Sharing the stroke with lucie rose donlan

'Stay humble, be kind and most of all trust your journey!'

Looking at all of the amazing things that Lucie Rose Donlan has been up to lately, we can't help but be inspired. Those of you who follow her on social media will know her already for her surfing, modelling and GORGEOUS mermaid hair, but there is so much more to the Cornish native, whose charity work and sunny outlook on life inspires us regularly. Bright, energetic and endlessly motivated, Lucie is role model for women of all ages and we are so excited to share with you her words of wisdom on living a balanced life and following your heart.

(photo by @Mauro_ladu)

You're a sponsored free surfer, surf coach, surf judge, model and Wave Project ambassador (we’re tired just thinking about it all), what gets you stoked to live the crazy life you lead?

When you write it all down like that.... it does seem a lot haha! But I just take it bit by bit and balance it all out, but I kind of dedicate pretty much all my efforts into what I'm working on at the time. What gets me stoked is that I get to plan and organise my days how I want them to be.  I have a massive weekly planner which I fill in on Sunday evenings.  It lists all my jobs for the week and the days where I'm not booked for modelling shoots I can utilise my time to catch up on emails, network, research, train and hopefully squeeze in a few surfs in-between!

Tell us a little bit about your work as a Wave Project Ambassador, what made you want to get involved? And has it changed what surfing means to you?

My work as an Ambassador is on a voluntary basis and it involves me giving my time to help out at any Events they run as and when they need me.  It also involves highlighting the Charity and "sharing the stoke" through my social media channels so that more people are aware of the amazing job they do.  I actually first got involved with the Wave Project just after I'd qualified as a Surf Instructor.  One of the requirements is that you do 20 hours voluntary instructor sessions to gain essential experience and someone mentioned the Wave Project to me. I took a look at their website www.waveproject.co.uk where it said they always welcome volunteers, so I thought I would go along. I went to one of the kids clubs sessions at Mawgan Porth which we all surfed & had a BBQ on the beach afterwards and it was so much fun! It was something I had never done before, and it felt really great to meet some amazing children.  It's changed what surfing means to me as I remember the fear that I felt when I first started to learn and that horrible feeling that people were continually judging me on my ability.  Now when I see the children taking part in the Wave Project sessions being so brave and having so much fun, it changed my mindset and altered my outlook on the whole surfing scene and the way I feel about my own progress.  There's a saying that goes with this "the best surfer out there is the one having the most fun" and if you go along to a Wave Project session you will know exactly what I mean!

Your work with the Wave Project is just one of the many reasons that you inspire us, what do you find inspires you?

I feel inspired by being busy!!  I love it when I have a full week ahead of me and I know that my feet aren't going to touch the ground.  I also feel inspired by women who know who they are and know their worth, they can take or leave it and don't have to continually prove themselves to the world.

What advice do you have for us on following your dreams?

Never give up, even if you don't know how to get there the more you think about what you want it will come to you, Things may pop up in your head that might point you in the right direction and if it makes you happy... do those things!  I've learnt things will come to you when you least expect it if you focus and try hard at following your heart. If you want it that badly, you CAN get it.

I would have never have thought I would be where I am today, doing something every day that I love!  I never gave up, proved a lot of people wrong, and was determined that I would achieve my goals... I didn't know how I was going to do it I just knew I was going to do it somehow and by that everything works out. So no matter how crazy your dream may be, everything is possible you just have to believe it is and believe in yourself that you can do it!

Where is your favourite beach (if you can just pick one ) and why?

Its going to have to be Fistral, my home break. I love this beach as its right on my doorstep!  When I wake up every morning and look out of the window it always looks beautiful - no matter whether its sunny with clear blue water and 4ft offshore waves to when its 8ft rough, moody and stormy or even sometimes when it has a perfect stillness and the water is flat - I just love how it changes every day! Plus its such a wide area with North & South Fistral so there's always plenty of waves for everyone!

You've spoken before about having a passion for living a healthy life, what does that look like for you?

To me living a healthy life is one that's full of balance and being able to incorporate everything that makes you happy.  I always try and listen to my body and take care of it when I need to whether this is eating the right foods, exercising, getting outside for some fresh air or just taking a nap when I need one!

How do you make time to slow down and reconnect with yourself? How do you like to unwind after a busy day/week?

My favourite way to unwind is to put on some comfy clothes, snuggle down on the sofa and watch a movie with a big glass of orange juice, some salt and vinegar crisps and my little dog, Beswick! Perfection!

(photo by @whoisbenjamin)

What is your motto?

Stay humble, be kind and most of all trust your journey!

What does the next year have in store for you?

I have some really exciting things happening in 2018 kicking off in January with a trip to Western Australia, all of which I hope will lead on to some more amazing opportunities! I'm just going to continue to work hard and see where it takes me - wish me luck!

Can you describe in one sentence how being in the sea makes you feel?

I can describe it in one word; "alive"

Follow Lucie’s Adventures

Instagram: @lucierosedonlan

Blog: www.lucierosedonlan.com

To find out more about The Wave Project and their work, check out: www.waveproject.co.uk