Carla Papac

Where It All Started

My parents signed me up for nippers in the U6's and couldn't get me out of the water. I fell in love with the ocean and the surf and have been doing surf life saving as a sport since then.

The Journey Nobody Sees

The relentless hours and time I have put into training. Not just for surf, but for all the sports I did growing up: netball, hockey, swimming, waterpolo, basketball, track and field, cross country, dancing. They all taught me tools and skills and the mindset that have formed me into the athlete I am today.

Your Greatest Moments

My Coolangatta Gold win in 2022 is a career highlight. I was obsessed with winning and uprooted my whole life to move to Noosa to commit to that race. People don't often get rewarded for their hard work, so to get the prize I was after was everything and more.

Beyond the Sport

I am extremely passionate about many topics. Female health, the growth of surf ironwoman/man racing, athlete rights, social media, pop culture. I love having hot takes and sharing them and I'm not afraid to partake in a debate, even if it gets me in trouble sometimes. I am a gemini, through and through, and I match my fiery, yang side with my yin side. I love yoga, reading, sitting on my couch and watching the O.C (Current fave).