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Publishing this edition has been a mixed bag. Smorgasboarder is
a passion project. It is something we love to do, myself especially.
It is a great creative outlet, plus surfing is so good for you in
so many ways from the physical to the mental and even the
spiritual. With all that said, putting this particular edition together
proved difficult initially. You see, my dad passed a few days after
Christmas and everything about the ocean constantly reminds me
of him. The memories just come flooding back.
Dad, my brother and I, along with many of my mates, spent so
many fun times out in the surf together. I have so many great
memories that I can be thankful for but at the same time, right
at the present moment, it is still so raw and makes me miss him
even more. I just have to remind myself of what dad always said
when experiencing any sort of adversity in his straight-up, matterof-fact
way, “Deal with it. Deal with it and get on with things.”
So, with that in mind, this edition celebrates positivity and the
kind of positive people that serve as a reminder to get on with
life and be thankful for all that we have, not just what we have
lost. There is no stronger role model for having a positive mindset
than a lovely lady called Shayelle Lajoie, who’s very name means
“joyful” in French.
Many may know Shay as a former contestant on Australian
Survivor. She shares with us her passion for surfing, yoga and
healthy living. Shay has a joy for life that is simply infectious and
following our recent interview/shoot with her, the entire crew that
attended returned to our office absolutely buzzing, constantly
remarking what a beautiful, down-to-earth, gentle soul she is.
Despite the many challenging times she has encountered, she
has come through each ordeal better for it, stronger than she was
before and with an even more upbeat outlook on life.
Speaking of a positive outlook, we also talk with experienced
Brazilian surfboard shaper and environmental enthusiast Mario
Ferminio. Tired of the toxic nature of surfboard production and
its negative impact on our environment, Mario has developed
a 100% natural resin made from vegetables. Remember your
mum always told you to eat your vegetables because they are
good for you, well now they’re also good for the environment and
potentially the future of the surf industry too. Wonderful stuff.
We also talk with nomadic artist and surfer Paul Tyler about life
on the road. His is a story of losing it all only to find something so
much more meaningful. Through his art he has found happiness
as well as a means to live. His travels and experiences have
enriched his life so much more than mere money in the bank. It’s
his memory bank that is now overflowing.
Then there’s Jack Field, who’s simple remedy for happiness is
to avoid the frustration and confrontation of fighting for waves at
crowded surf breaks. His trip is foiling which, as he explains it,
enables surfers to take to an endless array of uncrowded waves
along our coastlines, estuaries and lakes.
Finally, we road test a balsa beauty from Mark Riley. Who doesn’t
like getting a new surfboard? As a cheer me up, Mark Riley gifted
me the stunning balsa board I watched him craft by hand when
interviewing him in the previous edition. Mark’s boards are one of
a kind and so is he.
So, all in all, plenty of good cheer and good vibes in this edition
to keep you stoked. Shakkas to you all. Go get out there, get wet
and enjoy life, it’s not there forever so make sure to make the
most of it.
The Smorgasboarders
photo: walkandseemedia