Women in sport: Imogen Caldwell
Picture from @imogencaldwell
We are SUPER psyched that our first ever women in sport spotlight is with none other than surfer and model, Imogen Caldwell.
Raised in a desert town in Western Australia with very humble beginnings, Imogen is now a surfer slash model that people know and love worldwide because of her fearless approach to gigantic waves that she catches as easily as if it were sewn into her DNA. With sponsors such as O’Neill, she quickly catapulted to surfing fame and is now one of Western Australia’s most renowned surfers.
A life of chasing waves and travelling doesn’t sound too shabby, and wouldn’t usually leave time for interviews. But one of the silver linings of lockdown, means that I was able to have a quick chat with Imogen to learn a little more about life as a female surfer.
What made you want to start surfing and how old were you?
I started surfing at around 14 years old, I loved being out there even when it was so big I wouldn't catch a single wave. Just to hang with my mates, it was always the best time. My dad got my siblings and I into the water at a super young age.
Can you remember the feeling of learning to surf? What was it like?
So exciting! I remember when I would get the other local girls to push me in, cos my scrawny little arms were too weak. I'd count exactly how many waves I had that day and tell mum when I got home, ha ha.
Do you get scared or fearful when you’ve got a huge wave coming up behind you? (I know I would!)
If I'm paddling in and it's behind me I'm not scared, I'm excited. But if I'm about to cop one on the head, my knees do go a little weak for sure.
Which other female surfers do you admire?
Steph Gilmore, Bethany Hamilton and Alex Durant.
What is your experience as a female surfer in what is known as a pretty male dominated sport?
I don't agree that it is a male dominated sport, not anymore anyway!!
Being from Australia, do you ever worry about sharks and other sea beasties whilst you surf?
I try not to…
What are the kind of pressures you face as a female surfer? E.g. is there a pressure look a certain way?
I don't focus on expectations, I'm confident within myself and am happy being me. I don't ever feel the need to look or act a certain way to fit in.
Picture from @imogencaldwell
You are a model as well as a surfer, what is that like?
Good fun. Keeps things interesting!
What advice would you give women and young girls who don’t think they can surf and are too scared to try?
What are you scared of?! Have a crack, you don't understand the joy you're missing out on.
What’s next for this year and the future?
At this stage, I'm enjoying winter at home and working on multiple projects that are to be released soon! Hopefully back in the air next year.
Picture from @imogencaldwell
It’s clear that Imogen isn’t someone to be fearful or scared about being exactly who she is. She knows what she wants and goes for it, full steam ahead. If we could all be a bit more like Imogen, maybe we’d all be a little less scared and a little more brilliantly confident. I don’t know about you, but I am certainly going to try injecting some of Imogen’s confidence into my day, and see what happens when I push myself out of my comfort zone.
