Journal

Name: Lyn
Instagram: Lynkataw (Kataw means mermaid in my language)
Origin: Surigao del Sur (South Eastern Philippines)
Zodiac sign: Gemini
Chinese sign: Water Dog
Moon orientation: Balsamic (315-359 degree ahead of the sun)
Local surf spot: Jacking Horse, Siargao Island, Philippines
Favorite niefoot pieces: Keramas Surf Bikini Top matched with a Balian Bikini Bottom both in Storm Print.
Berawa Top matched and a Sanur Bottom.
Favorite Shaper: Josh Constable @ Creative Army
What makes you unique: Every morning I get up to watch the sun rise

Tell me a little bit about yourself. Where are you from what do you do?

I'm from Mindanao, Philippines. I'm a Kamayo. Which means my ancestors were Polynesian and Malay. We are ocean going people.

I have an Australian partner and a 6 year old son.

My time is spent surfing and looking after my families. By that I mean my extended family including my mother, brothers, sisters and their kids as well as my partner and son.

Where do you spend your time?

As much as possible in the ocean.

We split our time between the Philippines and Australia. We spend 9 months of the year on Siargao Island and the rest of the time on the headlands of the mid north coast of New South Wales.

How did you learn to surf?

My first surf experience was 10 years ago. I travelled to Siargao Island to watch the Billabong Invitational. By the time we arrived the competition was over so I had a surf lesson. I've never looked back.

I had lessons from various instructors on the Island over the next few years. A local big wave legend Archipo Figuron was my main coach.

I started out on a short board. I only moved to a longboard 2 years ago.  Siargao got really crowded. With the longboard I could enjoy different breaks to the short boarders. There weren't many longboards there then so it created space for me. Now I can't imagine not being able walk and dance on a board. I'm a longboarder through and through.

Today I get cues from the people I surf beside be they the guys charging on Cloud 9, the "old school longboarders" on the Australian headlands or the inspirational women like Nildie Blancada.

Are you a sunrise or sunset person?

I'm definitely a sunrise person.  I never miss one.  I usually get up at about 4am. I don't want to miss the sun rise or that early morning paddle out before crowds arrive.

Describe yourself in 5 words.

Positive, Patient, Enthusiastic, Reliable & Lovable

 

What makes you unique or weird?

I eat food so spicy it makes my eyes water.  My little boy laughs "Dad look Mums crying again".

When I'm down I eat sour foods. It changes the expression on my face and then my mood.

If you could change something on our planet what would it be?

I'd rid the world of corruption and all the people who are party to it. Corruption is the driver of inequality. Its people with power stealing from the powerless.

Add something truly nice or beautiful?

"Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you" - Frank Lloyd Wright