Seeababes

Seea ambassador Lauren L. Hill reflects on her nearly two-decade friendship with Leah Dawson in honor of their conversation for Episode 5 of the Waterpeople Podcast. 

Words by Lauren L. Hill 

Leah Dawson has inspired me for nearly 20 years. Her surfing, her open heart, and bright mind, her willingness to give almost anything a go. 

We grew up surfing in longboard contests together along the sleepy Floridian coastline. We blossomed amongst that early 2000s  “Blue Crush”  women's surfing boom when it felt like things were really going to change for the surf industry; that girls and women might actually be welcomed into surf culture in meaningful ways. But the wave broke and left us all kind of wondering what happened. Where did the support go? 

We both went our separate ways, both to study at university, and we both emerged into completely different incarnations of surfing careers. For years, it was as if the surf industry didn't know what do do with Leah. She didn't fit the mold of the two binary options for industry-supported female surfers: lifestyle longboarder or WCT shortboarder. She was always a bit of both. Always kind of in-between. She was always skilled in everything she rode. 

A few snapshots of Lauren, Leah, and friends throughout the years.  

After years of studying, surfing, and studying surfing, Leah emerged with new boards under her arms: single fin mid-lengths. The process of evolving her surfing, expanding her spiritual self and finding a community of like-minded women on the North Shore gave way to a woman who knew her path.

Now, Leah is pioneering the gap in women’s surfing between longboarding and shortboarding. Blurring the lines. Leah takes an artful and considered approach to riding anything – and her voice has found its place right in the heart of modern surfing. 

Leah recently helped to establish The Changing Tides Foundation to empower women and girls through travel and surfing. Changing Tides creates spaces for sisterhoods at home and abroad and runs a diverse set of campaigns, from community composting initiatives, to taking much needed menstrual supplies to girls and women in need. 

For Episode 5 of The Waterpeople Podcast we sat down with Leah at a little rental shack just off of Sunset Beach in the quiet lull before a big swell brought the wave roaring to life. My partner Dave and I wanted to create a platform to reflect on the humbling, the beautiful, the scary, thrilling, mind-blowing experiences that have shaped us, and to listen to the experiences of our favorite water people. And then to chat about how we can use those experiences to do better and be better on land. Together. 

We wanted an inclusive place to share stories from diverse voices within surfing culture—and from all kinds of water people—from around the world. 

We begin each episode with a simple question: “Tell us about a time or experience after which you were never the same…” We sit with some of the most adept water people on the planet to explore common themes of aquatic lives lived well: ecology, adventure, community, activism, science, egalitarianism, inclusivity, meaningful play.  And surfing, of course.

I was excited to find out where Leah would take this question, and she definitely surprised me. Over the course of about an hour, we talk about Leah's distinctly feminine interpretation to riding waves, the mentorship that shaped her then, and the love that is shaping her now.

One of the great awakenings for me was to see that that's how dominant patriarchal culture was—that we had internalized those beliefs and turned against ourselves and our sisterhood and that is the great undercutting of any power.

In so many ways, Leah is nurturing the space for the next generations of women to continue bustin’ down the doors of patriarchal norms. 

Listen to the full conversation with Lauren L. Hill, Leah Dawson and Dave Rastovich below or at Waterpeoplepodcast.com.

Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts for more inspiring, in-depth conversations about ocean community, ecology, surfing, activism, and play.

Words by Leah Dawson

We arrived straight into swell, my dream was coming true right before my eyes. On our way to the waves, I said to the crew, “Let’s make the surf film we always dreamed we could watch when we were growing up and learning to surf—a film that allows viewers to watch over, and over, studying the surfing to learn ways to move up and down the board.” 

“No pressure,” Jack Coleman said happily. 

The story of “Inner Wild” begins in Malibu, one day that the waves were firing. It was some of the best First Point I had ever seen. As I skimmed the beach for a board to borrow, I ran into an old friend, and someone who I’ve always dreamed of working with, filmmaker Jack Coleman. 

