Noosa is the home of the Gubbi Gubbi people, whose land stretches approximately 100km south and 150km north of Noosa. It is important that we always pay our respects to the traditional owners of this land – past, present and future – and the rich history they have.
Noosa is also known for its beautiful beaches, endless sunshine, bright blue skies, perfect rolling waves, untouched national parks, and of course, the hometown of Boom Shankar. All of us feel incredibly blessed to live in such a picturesque tropical paradise and thank our lucky stars. Living here also gives you a deep respect of the ocean, from the soul nourishment that salt water provides, to the magnificent sea animals we get to experience and observe most days when we’re by the coast.
Surfers have an even deeper relationship with the ocean, that I think it would be reminiscent of the give and take we share with life. They share a connection to the waves and respect the power they hold, and when moments come of sharing rides with our aquatic mammal friends, I couldn’t imagine the overwhelming feeling one would have.
We thought it would be fun to have a chat with a local surfer and face of our surfboard giveaway, whose been enjoying riding the Noosa waves since she was 6 years old, and is now an international professional longboard competitor. Meet Kirra Molnar…
Can you please tell the Boom Community a little about yourself?
Hello, my name is Kirra. I’m originally from South Australia and my family moved to Noosa when I was about 2 years old, so I grew up surfing the points of Noosa and the beaches. I've always loved dabbling in a range of activities from surfing, tennis, golf and playing piano. When I graduated high school I studied a Bachelor in Business & Bachelor in Sport & Exercise Science at University of the Sunshine Coast, from there I found what I loved and just fell into the work that I do now. I run my own surf coaching and fitness business and contract work to a number of other companies. I know a lot about surfboard design after working at Classic Malibu for a number of years and now have a sponsorship with them. In the past few years I have competed on the WSL World Longboard Tour all round the world.
At what age did you start surfing?
I started surfing at the age of 6 here in Noosa.
Did you come from a surfing family, or did someone inspire you?
My dad was always a keen surfer and he used to push me onto waves on my little blue Elnino foamie. I still remember the moment, a couple years into surfing, that it all clicked and I'd caught the bug. My mum then began surfing more with us too and now she loves to longboard.
What feeling do you get when being in the water?
It's a feeling of excitement.... When I see a good set coming it’s as if I can feel the joy it will bring before even catching the wave. The ocean also is a place to clear my head and find some focus, away from my calendar and the rest of the business that life creates.
Who is your most favorite surfer?
Wow that’s a hard question, as there are so many good surfers and I love a lot of different styles. I would have to say that it is more about who that surfer is as a person and not just their ability in the water.
Oh man, I can't pick just one, probably my biggest influences growing up were David Rastovich and Layne Beachley. But I also compete against my friends who are amazing surfers and inspire me every day.
Where is the best surf spot you’ve been to?
My family moved to Fiji for a couple of years when I was a kid and I got to surf Cloud Break and Wilks Passage a lot. Uncrowded perfect waves!
Any memorable moments whilst surfing you’d like to share?
Some of my most memorable moments have been surfing overseas in new and challenging places. Last year I did the Longboard Championship tour, and whilst competing in Taiwan in the final event, I surfed out at this perfect left hand point/reef break with only 3 other people. It was bigger and quite windy, but so awesome!
What advice would you give someone wanting to learn to surf?
Don't wait, if you're keen to give it a go start NOW. You don't know what you're missing out on, but be warned it might take over you life... surfing is pretty addictive. If you're just starting out book a lesson and learn the right technique first, it’s hard to change bad habits and easier to progress quickly with a good coach.
And finally, what does it mean to you to live a big beautiful life?
To me this means living in the present moment and making decisions that allow me to enjoy what I do every day.
Sounds like a dream board? You would be right, here's how to make it yours!
The only way to get your hands on this totally gorgeous surfing sensation is by signing up to our mailing list and following us on Instagram. Scroll down and pop in your details to enter.
To improve your chances of winning, use the text box to tell us why you should win!
USEFUL LINKS: Follow Kirra on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kirramolnar/
