Tahiti Talks with Reef Athletes // Paige Maddison

 

 photos: Paige Maddison + Dane Peterson

Sharing close quarters and working long hours on the shoot in Tahiti, I had the pleasure of getting to spend lots of time with the two beautiful and talented Reef athletes on the trip. It felt less like work and more like playing dress up and free surfing... so many girly giggles and lady waves were shared with the lovely Paige Maddison and Tia Blanco. I sat down and asked both the girls some questions about themselves, surfing, and what makes these mermaids so special. The first round was with Paige, a lovely Aussie lady logger who has as much grace and style on land as she does in the water. 

INTRODUCE YOURSELF! LET'S START WITH NAME, AGE AND HOMETOWN.
Paige Maddison, aged 22, Noosa Heads QLD.

 HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SURFING? WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE BOARDS TO RIDE?
I caught my first few waves around the age of 16. I generally surf waves that are in the chest high and under range, so i like to ride heavier single fin style logs.

WAS THERE ONE MAIN PERSON IN YOUR LIFE THAT INFLUENCED YOU OR INSPIRED YOU TO SURF MORE THAN ANYONE?
Not really, I'm the only one in my family that surfs and I've never really got into the history of surfing, I just enjoy it for my own pleasure and try not to get swept up in everything else that comes along with it. It was obvious to me at an early age that surfing was a way of life, and i liked it a lot. I remember getting up with my girlfriend at the crack of dawn, we would pack a picnic of fruits and go take photos of the sunrise then go for a surf. I never get tired of the peace and quiet from an early rise, its my favourite time of day.

YOU LOOKED AMAZING IN LITERALLY EVERY LOOK WE STYLED YOU IN, I THINK YOU COULD PULL OFF JUST ABOUT ANYTHING! HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONAL STYLE?
Ahhh Alexandra you sweet thing, I personally feel i haven't been able to create my own personal style so to speak. Where i live on the Sunshine Coast lacks any real fashion or inspirational atmosphere. The inspiration i do find generally comes from blogs and my friends.
On any given day you can generally find me combining garments that incorporate Vintage, American Indian, and elegant or more chic wear.

DO YOU THINK WHERE YOU'RE FROM SHAPED YOUR PERSONAL STYLE ON LAND AND IN THE WATER? WHAT'S A POPULAR TREND IN NOOSA RIGHT NOW?
No, there's no real hub for fashion in my local area. Because of this, I feel fashion trends are always about 6 months behind Sydney or Melbourne etc. In saying that, bright/fluorescent colours in swim wear, and floral patters for outerwear are the norm presently.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE PIECE IN YOUR CLOSET RIGHT NOW?
Favourite piece would have to be my G-star jeans, black Reef 'deckhand' shoes and my army green trench coat. Im excited for winter and to be able to wear boots, scarves, jeans, jackets and beanies!

MY FAVORITE PART OF SHOOTING WITH YOU IN TAHITI WAS WHEN WE DID UNDERWATER SHOTS. YOU ARE SUCH A GRACEFUL LITTLE MERMAID! DESCRIBE THE FEELING YOU GET WHEN YOU'RE IN THE OCEAN.
Haha that was so much fun on the great big coral head! That day was so amazing. Just being able to equalise deep underwater and have the human body capable of adapting in those situations is something that shouldn't be taken for granted. The feeling that i get when i'm in the ocean is somewhat different with each occurrence, but mainly peaceful and refreshing. Whether you're just exploring underwater or waiting to catch a wave, it is therapeutic for me and I feel it presents a restorative energy.

DID YOU ENJOY SURFING IN TAHITI? (MINUS TAKING A BOARD TO THE RIBS! YOU'RE SO TOUGH!)
Minus taking my log to the ribs. Surfing in Tahiti was a whole new world for me. There were definitely times where i felt I was way in over my head, but over all I believe It has broadened my perspective on surfing and helped my confidence.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT TAHITI? 
Meeting all you amazing girls, Ceviche and learning about Fa'afafine's.