 Tell us a little about yourself: I'm a full-time paint-carver living in the South Island and love adventuring outdoors when I'm not in the studio. Tell us about your boardsports journey: I was a late bloomer when it came to boardsports. I grew up learning to waterski with family friends and boogie boarding a few waves, however, it wasn't until my twenties I got to the snow for the first time to snowboard and then in my late twenties, took myself for some surf lessons on a holiday in Noosa. My step-dad had a huge influence from then and I really got into SUP surfing which is still my fave way to be on the ocean. I've been Sup-surfing now for over a decade and since moving to Chch, downsized to an epic board for me. Reason you love board sports: Boardsports get you moving! I love walking, biking and swimming using your body to move, but a board takes it to the next level. To be able to glide and flow with nature is the best feeling. Your favourite boardsports memory: Heading out for a paddle while staying at Langs and being met by an animated pod of bottlenose dolphins. This happened many times on holiday trips to this beautiful part of the country, it never gets old, that feeling of interacting with incredible mammals in their habitat is mindblowing. What other ways do you cherish (manaaki) yourself? When I am not out in nature I absolutely cherish being in my studio listening to beautiful books and carving artworks. I have carved over 60 skateboards in the last 3 years thanks to collaborating with an incredible local company, Paper Rain, which handcraft the decks I paint and then carve back into. I love carving nature and so what I see on my adventures is hugely influential in my work. What advice would you give to other wahine wanting to pursue a boardsports lifestyle? If it makes you feel good, go for it! Don't be afraid to fall, that will definitely happen, just know it's worth it! If you loved hearing Hannah's story please leave a comment below and check out her stunning art on the following sites: Website - hannahjensen.co.nz Facebook - @HannahJensenArtist Instagram - @hannahjensenart   
0 Comments
 🧡Tell us a little about yourself: I'm originally from England and have been lucky enough to live in Australia and Indonesia before arriving here in Aotearoa just over two years ago. 🧡Tell us about your boardsports journey: My first experience of surfing was age 11 when, along with my brothers, I had my very first surf lesson at Cocoa Beach, Florida. Warm waters and beginner friendly waves soon had me hooked and every holiday after that I begged my Dad to rent a surfboard. In my twenties I started to travel and found surf camps were a perfect way to experience new cultures whilst travelling alone. I'm not super confident but found it easy to make friends as everyone is there for the same reason, to score waves. Surfers love talking about surfing so a simple "how where the waves?" was an easy in. Trips to Europe and Africa followed before I ventured further to Australia where I decided to quit my job and train to become a surf instructor. After working in Australia I was given the opportunity to become a surf guide in Indonesia, 2 months turned into a year and a half and I eventually settled in Uluwatu, Bali. Just over 2 years ago I made the move to Aotearoa and now have my pick of the East and West coast waves.  🧡Reasons you love board sports: Sat in the ocean on my surfboard brings me joy. I love the ocean and the feeling of floating around on the ripples, waves and currents. I feel small in the best possible way, like whatever happens it's ok because I am just one tiny person surrounded by a vast powerful ocean. Surfing is so much fun. It's a difficult feeling to describe, it's happiness, it's a big goofy uncontrollable grin on my face. It's also a great leveller, if you ever feel like you're getting better or mastering a maneuver there is always the next wave to send you over the falls and remind you that we are all forever learning. Surfing has given me freedom and the confidence to travel and seek out adventures. It has introduced me to my best friends and given me so many incredible opportunities that I would never have experienced otherwise.  🧡Your favourite boardsports memory: Picking out my first proper surfboard. My friend took me to a surf shop in Bali and I picked out my board and my fins, my tail pad and even my board sock. He helped me set it up and I was so excited, I'd always ridden second hand boards and rentals, this was my first new board. I've had a few new boards since then, but that experience will always be special. 🧡What other ways do you cherish (manaaki) yourself? (personal well being) I try to look after myself, eating well and exercising. Sometimes being so far away from my family can be hard so I also love to spend time with my amazing friends who have become my family here. I really enjoy challenging myself and learning new things, through wellness riders I've started skateboarding and snowboarding too. 🧡What advice would you give to other wahine wanting to pursue a boardsports lifestyle? Start now. You won't regret it. Learning a new skill is challenging but also so rewarding. But also be kind to yourself, it will take time. Don't be afraid to ask for help, we are all continuously learning and improving. As an 11 year old, dragging an 8ft foam board along the beach I never imagined I would end up here, but I'm so glad I have.  Give some AROHA / LOVE to Toni if you appreciated her interview by leaving a comment below. Her insta is @toni_lloyd
