Our favourite longboard coach, muse and the true wave dancer | @dancelightly_

Dana grew up in San Diego, California, and lived in Hawaii for 5 years before moving to Bali. With her passion for the ocean and simple island life, she feels right at home in Indonesia.

She surfs daily in her ethically made swimwear bikinis for surfing and also enjoys collecting shells from the beach.

She has the kind of energy that you want to be around, always smiling and enjoying life in the ocean, sharing that with those around you.

 

 

 

 
She has been surfing since she was a little girl with her dad, uncle, and cousin, who sparked her ocean love at a young age. Since then, she has been inspired by life, people, and nature to travel and explore the world and its seas.

 

 

 Dana is always smillling and keeps up the positive spirit. Source: @dancelightly_

Dana is also a certified Yoga teacher and loves to combine both passions by creating Surf and Yoga retreats, especially for longboarders. Her programs are designed to help you learn new things and have unforgettable experiences.

We enjoyed doing a few photo shoots of our eco-friendly surf swimsuits on the island of Lombok, Indonesia, so we could ask her some questions.

 

Dana is wearing our newest surf swimsuit one piece Marosi in Nude & Mauve. Click on the photo to learn more. Source: ninefootstudio

 

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Name: Dana Hamann

Origin: San Diego, California

Zodiac sign: Pisces

Chinese Sign: Rat

Local surf spot: Bali: Padma, Kuta / Hawai'i: Diamond Head

Favorite Ninefoot eco-friendly swimsuits pieces: Honestly all of them!!! Buth the recent Marosi one piece and Mawi one-shoulder are fire!

Favorite Shaper: Gato Heroi

Surfboard: 9'1 x 23' x 3' Jube Designs from O'ahu, Hawai'i

Instagram: dancelightly_   

 

 

Dana is wearing the Melasti surf jumpsuit in Mauve. Source: ninefootstudio

Tell me about yourself. Where do you currently live, and what are you doing right now?

I spend most of my time in Bali, Indonesia, with my partner from Nias, Sumatra. I freelance writing in the health, yoga, and fitness industry for essential oils, wellness, and copywriting.

I also do private surf and yoga coaching and organize retreats in Lombok. I spend a few months on O'ahu, Hawai'i, every year mainly in the summer to work as a surf coach and see my friends/ family there.

 
 

Dana is wearing the Uluwatu surf one piece in Mosaico & Tripoli. Click on the phototo see more. Source: ninefootstudio

 

How did you learn to surf?

My first time surfing I was 2 years old, with my dad on the front of his board. I would go in the summers as a young girl, and around 8 started to go in the winters.

I didn't like being cold in the water or wearing a wetsuit, no wonder I ended up living between two tropical islands :). But I wanted to impress my older cousin, who was like my brother when I got to high school, so I worked really hard to get better.

 

 

After so many years surfing, what are the next skills that you would like to improve?

Honestly, I have never really short-boarded much, at all. So I have taken a lot more time to try it out and be okay with sucking at the beginning haha.

My dream is to get really deep barrels like all the videos I watch of the pros, so I am working on becoming more confident on a new board and a different type of wave. 

Why are you not competing anymore?

I am a competitive person, but mostly with myself. I always want to be better than how I was before. I also don't like the pressure. I love to have fun and relax.

I will still join an amateur competition to surf somewhere with only the heat of people out, which is fun, especially if it's with some friends, but as far as taking it beyond that, I want to pursue something else.

I want to encourage and help others improve physically and mentally in different areas of their lives through surfing, yoga, and wellness. 

Dana is wearing Mawi one piece in Yellow Illusion. Click on the photo to see more. Source: ninefootstudio

How can you describe the lineup in Bali?

Bali has become extremely crowded, with many people learning to surf or who have only surfed in Bali, so it can get frustrating sometimes going to places with a mad lineup.

I always respect the locals and watch what's going on in the lineup before I get in my groove of catching waves.  

  

Do you have a morning routine?

I try to, but we all know life has different phases. I always try to start my day with gratitude, at least when I wake up. Even if I don't write them down, I try to think of a few things I am grateful for while lying in bed.

Routine-wise, I like to start my days by taking essential oils under my tongue for internal wellness support then I'll have coffee and something light to eat.

Journal for a bit, do a short meditation, and then move on my mat, flowing a bit to wake my body up.

 

 

Dana is wearing Kuta surf one piece in Tripoli color. Click on the photo to learn more. Source: ninefootstudio

Which book changed your life?

Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz, I have a tattoo on the back of my arm that represents the thoughts from it. I got my first time in Bali after I read it.

Favorite surf outfit? And, why?

High-waisted bottoms always keep everything in, and probably something long sleeve or high-necked to protect from the sun. I am trying to be more careful and keep my skin covered.

 

 

Dana is wearing the high-raised Sanur surf bikini bottom paired with Berawa surf top in Tripoli color. Click on the photo to see more. | Source: ninefootstudio

 

What are your must-have items on a surfing bag daily?

Natural Sunscreen, I use LittleHandsHawaii and SunnyDays (from Bali), sarong to change and dry off, drinking water, hair oil, sunglasses, and dry clothes such as Nico surf poncho from Ninefoot.

"Longboard surf swimsuit style" or "cheeky bikini surf Shortboard style"? 

I prefer longboard surf swimsuit style with a long sleeve rash guard for women to keep me out of the sun.

 

 

Dana is wearing the Yehgangga rashguard in Sunset print. Click on the photo to see more. Source: ninefootstudio

 

How do you keep your skin and hair healthy after spending all day in the sun and sea?

I rely on my essential oils for everything! I can make most things I need at home using those combined with other natural products.

I have made a unique hair blend with essential oils and coconut oil. I have also made a few different skin oil blends for skincare with essential oils, argan oil, and coconut oil.

It's really important to take care of yourself after being in the sun and water all day, I used to not do this much, but since I have started being aware of staying "pampered," I feel and look so much healthier. 

 

 

 

Dana is wearing the Yehgangga rashguard in Sunset print and the Sanur bottom in Navy blue. Click on the photo to see more. Source: ninefootstudio

 

Describe yourself in 3 words.

Thoughtful. Passionate. Adventurer.

 

Dana is wearing the Kuta surf one piece in our signiture Sunrise print. Source: ninefootstudio