Jack is unique. He understands elements of surf filmography that clearly show his studious knowledge of the great flicks made through the ‘60s and ‘70s—films full of soul that invite you to ride along with the waves on the screen. Jack’s focus on utilizing film and long lenses for many years has propelled him into a category of his own.

Filmmaker Jack Coleman

I came in from surfing the Bu after the sun had gone down, riding the biggest wave I’ve ever caught there that stretched from the very outside all the way to the beach. Beaming, Jack said he captured the wave on camera. “Let’s do more,” we agreed. “Let’s go on a trip and make a film.” I truly was speaking a dream out loud, praying it would come true.

A couple of weeks later, I pulled up the surf forecast for Mexico. There it was: a fun-sized swell with good winds. Within hours we had a trip planned and booked with Jack and a handful of Seea Babes. 

With his abilities, and the skill of Makala Smith, Karina Rozunk, Mele Saili, and Sarah Brady, I knew all we had to do was ride waves, and Jack’s magic would reveal the dream come true. 

When I was growing up, I didn’t have access to women’s surf films. Gidget was all I ever saw of women’s longboarding until Thomas Campbell’s movies came out and Kassia forged a new way forward for women. I wanted a surf film that wasn’t short clips of waves, but one that really allowed me to soak in and study movements and technique. With the talented group of women we had brought together for the project, I had a giddy feeling the entire trip because I knew it was that dream in the making.

We all sat at a taco shop after our first evening surf into pitch dark. “What’s the story?” I asked the group. We all brainstormed that it would be cool to subtly express our inner connectivity to the ocean. By the end of the discussion, two words together stuck with all of us, “Inner Wild.” YES, that’s it. 

The days flew by under the bright sun. The waves seemed to just get better and better as the day went on, so we surfed until pitch dark every day, opening the possibility for Jack to utilize a slow-shutter filming technique. Surfing in the dark dusk heightens other senses, relying on muscle memory and intuition to determine the line to take on the wave. As the moon would grow brighter, the wind would settle, and the sounds would only get louder when the sets would come. Otherwise, a soundtrack of evening birds and sea-floor rocks rolling offered a meditation space as we stared out to the darkening horizon.

Each night, we would all gather around the dinner table and watch the videos that Jack took that day. We knew we had gold when all of us would stand for an hour each night watching everyone’s waves. Other friends would stop by, and by our last evening there, we had 15 people glued to the screen. Oohs, Ahhs, and laughter abound. 

Following the trip, I recorded a piece I wrote about this "Inner Wild" coming alive inside of us when we are in the sea. Jack performed his editorial magic on the edit, bringing the vibe alive with the music score and tempo of the film. We initially planned to make a short film, but with hours of amazing footage, it was clear that a 20-minute film would give an opportunity to let the footage breathe and whole waves to be shown. Jack and I shared the same vision, a simple story with lots of surfing.

I remember my jaw dropping the first time I watched Jack’s rough cut, which turned out to be the final cut because it was perfect from the start. My inner child’s dream came true, and now we get to share it with you! 

Join the Live Online Premiere of "Inner Wild" with us on
Sunday, August 18th at 6PM PST! 

HOW TO WATCH

Take a tour of this regenerative organic farm in Australia that feeds the soil as much as the vegetables. You’ll never look at weeds the same way again.

Kate Nelson shares her tips for quitting plastics and how she invented the smoothie bowl. 

Our newest wetsuits are made in the most environmentally-friendly and responsible way possible—without sacrificing an inch of beauty or performance. 

To help you select the best wetsuit for different water temperatures, find the best fit, and how to care for your wetsuit, we've compiled this handy guide. 

What size should I get?

Our suits run true to size—but keep in mind that the Yulex natural rubber is extra-stretchy for the best flexibility and body-molding comfort. It may be stretchier than other neoprene suits you’ve tried on. The suit should feel snug because it will loosen up a little while you’re in the water.

To view our size charts: 

US Size Chart | UK & Australia Size Chart | Japan Size Chart | Europe Size Chart 

How to Wash Your Wetsuit

We recommend rinsing off with clean water after each use and using mild biodegradable soap—after all, everything washes into the ocean. Fold it in half on a hanger and dry in the shade for the longest life. 