🧡Radiant skin is a reflection of inner health and balance. To glow from the inside out, focus on your gut health, efficient detox pathways, consuming optimal nutrition, adequate hydration and plenty of omega rich foods. 🧡Limit pro-inflammatory & congesting foods & beverages. Many people notice significant skin improvements with reducing or avoiding dairy and gluten (if intolerant), sugar, caffeine, artificial ingredients, processed foods, highly refined cooking oils & high sugar beverages. 🧡Consider a 4-6 week elimination & reintroduction trial to identify any suspected food sensitivities while working on improving your gut health & detoxification pathways, ideally with the guidance of a holistic health practitioner. With time you may be able to better tolerate problematic foods. 🧡Keep your skin well hydrated by sipping on pure water (2L +) throughout the day & avoid drinking 30-60 minutes around mealtime as fluid dilutes digestive enzymes which we need in high concentration to efficiently break down food. This can lead to impaired nutrient absorption & digestive complaints. 🧡Lubricate the skin from the inside out & reduce inflammation with high quality omega rich foods including chia seeds, walnuts, fish, algae/hemp/flaxseed oil (refrigerate or keep in a cool dark space for longer shelf life).  Food & Beverage Ideas for Healthy SkinUpon rising: Drink 1 glass of warm, pure water with the juice of ½ lemon or 1 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar Breakfast:
 Chia Omega BoosterNutrition properties: Omega 3, fibre, protein, healthy fat, antioxidants, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, vitamins A, B, E + D, plus additional nutrients. Ingredients 5 Tbsp chia seeds 1 Cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, cashew, coconut etc.) ¼ tsp pure vanilla extra Add ingredients to a small glass jar. Stir well and leave in the fridge overnight Topping options (choose a few): 1 tsp cinnamon powder (Cinnamomum zeylanicum – high quality variety) 1 tsp cacao nibs 1 tsp cacao or carob powder 1 tsp coconut flakes 1 Tbsp chopped nuts or seeds 1 Tbsp nut butter 1 Tbsp plain coconut yoghurt/kefir 2 Tbsp berries 2 Tbsp sliced banana, mango, papaya, kiwifruit Add your favourite toppings to the chia blend before or after soaking – enjoy!! Recipe & nutrition recommendations By Sarinah Hurford – Naturopath & Medical Herbalist If you enjoyed this blog leave a comment below and give some love to our girl Sarinah. Follow her @sarinah_maya  🧡Tell Us About Yourself: Hello! Elissa here, I'm 31 (you're never too old to start skating) and from Christchurch. I'm one of those people who likes to do a little bit of everything! Variety is good, but it makes it very hard when you've got too many hobbies you want to take up haha. I grew up as an arty, non-sporty kid and only later in life discovered that I just hadn't found the right kind of physical activity that I enjoyed. Aikido was what started it all for me, followed by skating, which then led to all sorts of things :) 🧡Tell Us About Your Boardsports Journey: I started skating back in late 2010 when my brother got a longboard. I jumped on it and was pleasantly surprised to learn that I did in fact have balance, and the free feeling of gliding along asphalt got me hooked. Back then, I never thought I'd get into downhill skating, but a relationship breakup led to me giving a bunch of activities a really good go in order to find myself again, and skating just kind of stuck. 🧡 Reasons You Love Boardsports: So many reasons haha. It gets me outside, it's great exercise - good combo of strength, agility, and balance, and it just feels damn good. You can do it both on your own and in a group, and it can be whatever you want it to be - therapeutic, expressive, competitive, challenging, relaxing... the list goes on! I think it is also really empowering being able to buck stereotypes and participate in what's typically considered a male-dominated field. 🧡Your Favourite Boardsports Memory: Bit of a cop-out, but I don't have a favourite memory - skating and other boardsports have been such a big part of my life, that everything is intertwined. I've been to places I never would've been, and met people I otherwise would never have met (including my partner). It's fostered a strong sense of exploration. 🧡What Other Ways Do You Cherish (Manaaki) Yourself? (Personal Well-Being) I have a lot of food allergies/intolerances, so I cook often and enjoy learning about food and keeping a healthy (but balanced ) diet. I want to keep skating and doing other activities I enjoy for as long as possible, so that means looking after my body. I do yoga and bouldering to stay flexible and strong, but knowing when to rest is important too! 🧡What advice would you give to other wāhine wanting to pursue a boardsports lifestyle? Go for it - the best time to start is now! Don't be intimidated by people who look like they know what they're doing, everyone started somewhere and people will be more than happy to help you learn :)  If you loved hearing her story give her some love on social or leave a comment below she would love to hear from you.
