Coco Cairns has solidified herself as the coolest eighteen year old we’ve ever met. 

I don’t know what you were doing at 18 but I betcha you weren’t doing with near as much finesse as Coco. Coco has the ability to pick up any kind of surfboard as if she was simply picking out an icecream flavour, with an ease in the water only matched by the ease she has on land. While there is no doubt about her surfing talents, it’s her grounded nature and old soul that we love the most. She would be the first person to help you out if you needed and then go onto to slot the wave of the day as if it was nothing. Surfing is in good hands with people like Coco.

Who are you?

My name is Coco, I’m eighteen. 

What do you do?

I surf.

How long have you been doing that?

A while, maybe eight-ish years. 

Where is home for you?

Noosa Heads, Australia

If you weren’t surfing, what would you be doing?

I’m still trying to figure that out. I appreciate watching things. People, films. I’d like to say something in fashion or creative direction, maybe film industry, something that documents who I am. I want to do a lot of things.

What do you think about the current state of surfing?

I think on the women’s side it’s never looked better.

What do you do outside of surfing and how does that thing influence or affect your craft?

Outside of surfing I am normally drinking coffee and people watching haha.

The best/worst thing about the surf industry? 

Best thing, the people. The worst thing, the people. 

Something you’re most proud of? 

The people I surround myself with.

Biggest lesson you’ve learnt in life so far?

We adapt to the people that surround us and the settings we are in. Growing up in a house full of art and colour and creative people turned me into who I am today. Now that I no longer live in that house, I’ve realised how much of an effect our surroundings have on us. Creative people feed off their surroundings. They need their environment to reflect their mind and vice versa. Reflect on where you feel like you see the most, reflect on where you feel like it’s easy to project your mind. Keep those places close.

Something anyone can do today to make the world a better place? 

Less screen time. I think the more people look up, the more they will want to make the world a better place.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome so far in your industry?

Balance.

What is something people might not know about you? 

I’m not sure.

Who do you think is doing it the best/coolest in your industry right now?

Caity Simmers. 

What do you think is the biggest issue young people are facing today?

I think overconsumption, whether it’s too much information, clothes, just stuff. 

What is style in surfing?

I think style is pretty hard to explain. I was watching ‘Shotgun’ the other day, a film on Josie Prendergast and Taj Richmond and someone related style to the saying ‘the music that happens between the notes.’ I think that’s pretty spot on. I feel like style is what separates each surfer from one another, it’s also what separates surfing from most sports in the world, making it more of an art. Like dancing. 

What do you want to see more of in the surf world?

More surf films with both genders. 

What break excites you the most to surf?

The ones I haven’t surfed yet, so a lot.

Who do you look up to?

Ellie Harrison.