Surfing is full of ups and downs, so it’s important to keep your excitement levels high. And when it comes to pumping up your tires when you’re feeling flat, our new surf coach Leah Hill has a PhD in froth (surf slang for “enthusiasm”).
Hailing from South Australia but Lombok based, Leah is intimate with all of the island’s best surf spots. This means she knows how to get you in sync with the conditions and up your wave count. But that’s not all!
With a naturally relaxed longboard style and a smiley demeanour, she’s the perfect person to help you refine your technique and have fun while doing it.
If you want to improve your surfing with someone who both understands the learning process and how to keep you motivated, Leah is right up your alley.
We recently caught up with her for a quick chat to learn more about her surfing journey and what she loves most about being a surf coach at Xanadu Village.
Q. Hey Leah, how are you? Can you tell us about where you started your surfing journey?
Hi, guys. I’m well. So I started my surfing journey in the Algarve, Portugal. I lived there for almost three years and it was where I first picked up a surfboard in 2018.
It was love at first wave, so when I received a job offer at the surf camp I was staying at, I jumped at the opportunity.
Although I didn’t teach surfing, I managed the accommodation side of things and had countless surf sessions. It was an amazing experience and definitely solidified my passion for surfing.
Q: That sounds like an incredible start to your surfing journey. How did you end up in Lombok?
After Portugal I spent a month in Sri Lanka. I’ve now been in Lombok for over a year and a half. During my time here, I met Kayan and José (of Xanadu) while surfing.
I was working at another camp in Lombok, and we often surfed the same spots, sharing countless party waves and good vibes.
After finishing my stint at the other camp and returning home to Australia, Kayan invited me to join the Xanadu team and I seized the opportunity.
Q: And what are you most excited about for your new role at Xanadu Village?
To live my dream and share my passion for surfing, while continuously learning and growing in a supportive and diverse environment at Xanadu.
I am especially looking forward to connecting with new people from all over the world and being part of an incredible team that shares my enthusiasm for creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.
I can’t wait for good times with new guests and the people I work with!
We’re super stoked to have such an experienced and enthusiastic surf coach like Leah join our team. We know she’ll bring a wealth of knowledge, positive energy and good vibes to the Xanadu.
If you’re looking to improve your surfing skills and have a blast while doing it, book with us and let Leah show you Lombok like a local.