Follow Her @_hazecat on Instagram. Check Shining Sister! Arohanui WR Crew  🧡Tell us a little about yourself: I am a primary teacher who grew up in Hawkes Bay and I now live in Warkworth. My wife and I have been lucky enough to enjoy traveling around the world together and are constantly on the lookout to find cool new spots to skate, surf and snowboard. 🧡Tell us about your boardsports journey: Before becoming a teacher, part of my job was helping run youth camps. My first camp was a snow camp and snowboarding on the field at the bottom of the Chateau Tongariro on a day when the mountain was closed, was my first experience of snowboarding. I was hooked. This was the start of my love for snowboarding and in fact, boardsports. I have always loved the idea of skateboarding and have even tried a few times to get into it. I like trying new things, I get really into it, buy all the gear but the novelty seems to fade and I move onto the next thing without making connections with others with similar interests. Until, as a 30+ adult, I discovered Wellness Riders and other amazing groups of wahine like Skate Seen and Girls Skate who make everyone welcome no matter what their experience and level of skateboarding is. In the last year, summer means days, weekends and holidays at the beach surfing. Every day is a new wave, and another chance to challenge yourself to get better and enjoy that feeling and thrill of standing up on the wave or laughing together after an epic wipe out. 🧡 Reasons you love boardsports: I love being out in nature and enjoying different experiences out and about in our amazing country. Boardsports helps you connect with others, and gives you a challenge to keep learning new things, no matter how old or young you are. It is something you can share with others and encourage them to join you on your journey and learn together. 🧡 Your favourite boardsports memory: My favourite memory is snowboarding fresh powder in Japan. The small crowds and deep powder made for the most enjoyable days on the mountain I have ever had. My favourite skateboarding memory so far is the first day I learnt to drop in at the skate park and then helping my niece do the same.  🧡 What other ways do you cherish (manaaki) yourself? (personal well being) For me it’s about keeping it simple. Finding out what is good for your mind, body and soul and making time for those things. Keeping active has always been an important part of this for me, which is why boardsports fit in so well for me 🧡 What advice would you give to other wāhine wanting to pursue a boardsports lifestyle? Do it! Try out something new even if it scares you, even if you aren't great at it to start off with, because that's where everyone starts. You may fall, I still often do, but you learn to get up and give it another go because the people you meet on your boardsports journey are encouraging, supportive and are there for you. Search them up, find a class or event, get out there and give it a go because they are waiting for people like you to connect with.   Wāhine Rider Series
Meet Becky @beeeckii 🧡How did you get into boardsports? I got a surf lesson when I was 15 and was hooked. Then I wanted to try snowboarding and skating after that.⠀ ⠀ 🧡What do you love about board sports? ⠀ I love that all board sports are similar yet so different at the same time. For example, if I'm stuck in the city i can go for a skate and imagine I'm surfing . ⠀ ⠀ 🧡What are your top three ways of cherishing yourself? ⠀ 1. get out for regular adventures to make sure i get good work/life balance. ⠀ 2. Surround myself with awesome positive people. ⠀ 3. Be thankful for all of the blessings in my life.⠀ ⠀ 🧡What advice would you give to others girls keen to get into board sports? ⠀ To go hard, practice pays off, but most of all make sure your having fun! Yeow!  Olivia Hoebers ✨Wāhine Rider Role Model Series 🧡Tell us a little about yourself: Kia ora e te whānau. E mihi ana ki ngā tohu o nehe, o Taupō-nui-a-Tia e noho nei au. Nō Olivia ahau. Hey, my name is Olivia and I live on the beautiful south-western shores of Lake Taupō. I'm a passionate outdoors woman and feel most alive and aligned when learning new things and exploring new places. 🧡Tell us about your boardsports journey: I am so grateful that my highschool had a snowsports curriculum up Mt Ruapehu as part of their PE program, without it I wouldn't have discovered as quickly my love of mountains and snowboarding. I was obsessed with riding every weekend and after Year 13 took a gap year to work and save up for my first trip overseas to ride in Canada and the USA. I've since explored Japan and the ski fields in the South Island multiple times. Last summer I got into wakeboarding after receiving a wakeboard for my birthday and was hooked! I mean, it would be crazy not to ride the massive lake that's on my doorstep! I'm really looking forward to getting out there after a short-but-sweet winter. 