Still got questions? Email orders@theseea.com for the best fit advice! 

Seea ambassador Sierra Lerback was ready to make a big change: packing up the only home she’s known in Maui and relocating across the world for love.

Sierra and Zye Norris have been in a long distance relationship for three years (she’s based in Maui and he lives in Noosa, Australia) and after many tearful airport goodbyes, they decided it was time to move in together.

Making a huge life change to a new country can feel like being a fish out of water; but for Sierra, the adjustment to her new environment has been going, well, swimmingly. 

We caught up with Sierra to hear about her new wildlife neighbors, the hardest part about leaving Hawaii, and what she’s looking forward to in this new chapter.

Photos by Sierra Lerback, Luki O'Keefe and Zye Norris.

Afternoon walks through the trails to the open beaches.

Why did you move to Australia? 

I fell in love with Australia since my first trip here in 2014. After meeting my boyfriend Zye, who grew up in Noosa, I've been back nine times and have gotten really comfortable here and it has felt like my second home. The waves are perfect, the weather is ideal, and after three years of a long distance relationship, and trying to figure out Visas, with the given circumstances it was easiest for me to make the move to Australia. 

How did it feel to leave Hawaii and say goodbye to a lot of your friends and family? 

The hardest thing about leaving Hawaii was leaving my mom. She's my rock and I'm hers. I was a wreck on the plane ride over, but I've adjusted pretty well and I know home and family is always a flight away. 

"Afternoons spent at the points at Noosa with friends."

Sierra in Australia, wearing the Gaviotas Surf Suit in Kora.

Sierra in the Gaviotas Surf Suit in Kora.

What area are you living in and what do you love about it so far? 

I'm living in Eumundi, which is about 15 minutes inland of the points at Noosa. It's a small town, with a real mellow vibe—it reminds me a lot of where I grew up in Maui. 

There's a huge farmer's market twice a week that's walking distance from our place. I've really enjoyed being able to have easy access to local produce and getting to support local businesses.

"Visiting our closest neighbors, two sweet little calves on a foggy morning." 

What have been the biggest changes for you since moving there?

Life has changed quite a bit since getting here. I feel like this has been a major step forward in my relationship with Zye. Doing long distance for almost three years was really tough and the goodbyes would just get harder every time, but being able to be with him every day and not counting down the days 'til one of us would have to get on a plane has been really amazing. 

Trying to find the right time to talk to my family has been tough. Some of my family is in Tennessee and the time difference doesn't allow us much time to have a steady conversation so it's been random messages here and there.

What is the most surprising thing about Australia you’ve discovered since moving there? 

I'm seriously blown away by the wildlife here. I've gotten to see kangaroos, emus, echidnas, snakes, and dolphins—all within the first couple weeks. There are so many beautiful animals here, but so many that can hurt you as well. I learned my lesson about that when I ran through the grass to our swing and stepped in a bull ant colony. It was one of the more painful things I've ever experienced! 

The morning coffee situation. Sierra wears the Ava Tunic in Olive Flower.

What are you looking forward to experiencing this year in Australia?

We've had a great run of waves since I landed in Australia, and have been surfing nearly every day at the points. I'm looking forward to experiencing my first real winter here since Hawaii never really changed with the seasons! 

Something else that I am really excited about is being closer to Indonesia. I've been taking a couple of trips there every year and it is such a long mission from Hawaii. But now having Bali only a 6-hour flight away is gonna make traveling there and to the Mentawais a breeze.   

Sierra wears the Naya Bikini Top and Bikini Bottom in Areia. 

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All of my favorite days are spent with you 💛 thank you for the snap @alohaimlindsay

A post shared by Sierra Lerback (@sierralerback) on Jan 10, 2019 at 3:36pm PST

How do you know it was the right choice for you right now? 

I've lived in Maui my whole life and feel like I've been in a little protected bubble surrounded by everyone I grew up with. I wholeheartedly felt like it was time to take myself far out of my comfort zone and experience something new. During this whole process of moving, I've learned a lot about myself and it's been really exciting. 

