Josie Prendergast is one of the best young surfers to watch out for. Born in Siargao, Philippines, Josie moved to Byron Bay, Australia when she was 4 years old and she has been longboarding ever since. An ambassador for Billabong and McTavish, she is a graceful and skilled longboarder and has a style many dream of having.
SSW chatted with Josie about her background and aspirations, as she shared a playlist of her favorite tracks.
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SSW: When and how did you first start surfing?
Josie Prendergast: I remember catching my first wave when I was around 7 but I didn’t really start surfing until I was around 10 or 11. I’ve grown up near the beach, so that was a big push for me to start surfing. Plus my dad is very passionate about surfing and the ocean.
Can you describe what it feels like to ride a wave?
There are so many feelings. When you are on a wave, you almost forget about everything and you just do what you do. And the feeling of being able to do what you love is amazing. I can conclude that riding a wave feels like magic.
What are you currently riding? What’s your favorite surfboard?
I am currently riding my McTavish Fireball square tail. I love that board! but I do also ride The Dirt Nap and The Involvement by McTavish.
We’ve been following you on social media for a while and we love your unique sense of style. What inspires your style and what tips do you have for developing a personal style? Is there any female in your sport that you look up to or feel has created a style that you admire?
Travelling is a big thing that inspires my style. Of course the surfing lifestyle too. but anything to do with travelling and doing what you love is the best. If you want to develop a ‘personal style’ my tip would to just do what you do… Display what you love to do, what you want to do, what inspires and motivates you..there are so many female surfers who inspire me.. countless amounts.
You’ve said in your interviews that you aspire to keep surfing and modeling, but you have even bigger plans to start an Orphanage Home or a Program to reach out to those in need. Please tell us more about this dream of yours!
I’ve always wanted to help those in need since I was super young. I think I get this from my mum because she loves helping others. I think it would amazing to open up an orphanage home or have a program that helps those in need.. I really do hope I can make something along the lines of that happen one day. It would truly be a dream come true.
Josie Prendergast #playlist
Thinking of yourself as a soul on Earth, what do you think your purpose is? And in what way do you think one person can make the world a better place?
I feel like we are all here for a reason and like everyone I have my ups and downs but what i try always remember is that I’m so lucky to be alive and live in a place that’s so beautiful. I believe if we start appreciating things more, then we are able to feel more happy!
What advice would you give to those learning how to surf?
Go for it!!! just have fun with it all… It’s not a competition out there, we all want the same thing and that is just to have fun with it. If it brings you happiness, there is no problem.
What type of music did you grow up listening to and what is the first song you ever fell in love with?
All types of music.. I’ve had my days where I would listen to rap, and only rap, and then I have had times where I would listen to more calming and soft music.. It comes and goes aha. I actually think my first song that I fell in love with was that ‘hey soul sister song’ when I was in primary school.
If there was a perfect soundtrack for this year of your life, which song would it be?
ooooohhh that’s tough. I don’t really know..
Do you associate memories with songs? Any stories connected to the songs you chose to share with us today?
no not really.. I will be listening to a song though and if I get into the lyrics, I find some phrases that go along with my life which I find so cool..
Interview by Irina Liakh
Photos by Morgan Maasen
