Tulua Verde is for free spirits and life lovers, for people that go for their dreams and create a life that's true to themselves. In the series #wearetulua (translating into "we are rising"), we portray personalities that have been doing just that and created a life that's true to themselves. Today we want to introduce you to the jofyful soul and surfcoach Allannah Brown from Gather & Glide surf academy.
Tell us a little bit about yourself. Who are you and what’s your story?
Friends call me 'Allan' - I was born and raised in Newquay, Cornwall, UK. Growing up I was obese as a child, hated sports and had a troubled upbringing in my early years. When I was 14 I discovered surfing, but gave it up for a year after being bullied in and out of the water by 'friends' and boys from my school. At 15 I ditched the friends and went full throttle from there and dedicated my life to surfing. I have now been surfing for 18 years, coaching globally for 16 and surfed in 14 countries, seeking new waves and experiences. With my business partner, I run the Gather & Glide surf academy here in Newquay, where we run progressive surf courses for women. So to think I went from a child who hated any physical activity to owning a surf school is pretty awesome and I know that little me would be so stoked!
“I think it's important that we support each other out there, girls and guys, make friends, and cheer each other on!”
Photocredits: gatherandglide
How did you discover your love for the ocean? What’s your connection to the ocean?
I saw Keala Kennely shredding on the extreme sports channel and was like 'wooaah'. The ocean is my place to let my inner child loose with no judgement, it's a place to process things, to have that release and to make new friends.
“Everything will always work out”
Photocredits: gatherandglide
Describe in one word what feeling you get when you find yourself in the ocean.
Safe - unless its big out there haha
It looks like you have created the life of your dreams. How did you get there? What would you advise people who are struggling to follow their dreams?
When I started surfing, I knew that I would be involved in surfing for my whole life, it consumed me. As soon as I was old enough, I wanted to coach, to give back, to share the joy surfing brings. I still have moments when I doubt myself, but I do believe that we are all where we are supposed to be, with no risks there are no rewards and we don't grow. So in moments of doubt I usually say 'Yes' and dive head first, if it doesn't work out, I'm content in knowing that I gave it a go and will have no regrets that I didn't try. Everything will always work out.
Photo credit: theseaandthesky
Women are commonly underrepresented in surfing - why is that and how can we change what? How can we empower more women to surf?
Check out Gather & Glide Surf Academy here.