suppose in the long run it does balance itself out. People always say “everything in moderation” and that is true. Me as a person though I’m quite extreme and I find it hard to do so.
When you’re not surfing are there any other activities/hobbies you to like to do to keep fit?
I love to jog and listen to music. I think about all the things I want to achieve and create scenarios in my head of situations I would like to be in. Quite strange really but I am being brutally honest. I also love playing tennis. It’s so fun and I am as competitive as they come.
