If there’s anywhere that epitomizes the very best of Tasmanian beach life it’s Bruny Island. And if there’s anyone who typifies the Tassie Beach woman, it’s Bruny-native and surf star Lizzie Stokely (23), who lives about 10 minutes from her favorite beach.
Competing since her teens, she’s participated in dozens of junior and senior-level competitions across Australia, Indonesia, and South Africa, earning 3rd place in the 2018 Western Baja Qualifying Series. “The prize money from that year had been upgraded to the level of the men’s prize money, and I was able to put mine toward entering the next competitions.
While she was back home on the island, sidelined by the COVID pandemic, we spoke with Lizzie about Bees products, Bruny, Tasmania’s commitment to the environment, her travel plans and, of course, her passion for catching big waves.
A Low-tech, Surf’s Up Youth
A popular vacation spot on the southeast coast of Tasmania, Bruny (full-time pop. 600) is about 70K in length and only accessible by ferry. “It’s one of the most beautiful spots in the world, surrounded by beautiful water and coastline,” Lizzie says.
For anyone who has fantasized about living off the grid or getting back to nature, Lizzie’s childhood was as unspoiled as her island home, known for its oysters, cheese, and even a vineyard. There’s a general store, but no supermarket.
“We didn’t have iPads or iPods, we just played outside in the mud,” she laughs. “When I was 15, I got a phone and even then it was one of those flip-top ones.”
Her father and older brother were surfers, and, with minimal local distractions, she fell in love with the sport too.
“When I was younger, in primary school, all I did in my free time was surf. I aspired to be world champion. And I competed in a lot of junior competitions around Australia. I just wanted to keep progressing,” Lizzie says.
Three-job Summer Pays for International Travel
After finishing college, Lizzie took on three jobs, worked all summer and saved, saved, saved to travel overseas for competitions. She began doing the World Qualifying Series in 2017 across Indonesia and South Africa. “I’d compete in as many as I could.”
She adds, “It’s tricky in the female surfing world. If you’re self-funded it’s hard to make a dent in the rankings.” Lizzie emphasizes, however, that prizes aren’t the ultimate goal. Her focus is on improvement, fun and love of the sport. “In a way that’s one thing I’m lucky to have. It’s more than a sport for me and I’m less interested in the competition.”
Learning to Cherish the Environment
Lizzie’s childhood also fueled a commitment to preserving Tasmania’s pure, clean environment.
“At my school on Bruny Island there were only three people in my grade. One thing I was very lucky about is that we spent a lot of time learning about conservation,” she remembers.
This commitment extends to all of Tasmania, sections of which are World Heritage Sites. “Everyone down here has their head screwed on right about the environment. I have the mentality that you have to give back to it. I think every Tasmanian knows they’re fortunate, especially if they’re an outdoors person,” Lizzie says. “If you live in Tasmania you believe in taking care of it. We’re surrounded by so much beauty it puts everything in perspective.”
“I got a bunch of samples and now my whole family is using Beauty and the Bees. I love the hand soaps and shampoo bars. I love how it’s all natural. You just feel good using it.”
What’s Next?
As the global COVID pandemic gradually subsides, Lizzie looks forward to rejoining the circuit and pursuing her passion.
Travel ambitions include surfing its Pacific Coast and then taking time out to explore the United States. “I haven’t been able to afford America yet, but it is definitely on my list of things to do. But I’d want to make a proper trip out of it and take time to explore it properly.”
And even though money for women surfers is tight, she’s still having a blast on the circuit. “I’ve had the most fun ever and met lifelong friends. That’s the part that makes me happy.”
Follow Lizzie’s surfing journey here.
