Josie Prendergast, the beautifully talented surfer was born in Siargao, Philippines and grew up in Suffolk Park, Australia. Growing up in two epicentres of natural living and surf culture has defined this soul sister with a heart of gold and the free spirit of a true surfer. Josie and her partner Taj Richmond live and breathe surfing for the pure pleasure of riding waves, the feeling of freedom and connection to nature. Josie is renowned as the queen wave dancer at The Pass with her elegant surfing style that could often be described as surfing 'ballet'.

At Childe we've been protecting Josie's eyes from the harsh Australian sun over the last year. We are absolutely stoked to be working alongside Josie to create this beautiful piece of eco considered eyewear - Ballet by Josie - a symbol of Josie's elegant and free spirited surfing style and energy.

It's an honour to support this stylish young lady who motivates so many of us to surf and enjoy the beach. Her effervescent energy for riding waves and efforts to support young women in the Philippines is truly inspiring.

An introduction to the wonderful Josie Prendergast who we will be seeing a lot more of at Childe from now on.

Hi Josie,
Where do we find you today?
Im at home getting ready to surf and enjoy the Byron Bay Surf Festival this weekend. 

Where were you born and raised?
I was born on Siargao Island and grew up in Suffolk Park in NSW

What are some of your fondest and wildest memories of both Siargao and Suffolk Park back in the day?
Just the rawness of it. Having so much land and ocean to play around.. no phones or iPads. Just the beach and bush. Family. Friends. Surfing skating. All the fun, simple stuff.

What is your star sign and the characteristics of your star sign that best describe you?
Born in 1999 and am a Gemini. 
To be honest, I’m not sure! I heard geminis are very outgoing and the life of the party. But I wouldn’t consider myself that. Maybe adaptable? 

Who and what got you hooked on surfing?
My dad taught me how to surf. We would surf Suffolk and broken as children and never stopped. So many people have inspired me in surfing. Dad, Belinda, kelia, Leah. Too many to count.

Image of Josie surfing from instagram by Paula Ortegaaa

What would you be if you weren’t a surfer?
Hmmm maybe a teacher or a food blogger hahaha. Also working in or starting my own NGO!

Describe your favourite day in the bay surfing?
Surfing with friends and seeing familiar faces. Getting good waves with dolphins and right hand peelers without a million people.

We loved the epic short surf movie that you and your partner Taj Richmond recently released with Mctavish called Shotgun - when did you and Taj meet?
Taj and I have known each other since we were 12 years old so pretty much more than half our lives.

Have you got another surf movie project in the works and can you tell us about that concept? I’ve got a fun surf film coming in September. Just riding multiple waves and sharing the fun with a couple of my girl friends who shred!

You are both going back to Siargao for a few months soon. Whats the plan when you get over there? Family time. Im craving it!!

How do you give back to the community back in the Philippines like the Scarlet period project to help support women back home in Siargao?
I give back where I can. I’m lucky to have people support me so I can support others. Bringing boards, donation drives etc.
I’ll be working with Scarlet period to do a little workshop again and teach the women about reusable period underwear/ cups ect. Giving them a more affordable option in the long run, that’s both beneficial for them and the environment.

What is surfer's eye, or a pterygium (pronounced tur-IJ-ee-um) and how have they effected you?
Pterygiyms are kind of skin growths in the eye from too much sun/ dust ect. Most surfers get them. I’ve had them since I was super young and being a surfer in Australia, with our heat; it’s very common. I had them in both eyes and had them surgically removed! It’s not a fun process. So that’s why it’s important to take care, not only with our skin but our eyes too

How did you discover Childe Eyewear to help with protecting your eyes?
Great lenses! And stylish too. I think having a local brand that’s both stylish and protective is awesome. You’ve got polarised options and the protection standard is very high so I love them.

Do you have a favourite board in your quiver?
Probably my 6’11 Mctavish right now

What are your words of wisdom or a quote that you live by each day?
Save room for dessert lol!
Haha no- maybe take the advice you give others. I feel like we always give people comforting and loving advice but we forget to give it to ourselves

Thanks Josie have a great weekend.

_ _

The Ballet by Josie - a symbol of Josies elegant and free spirited water ballet surfing style and energy. 

Pre sale shop the limited edition Ballet by Josie now for November delivery here

Josie and Elise Trigger - a couple of stylish Byron bestie surf rats living their best lives