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Holly on Tour
What events are you competing in over the next 4 weeks?
We’re currently in the off-season, within the next 12 weeks, I’ll be kicking off an exciting block of international racing. First up is Cornwall, England, where I’ll compete against some of Great Britain’s top surf athletes. From there, I’ll head to Huntington Beach in the United States to take part in the USA National Championships, as well as race for the prestigious Taplin Bell Shield as part of a representative team. It’s set to be three action-packed weekends of racing across two continents—an incredible opportunity I’m really looking forward to.
What cities/locations will you be visiting and racing at while in the UK and US?
I am travelling from July 1-August 12th.
- London: 1 - 7th
- South Ireland: 8th - 14th
- Salisbury/Bournemouth: 15th - 17th
- Cornwall: 18th - 19th (race on the 19th at the World Ocean Series 5,000 event)
- Edinburgh: 20th - 21st
- Scottish Highlands: 21st - 26th
- London: 27th - 29th
- LA: 30th - 12th (Taplin Bell Comp - 2nd Aug, USA Nationals 7-9th Aug)
Any down time or holidays planned during the trip?
While in the UK, I’ve booked tickets to the British Summer Time concerts in Hyde Park, where I’ll get to see Noah Kahan, Gracie Abrams, and Sabrina Carpenter live—something I’m incredibly excited for. I’ve also planned a day trip to Silverstone to experience the Formula 1 British Grand Prix, which has been a long-time bucket list item.
In the United States, I’m fortunate to be training and staying with fellow ENGINE Athlete—and best friend—Holly Maine. Between our morning and afternoon training sessions, we’ve planned a day trip to Santa Barbara, and in between the Taplin Bell competition and USA Nationals, we’ll be heading to Las Vegas for a weekend getaway to visit the Grand Canyon.
It’s shaping up to be an unforgettable mix of training, racing, and adventure.
How do you balance training, racing, exploring and relaxing?
It’s something I’m still learning to navigate, but I’m incredibly fortunate to have a supportive coach, Michael King (Head Coach at Burleigh Heads Mowbray Park), who has mapped out my entire training program for the six weeks I’ll be travelling.
This has made it much easier to plan and schedule my sessions around the demands of being on the move.
Of course, we’ve had to make some adjustments based on where I’ll be. For example, while road tripping through the south of Ireland, I won’t have access to a pool—so I’ve committed to running and stretching as alternatives to maintain consistency. I’m also making a conscious effort to stay mindful of my diet, opting for healthier food choices wherever possible.
Most importantly, I remind myself that training while overseas is a choice I’ve made—not something I’m being forced to do. I feel grateful that my training can complement my travel experiences. It’s a privilege to combine Surf Life Saving racing with international travel, and I don’t take that opportunity for granted.
Favourite training meals/snacks or go-to food spots on the road?
Depending on the customs regulations for each country—something I still need to fully look into—I’m hoping to bring along my favourite Carman’s Muesli Bars as a go-to pre-training snack. With most of the protein coming from nuts and seeds, they’re a great source of healthy fats and micronutrients, and I find they give me the energy I need before a session.
As for meals on tour… I’m sure there’ll be plenty of chicken schnitzels with a side of salad on the menu. I’m not overly adventurous when it comes to food—I prefer to keep things simple, healthy, and familiar where I can.
Why do you love most about what you do?
Surf Life Saving is a sport unlike any other. As surf athletes, we commit to an intense training load—14 sessions a week, over 25 hours of hard work, spread across 44 weeks of the year. Add to that the unpredictability of the ocean, and you quickly realise this sport doesn’t always reward the “best” athlete on the day. It can be harsh and unforgiving—but that’s exactly why I love it.
It’s a sport that demands more than just talent. It takes grit, relentless work, the courage to take risks, and sometimes, a bit of luck. That mix is what makes Surf Life Saving so addictive and unique.
This sport has opened doors I never imagined—giving me the chance to travel internationally and represent both my state and my country. Those experiences fuel my passion and constantly remind me why I do this: to chase something bigger than medals. To grow, explore, and push my limits through the sport I love.
Why and how did you choose to ENGINE?
I choose ENGINE because it delivers on what matters most to me as an athlete—performance, reliability, and purpose.
I’ve been wearing ENGINE since I first started competing in the U8s, and over the years, it’s become more than just a brand—it’s part of my journey.
I’m proud to support an Australian company that backs its athletes and produces high-quality gear that genuinely performs in the water.
What’s it been like working at ENGINE and creating content for last year?
Over the past 12 months, I’ve absolutely loved creating content for ENGINE. I’ve been fortunate to have the creative freedom to dive deep into the lives of our athletes—highlighting their individual athleticism, determination, and unique stories.
Every piece of content tells a different narrative, and it’s incredibly rewarding to bring these to life in a way that resonates with our audience.
Whether it’s an athlete spotlight or a behind-the-scenes look at product development, I’m passionate about sharing the raw authenticity that defines the ENGINE brand.
This journey has also opened my eyes to the powerful sense of community that surrounds ENGINE. Whether you do Surf Life Saving, Triathlons, or Swimming, there’s a shared pride in representing the brand—and it’s a joy to capture and share those emotions through content.
Your top 3 favourite ENGINE products and why?
- Santorini swimwear - ideal training, racing and looking stylish on the beach
- Backpack Pro - perfect size to fit all my training and travel essentials including my cameras.
- Stainless Steel Water Bottle - keeps ice solid all day in the European summer and the water remains at a consistent temperature.
