"Hi my name is Jo Hills and I am a surfer chick from Tassie. My story starts like a lot of women from a change in their lives. Mine was the end of a 28 year marriage 8 years ago where I found myself in a totally different world trying to cope on my own. Lucky for me my children had all left home and living there own lives. Its because of this I decided to try surfing. well lets just say I was hooked. To cut a long story short I travelled to Bali and met my one of best friends there , Dika . It was through Dika on a trip to his home town Medewi that I met Gee. Firstly I have to tell you how Gee and I met.
It was committing the biggest sin in surfing that day, throwing my board. If you had seen the wave coming at me and not know how to duck dive properly you may have done the same. Unlucky for me Gee was behind me when I threw the board. Looking back now I believe it was my lucky day. Luckily it didnt hit her but boy did I get a telling off. I was so sorry and felt terrible but definitely deserved it. After a good surf we got out and Dika walks up to a girl on the road and introduced us. It was Gee . Omg we laughed and laughed and from that day and a chance meeting in the water that we have been best friends ever since.
As a result of this after many years I can now saftely say I dont throw my board and I’m a really good duck diver. Gee was my inspiration not only for her surfing ability but she is one of the most caring beautiful humans I know. As great friends I took every advantage to go see Gee in Sydney and lucky for me Gee started Chix SURF SCHOOL not long after we met. My love of the water and surfing increased ten fold when I started attending chix clinics and surf camps. Not only did I learn how to become a better surfer but watching my idol teach other women inspired me to be an even better surfer.
I’ve been lucky enough to go on 2 1/2 maldives surf camps with Gee over the last 2 yrs. . Unfortunately we were there when Covid broke out and even though I was there for 2 weeks being Gees and Kirstie’s unofficial work experience girl on the first camp I missed my camp .
Positive out of all this I get to go back again when we can travel .
I can not tell you how much of an experience it is to go on a trip with a group of women to a place like the maldives and hang with them in and out of the water. Not only do we encourage each other but we talk and laugh and discuss things that are great and not so great in our lives but we are get to surfing some of most beautiful waves in the world . Between Gee and Kristie Murray an Hupa they make the stay in the Maldives so easy and the best experience ever .
As I say to Gee I’m you’re number one person on the top of the list for going on any of these trips. Not only does it give me absolute joy to be in the water with other inspiring women but I have come away knowing I’ve improved by all the instruction that I’ve been given. Surfing and being in the water is my happy place and it’s through Gee and Chix Surf School I’ve had the time of my life and will continue to do so. I’d highly recommend that if you want to experience something that will bring you joy friendship and the best bonus ever to become a better surfer then definitely book a clinic or trip with Chix Surf School. I’m sure we will meet as I’ll probably be on most of them.