🧡Reasons you love boardsports: The sense of calm mixed with pure bliss and love and all the warm fuzzies that flood your body after that one run down the mountain. And then you get to go back up and do it all over again! Being out in nature is joy in its purest form. The people you meet and get to know along the way make it that much more enjoyable too. 🧡Your favourite boardsports memory: I've recently come back from the most epic couple of weeks in the South Island (got back the day Level 4 was announced nationwide) snowboarding and trying my hand at something new - splitboarding! In my mind, this combined my two favourite activities, hiking and snowboarding, I was more than intrigued! I spent 4 days in the backcountry skinning up faces, summiting mountains, and riding the most incredible powder slopes I've experienced in NZ. The pics on this post are a few from that adventure.   🧡What other ways do you cherish (Manaaki) yourself? (personal wellbeing) My journey inward has developed a wonderful sense of self-love that I continue to cultivate through grounding meditations, education and reflection, and being out in nature. I also prioritise restful sleep and staying connected to my close friends and family. 🧡What advice would you give wāhine looking to pursue a boardsports lifestyle? Everything is better together when you're first starting out, so finding a supportive and fun group like Wellness Riders to encourage and show you the ropes is really helpful to gain confidence and skills. When you're comfortable, NZ is your oyster and is just begging to be explored! Olivia HoebersGet in touch if you would like to connect with Olivia.  Jordana Holloway @jorrr.danaWāhine Rider Role Model Series🧡Tell us a little about yourself: I grew up in Calgary, Canada and started snowboarding at a young age. I remember catching city transit to our local ski hill after school and on the weekends, and rode with a small crew of local girls. After graduating high school I got a job at the ski hill for the winter. One season quickly turned into 3 and during the third winter is when I met my partner, Matiu, while riding up the chairlift together. Fast forward 13 years and a few countries later - with a slight pause to study Ski Resort Operations and Management at Selkirk College - snowboarding has provided me with a lot of awesome opportunities. I have been able to meet a lot of amazing people (some of my closest friends I met while riding!), live and explore some of the coolest places, and importantly, gain a lot of life and work experience from frontline jobs in rental/retail shops, snow school instructing and management, catski lodge assistant, to currently working at TCB Ski Board & Bike Shop in Ohakune.  🧡 Tell us about your boardsports journey: It took me a few years to learn to snowboard and really get into the sport. Now that I am older, I look back and see that I was introduced to snowboarding at the right time and it really helped me get through the middle school and high school years. Unfortunately, my parents went through a divcorce later in my teenage years and going snowboarding provided me with a regular and safe constant in my life, as well as a form of “escape” from reality sort of speak. I could go out riding and completely forget about all the troubles and stress I was carrying. It didn’t matter if I went riding for only a few hours or full day, I would always come home feeling happier. I have always enjoyed park laps, as growing up and riding at Canada Olympic Park that was one of the main things people would ski/ride there. I have had some amazing powder days riding around Alberta and British Columbia ski resorts - especially at Retallack Lodge and Whitewater Ski Resort, and the seasons I’ve done in Niseko, Japan. I now call Ohakune home and regularly go riding at Turoa on Mt. Ruapehu.  🧡 Reasons you love boardsports: I love snowboarding because it provides me an outlet for creativity and self expression, and allows me to be in the elements of nature, surrounded by mountains and fresh air. Snowboarding, like mountain biking, is a way that I am able to take care of my mental and physical well-being. I also love how snowboarding, like all boardsports, brings together like minded individuals from different backgrounds to have fun and provide a sense of belonging and community. 🧡 Your favourite boardsports memory: Wow this is a tough one to answer! I am fortunate enough to honestly say I have had so many amazing memories that it is truly challenging to single out one specific moment! Overall a regular memory that I always reflected back on is from spending winters working as a snowboard instructor. Watching students challenge themselves and fight fears of learning a new skill and being able to watch their progression throughout the process - that’s quite an amazing feeling to know you can be a part of someone’s journey (and memory!) of learning a new boardsport!
