Josie Prendergast | Billabong | Citizens of the Slide

Posted on April 2, 2016 by Trace

 B i l l a b o n g
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J O S I E
P r e n d e r g a s t
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C i t i z e n s
o f  t h e  S l i d e

We last spoke with Josie in December 2014; since then some life changing moments have transpired for this uber graceful wave dancer.

Josie in the Surfvibes Sleeveless Springsuit
Shop-it | Click the Photo
Photo Billabong/Ming Nomchong

Josie’s life has become a world of contrasts,
as she studies for her final year of High School in Byron Bay juxtaposed with jetting to picturesque locales with her Sponsor of almost one year: Billabong Women’s.

— Not So Ordinary Citizens Interview —

 CLICK ON THE PHOTO’S THROUGHOUT STORY TO SHOP
THE USA BILLABONG SURF CAPSULE
[Australian shoppers : link at bottom of story]
Photo Billabong/Ming Nomchong

HC : Congrats Josie, on your signing with Billabong! How did this partnership come about and tell us a ‘pinch me’ moment since joining them as an Ambassador? 

JP : Thank you so much!
I got home from school one day and checked my emails.. I saw something from Billabong but I thought it was just a subscription post or what not. I remember reading the email, and not knowing what to say; I was so shocked!

THE BILLABONG SURF CAPSULE
Salty Jane Long John 
4 Photo’s above Billabong/Ming Nomchong

JP : Never in my life could I have guessed that I would have such a wonderful opportunity to be part of this amazing Team and Brand.
My face hurt from smiling so much..  It almost felt too good to be true! 

JP : Being able to go on trips to stunning places, to meet so many beautiful people and experience new cultures is mind blowing. Its crazy to think that I’m living the dream that I thought was only imaginable.

The Surfvibes Sleeveless Springsuit
2 Photo’s above Billabong/Ming Nomchong

HC : The Billabong Surf Capsule shot in Panama, tempted us with dense coconut jungles, turquoise water, and tiny crops of Islands; each dotted with a lone Palm tree. How was your timing for quality swell; and tell us a favourite moment with your teammates in this idyllic situation?

Josie in the Surf Capsule Sleeveless Springsuit
4 Photo’s above: Billabong/Morgan Maassen

JP : Panama was amazing. We went there early last year and the waves were super fun! The water was as blue, as blue can get and the people were so beautiful.
I was with such a great Team who made me feel so welcome and comfortable! Before the trip to Panama, I hadn’t met any of them personally, so I was beyond thankful to have such a supportive Team Manager and so grateful to work with some of the kindest people, plus all so unbelievably talented!

JP : I don’t have a specific favourite moment because there were just so many, but I can say being able to experience a place like Panama with that team was unforgettable.

HC : It seemed like the location was off-the-beaten track. The area Bocas Del Toro where you stayed looked the epitome of a tropical paradise. Was it a trek to reach your accommodation & once there to the waves? How were your days spent there?

JP : Bocas Del Toro was so beautiful and culturally different to what I have experienced elsewhere.
Mum and I set-off from Australia; it took us 14 hours from Brisbane to LA, then I think 7 hours from LA to Panama City.
Then Panama City to Bocas which was a very short flight, and then maybe a 15 minute boat ride to the house we were staying at, which was situated on its own little island!

Josie in the Totally 80s One Piece Rashguard

JP : Getting to the Surf was so much fun. We would hop on a little boat every day and go on the search for waves.

4 Photo’s above: Billabong/Morgan Maassen

JP : In between, stopping at little towns and restaurants, which was cool!
Our days were spent eating the tastiest fruit for breakfast, hopping on the boats, going through towns, finding waves, exploring and everything in between. It was like a dream!!
I would highly recommend Panama for your Bucket List. Make sure you eat the Plantains! So delicious..

Photo above: Billabong/Morgan Maassen

HC : Late last year you and the team jetted to Hawaii. What were the highlight’s from that trip.. Favourite Island, surf-spot, place to stay, and eat? 

JP : Ahhh Hawaii was incredible! For me, the highlights were being able to surf so many different surf spots on the Big Island – yet again with an amazing group of people. 

The Big Island was so cool! People were friendly, food was great and the surf was so nice! 

I really liked surfing at a place called Pine Trees. It was a nice wave and at that time, super nice for long boarding!
Most of the time we stayed at a Resort called ‘Mau Lani’. Wow it was so beautiful and situated in such an amazing place.. Then we made our way to Hilo and rented a house for a night – across the road from a beach.

Everything about the Big Island and Hawaii amazed me. The food, people, sunsets, landscapes and the surf were incredible.
Hawaii has always been on my list of places to go since I was very young and I’m so thankful I had the chance to experience the Islands with my Billabong family.

[stay tuned for images yet to be released of Josie in Hawaii, for Billabong Fall ’16 around June]

HC : What was the stand-out dreamiest moment of your time in Panama? And in contrast, or perhaps similarly; Hawaii?

Josie in the SALTY JANE ‘MALDIVE’ LONG JOHN
Photo above: Billabong/Morgan Maassen

JP : Everything about Panama and Hawaii delighted me. They were both so dreamy but so different at the same time. I loved both Countries and made so many unforgettable memories. Every single moment was a stand out! 

HC : If you could only pack one Bikini + one Surf Suit from the Billabong range, which are your go-to’s?  

JP : That is so hard to decide! A girl needs more than one! But I do LOVE the Sol Searcher Ruffle Bikini Top, and the Surf Vibes Hawaii Bikini Bottom.

JP : And my favourite surf suit — the Surf Vibes Sleeveless Spring Suit [Shop-it click the photo]

Josie in the Denim Daze Bikini Top & Bottoms
3 Photo’s above: Billabong/Ming Nomchong

HC : What’s on your itinerary over the next year or two?

JP : I’m going over seas in under 2 weeks to the Philippines for 38 days; to see family and visit my second home.

I would love to go to India and Sri Lanka too.. 

I’m excited to be part of some more Billabong trips and  I’ll be sure to let you know when our next surf vacation is on! 

Josie in the SALTY JANE ‘MALDIVE’ LONG JOHN
Photo above: Billabong/Morgan Maassen

To shop the Billabong Surf Capsule in
 A U S T R A L I A
click ☞ here

U S A readers click on the
photos in story above

To keep up with
Josie and her Billabong/Byron lifestyle :
F O L L O W  her on Insta
@josie_prendergast

and her new website
☞ JOSIE PRENDERGAST

See our previous
Citizens of the Slide Interview
with  J O S I E  here

Handsome Citizens would like to send out
hearty thanks to
Morgan Maassen @morganmaassen
and
Ming Nomchong @ming_nomchong
for the stunning tropical images

Huge Gratitude also to 
BILLABONG WOMENS
@billabongwomens
+
@billabong_womens_australia

“Life is colourful, and your surf wear should match.”

Josie’s Surf Sleds
@mctavishsurf
Byron Bay | Handshaped since 1962

 

Interview by Tracee Annetts of
Handsome Citizens

 

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