Meet Our Digital & Marketing Coordinating Queen.
Elena Bravo Jimenez, Jan Juc
“I'm 35, I'm from the south of Spain and I've been on the Surf Coast for four years. ”
When did you first start surfing - and where?
I started when I was 18 - I spent the summer before I started uni surfing in my hometown, Torremolinos. It is in the Mediterranean Sea, but that summer we had so many surf days. All my friends used to boogie board, so I tried that first and then changed to surfboards straight away. It's been non-stop surfing since then.
What was it about surfing that got you addicted?
Definitely the feeling of catching a wave. I wasn't a big fan of sunbaking at the beach, so surfing was a huge way to have fun.
How did you end up living in Torquay?
I was chasing a job in the surf industry and I knew Rip Curl was in Torquay so I moved here and tried to make contacts, meet new people and surfed every day.
What's your favourite surf spot?
I'm a bit obsessed with Winki Pop. Even if it is crowded I always end up catching waves, the quality of the wave is tops!
“Have a lot of patience and surf no matter what. Everyday we learn something new. Even if we think we're not improving... we really are :) ”
How do you feel when you're out in the waves?
Usually calm, relaxed, in a good mindspace until someone starts dropping in on every wave and I feel really upset haha.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not surfing?
Hanging out with friends, but I try to be active - I got a mountain bike recently which is pretty new for me, a bit of rock climbing, hiking, travelling...
Tell us a bit about what you do for work?
I'm now a technical product designer at Rip Curl. I'm in charge of designing the equipment collection such as backpacks, travel bags, board bags...
Do you have a surfing goal in mind?
A surf trip to the Mentawais, Fiji and Tahiti would be insane!
Any tips for women who are just starting out surfing?
Have a lot of patience and surf no matter what. Everyday we learn something new. Even if we think we're not improving... we really are :)