Photo Patti People
JALEESA VINCENT
Freed Surfing
Have you ever had a feeling of freedom just by watching someone surfing?
If you watch Jaleesa Vincent, you'll understand.
When you look beyond the codes and technique required to catch a wave, there is something unique about any surfer:
style.
With Jaleesa, the lines drawn, the look, the position of the arms, the pop up, the flow and especially a certain form of nonchalance, reflect an original and relaxed approach of the glide.
In each sequence, everything seems possible and nothing seems to be able to stop this free surfing.
Jaleesa is a 22 years old young Australian free surfer, who became known at the international about 3 years ago.
She started surfing at the age of 6, got really engaged at 10, before competing in WQS and becoming a free pro surfer.
Her recent appearances in the videos of the Australian brand RAGE have increased her notoriety.
She cultivates, without taking herself too seriously, an arty, fun and punk image, far from the tour, but especially from the clichés of the surfing influencer on Instagram.
Cool!
Enjoy reading this new Focus.
If you want to learn more about Jaleesa, get the Surfer's Journal 143.
Photo Woody Gooch
- Hi Jaleesa,
where do you come from and when was your 1st wave ?
"I grew up on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.
I moved to west of Byron just over a year ago.
And I caught my first wave at 6, at Coolum Beach."
Surfing usually when it’s onshore just to have it to ourselfs.
Photo Billabong
- What is your surf culture and who inspires you ?
"I just love surfing with my friends and my brother.
We try to find uncrowded waves.
Surfing usually when it’s onshore just to have it to ourselfs.
My brother Jake Vincent inspires me so much in surfing.
He surfs so different to everyone else.
He kind of skates on the waves, heaps of tricks and combos.
He reads the waves so differently from other surfers.
It’s unpredictable and so fun to watch."
Photo DR
- You play music, paint, create jewels…did you study arts ?
"I’ve just always loved creating.
I’m self taught.
I did art at school, but haven’t been to university or been taught the professional way to paint or whatever.
My style is constantly changing and adapting.
I would love to study it one day. "
- How do you get the impulses of creation ?
"A lot of the time when I’m out in the surf in a day dream.
I come up with painting or drawing ideas.
Sometimes lyrics for songs...
And I’ll have to quickly paddle in to write down before I forget!"
A lot of people way to serious in the water.
Photo DR
- What are the songs you listen before and after surfing ?
"I listen to different music everyday.
But HANKWOOD AND THE HAMMER HEADS gets me pretty amped to surf.
www.hankwoodandthehammerheads.bandcamp.com
And after I might just listen to an audible book.
I live 40 minutes from the beach so it’s nice to listen to a book on the drive.
I’m currently listening to "Braiding sweet grass" by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
It’s a beautiful book about indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge and the teachings of plants."
Jaleesa plays in the band Cupids And The Stupids and previously played in Skreech.
- How is a surf & rock n' roll trip with the RAGE team ?
"Couple of hungover surfs.
But just have to cop it.
I feel like being hung you give less fuckes and don’t overthink things."
Photo DR
A lot of the time inspiration comes when I’m out in the surf in a day dream.
- What do you think of the surf scene today ?
"A lot of people way to serious in the water.
Surfing is meant to be fun."
Photo Jake Vincent
- Who is your favorite surfer ?
"I really admire Buttons Kaluhiokalani."
Buttons was a Hawaiian surfer who passed away in 2013 at the age of 55.
He is known as one of the innovators of modern maneuvers, for his switch foot surfing and for making the first 360 backside in a surf movie.
- What are your actions for the planet ?
"I take only what I need, and not waste.
To think about where an object has come from and the original source.
Before eating a piece of fruit think about that tree growing, then producing fruit as a gift to us and to appreciate that and to thank it.
A quote from "Braiding sweet grass":
"Knowing that you love the earth changes you, activates you to defend, protect and celebrate."
But when you feel that the earth loves you in return, that relationship transforms from a one-way street to a sacred bond."
Photo Nick Green
- Do you feature in upcoming films ?
"I’m doing some filming.
I am going to save clips for an edit I’ll put out next year.
Excited to go overseas again one day.
But for now it’s been beautiful seeing more of Australia."
Published on Sunday, April 25, 2021