Bodhi Simon
Photo: Ryan Daniell
Bodhi Simon - or ‘Bods’ if you know her like that - is one of our favourite surfers on the Gold Coast.
Bodhi’s style is simple but precise and - this might sound silly considering the context - makes surfing look fun. All too often, surfing and surf culture gets bogged down in the disgusting trenches of finance, commercialisation, scenes, and all of the bad-vibe-bullshit that is adjacent to but not really surfing. Bodhi has a way of cutting through all that, reminding us that we like surfing because it is supposed to be cool, fun, and willing to be silly. For us, the young Biripi surfer is a BYT no brainer.
Who are you?
Bodhi Simon.
What do you do?
I surf.
How long have you been doing that?
I started surfing when I was five and have loved it ever since.
What is your favourite song right now and why?
I don’t have a favourite song right now but if you put any old school hip-hop or R & B and I’m happy.
If you weren’t surfing, what would you be doing?
If I wasn’t surfing I would probably be following in my dad’s foot steps and playing footy - a bit of league tag or touch footy.
Some slang you catch yourself saying? (Ie. That slaps)
‘You’re dreaming’ or ‘Shame.’
What do you do outside of surfing and how does that thing influence or affect your craft?
Outside of surfing, I enjoy being outdoors and going to the gym. I also in my spare time like doing some Indigenous art.
The best/worst thing about the surfing industry?
One of the best things about the surfing industry is the lifestyle. It is a healthy outdoor sport/hobby to be involved with and it’s one of the only sports you can do for your whole life. There aren’t many bad things about surfing but one of the worst things is that some surfers get too competitive out in the line up and forget the important things about surfing like having fun and simply just riding a wave like your drawing a picture or telling a story. Oh and of course I can’t forget the Snapper and Dbah crowds, they can definitely test your patience.
Something you’re most proud of?
Something I am most proud of is being part of Otis Careys Indigenous Billabong range. It was such an honour to represent my culture and my sponsor. It’s such a deadly range and It gave me a lot of exposure and opportunities.
Biggest lesson learned about your craft so far?
A quote from Mick Fanning “I never lose, I never win, I only learn; you’re continuing to learn new things and improve.
Something anyone can do today to make the world a better place?
Something anyone can do today to make the world a better place is to be kind as kindness goes a long way.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome so far in your industry?
Living down in Wollongong was challenging as I felt there weren’t as many kids that surfed and there was very little exposure, unlike places like Gold Coast, Northern Beaches, Newcastle etc. So when I was approached by Billabong to be part of the team I was over the moon. I moved up to the Gold Coast about a year ago, it has given me so many amazing opportunities and more exposure, I am incredibly grateful for that.
What is surprisingly easy to do?
Laugh and smile and I don’t think people do it enough.
What advice might you give to you from five years ago? Ten years ago?
I would tell eleven year old self to do you and not care what other people think of you. Ten years ago I was only six, but some advice I would give my six year old self would be to not be shy and to be more confident as I feel when I was growing up I lacked confidence in myself and found it hard getting myself out there.
“If I wasn’t surfing I would probably be following in my dad’s foot steps and playing footy - a bit of league tag or touch footy.”
What is your hidden talent or thing you are good at that is completely unrelated to the thing we are interviewing you about?
Not many people know but I’m half decent at league tag/ Oz tag player.
Who do you think is doing it the best/coolest in your industry right now?
I really like Otis Carey, he is my favourite surfer with what he is doing with his surfing and art. Bringing his love of surfing and his Aboriginal Culture into the surfing industry really inspires me. I see a lot of similarities with myself as I am also passionate about surfing and my Aboriginal culture.
Which mob are you from?
I’m a proud Biripi girl.
How do you want to use your platform?
I want to use my platform to inspire young kids to do what they love, have fun with it and be proud of their culture.
Snapper or Dbah?
Snapper
What do you think style is as a surfer?
In surfing I believe style is your own personal way of how you ride a wave, I feel everyone has their own style when they surf and it’s what makes surfing such a unique and fun sport. Having your own style is a way of expressing yourself and you are able to be who you want to be on the wave.
