At just 24 years of age, Nikki Van Dijk has well and truly made an impact on the world stage as a pro surfer. Out of the ocean, she's passionate about living a sustainable lifestyle and conserving the environment.
She Does This spent 5 minutes with Nikki to chat about life, surfing and how we can all live more sustainable lives...
1. When did your passion for surfing begin? When did you realise it was something you could make a career out of?
I started surfing at 4 years old, started competing at 8 and havent stopped since. I think it really took over when I started travelling overseas at 15 and earning money for it. It all happened so quickly it still blows my mind that it is my job because it really is my dream!!
2. What have been some of your career highlights so far?
I won the World Junior title in 2012, that was huge! Then Qualifying for the World Tour in 2013 and in 2017 I won a tour event in Portugal.
3. You lead a vegan lifestyle and are hugely passionate about sustainability. Can you tell us a bit about where this began for you?
Yes!! 100%!! I've been vegan for almost 7 Years, Its been a wonderful journey. I first went vegan for health reasons after getting injured in Fiji and have never looked back. I learnt about how and what I was eating effected the environment/planet and the animals. It has taught me so much about my body and the environment and compassion. Its given me direction in life and has taught me about my footprint on this planet and allowed me to share that knowledge and love with people around me.
4. You’ve partnered with TOM organic in a bid to start conversations around periods and the importance of using organic feminine hygiene products.
What are the benefits of going organic both for our health and the environment?
Its obvious really, I'm on top of everything that I fuel my body with so why wouldn’t I be with hygiene products. It is extremely important to me to know where and what I am putting in my body, for the environment and for my health. I think more people need to know the importance of this as I feel it’s a topic that isn't talked enough about.
5. Finally, what are some simple ways we can live greener everyday lives?
I think informing yourself on your decisions that you make day to day, whether it be what kind of foods you are putting into your body and where and how it got to your plate. The bigger picture. Do you really need to drive those extra miles?
Think for your future and our planet <3