🧡What other ways do you cherish (manaaki) yourself? (personal well being) Alongside snowboarding, I love to go mountain biking and walking our dog Figaro, as well as spending time with our families and friends. As I’ve gotten older I have learned that my “me” time is also very important too, as well as keeping a healthy balance between work and life. Since living in Ohakune year-round, I have really gotten into gardening and crafts. A room in our house has been shifted into an art studio and recently we completed a greenhouse in our backyard. These hobbies help provide me time to chill out and slow down, and take the time to reflect on life and dream about future adventures. I also love to garden because it provides us with a source of healthy food to eat while at the same time learning about nature and caring for our environment.  🧡 What advice would you give to other wāhine wanting to pursue a boardsports lifestyle? Honestly, if you dream of pursuing and living a boardsports lifestyle then chase your dreams! Sometimes I wonder who I would be today if I did NOT follow my passion for snowboarding. Snowboarding has helped fuel the adventurous side of me to explore and grow as an individual, and helped make me who I am today. Don't be afraid to reach out for help and ask people for advice and guidance - a lot of us have shared very similar experiences while pursuing a boardsports lifestyle and we would be more than happy to talk. We may even have recommendations or people whom we can connect you with to help on your journey! Jordana Holloway ✨Follow Her - Insta @jorrr.dana Are You Interested In Longboard Dancing?! This trick is for the wāhine who is comfortable cruising on their longboard and looking to start learning some longboard dance moves to mix things up. It's an exciting time for you! Take it at your own pace so you feel safe at all times. Here is what you need to know: Peter Pans 🧚♂️ Instructions (Watch Video for Visual Assistance): 1. Transfer your weight completely to the front foot before releasing to the other. Make sure your toes line up with each other. 2. Weight transfer from toe to heel. To balance on one foot I focus on putting the weight on the arch of my foot. 3. Practise your steps on your skateboard, tap your foot on the ground if you lose balance. (Practise on grass or carpet for stability before you hit the concrete). 4. Once you have mastered this step, practise without tapping the ground. 5. Try to do this while moving. I like to crave heel side first and feet my front foot to the outside of the board. 6. Arms out for balance. There you go, it may take a while to master this longboard dance move so have patience and be your best cheer leader! Sending you lots of good vibes and focus. Give it a go and tag us @wellness_riders or DM through insta or facebook for us to share! You go girl! Want More Tips?! 👉Click Here for Leg Balance Challenge Tips & Tricks with Coach Teesh 👉Click Here for Going Down Slopes Tips & Tricks with Coach Teesh 👇Or More Support?! Check Out Our Ebook 👇 Womens Beginner Skateboarding Guide Using Skateboarding for Your Wellbeing Teesh YangHead Skateboarding Coach  Looking To Level Up Your Health?! Here is a a nourishing smoothie recipe to kickstart your day or take to fuel your boardsports session. Ingredients: ✨Blend banana ✨Kiwi ✨Spinach ✨Ginger root ✨Pea protein ✨Spirulina ✨Chia ✨Hempseed hearts ✨Coconut cream ✨Water Note:(you don’t need all these ingredients if not accessible). Opt for fresh and organic sources where manageable for optimal nutritional benefits including Vitamin C Wishing you well! I hope this helps you feel great before your next skate, surf or snow board session! Recipe by @sarinah_maya x Give it a go and tag us @wellness_riders or DM through insta or facebook for us to share! 👉Check Out Spicy Pumpkin Soup Recipe 👉Check Out Masala Chai Recipe Sarinah HurfordCo-Founder of Wellness Riders |
WELLNESS rIDERSOur blog is a place we share wāhine rider stories, wellness tips and more. Archives
January 2022
Categories |
RSS Feed