Sierra wears the Olea Bikini Top and Bikini Bottom in Sky Rib. 

More Stories With Sierra Lerback 

• Finding the Unexpected in the Mentawai Islands

• Off The Beaten Path: Ilhabela, Brazil

Brazil has more than 4000 miles of coastline, but the island of Ilhabela has a special place in our heart. This former fisherman village is where our founder Amanda Chinchelli first fell in love with the ocean and inspired the latest collection’s colorful patterns.

Our Seea ambassadors shared their favorite places to surf, explore waterfalls, and what to pack to this off-the-beaten path paradise.

Leah Dawson wears the Leah Surf Suit in Vida.

Where to Surf 

“Praia do Bonete was really a dynamic wave, with refracting swells, bouncy sections, steep drops—the whole lot. I brought my 5’6” flex tail twin fin. In small or slightly big surf, this board finds a way to go really fast!” - Seea Ambassador Leah Dawson

“My favorite wave to ride my 5’2 keel fish by Thomas Bexon was Praia do Bonete. You could watch the swell coming in to the big bay, bouncing off the sea walls, and finally it would come to the little corner we were in and wedge up into a punchy barreling right. It took us a bit to figure out where to sit, where to take off, and how to surf the wave—but watching the local boys for a bit put us in the perfect spot.” - Seea Ambassador Sierra Lerback 

“Bonnette was a gorgeous adventure and the wave was really interesting because it broke against a cliff making it a wild wedge to swim. It was fun to watch the girls get the hang of it.” – Seea photographer Luki O’Keefe

Leah Dawson wears the Leah Surf Suit in Vida and Sierra Lerback wears the Bondi Surf Suit in Vida. 

Sierra in the Bondi Surf Suit in Vida. 

Sierra wears the Kirra One Piece in Kayapo.

Taste of the Tropics

“Between surfs on the boat would always have Brazilian Maracujá fruit on hand. Similar to what I’ve always known as a Liliko’i or Passionfruit in Hawaii, the Maracujá in Brazil were at least triple the size, extremely sweet and tart. I prefer to eat them plain but they’re great with something creamy or in a drink!” - Sierra Lerback

Sierra wears the Milos Reversible Bikini Top in Vida and Lulu Shorts in Black.

Cachoeira da Laje 

“Being in the waterfalls felt surreal. The cool river water running beneath our feet, hearing birds singing in the trees, and breathing in the fresh air felt revitalizing after a long morning in the sun.” - Sierra Lerback

“Almost 85% of Ilhabela is a protected biosphere. The vibrant color of green was more powerful and abundant than anywhere I’ve ever seen. The jungle, trees, and forests we passed along our journey, had my attention and gaze of wonder. 

Anytime we see things for the first time, it arises that childlike wonder, and that feeling is priceless. Never have I felt a green aura pulsing louder through my field. Brazil’s forest is magic, and now my respect and love for it is quantified. ” - Leah Dawson

Marina Carbonell wears the Kennedy One Piece in Kayapo.

Sierra wears the Kirra One Piece in Kayapo.

Sierra wears the Kirra One Piece in Kayapo. Marina wears the Soleil Bikini in Tropicalia. 

Pro Photo Tip 

“Everywhere I go is humid so I just do my best to keep everything dry in my camera cases and I have menstrual pads in my housing to absorb any moisture and keep from fogging. If it’s extra humid I'll add a tampon or two.” - Photographer Luki O’Keefe

Luki wears the Kirra One Piece in Kayapo and the Lulu Shorts in Black.

Favorite Moments

“My most fond memory of Brazil was the kindness of the people. No matter where we went, or where we surfed, we were greeted with a smiling face. I have never felt more welcome and at ease when on a trip to a new country!” – Sierra Lerback

“Meeting local surfer Marina Carbonell was one of my favorite parts of the trip. All of us girls bonded with her, which reminded me how much surfing ties people together from all over the world.” – Luki O'Keefe

Marina wears the Georgia Bikini in Flora. Sierra wears the Bell Pant in Flora. 

Shop the 2019 Collection.