Style - 28 Aug 2022

Portugal with @joliejanine

Janine has been on our pinterest boards and photoshoot inspiration pages for a while now and we are so stoked we finally got to collaborate on the Crystal Tides shoot. From Germany, a land-locked country but the ultimate Billabong beach gal, @joliejanine taught herself to surf on her countless travel escapades around the world, from California to Costa Rica. Read on to learn a little bit more about this blonde beauty.

Tell us a little bit about yourself? Where are you living now? What do you do for a job?
I’m Janine, I’m 26 years old and I am born and raised in Germany. It’s always been my dream to travel the world, so after I graduated school that’s exactly what I did. I travelled around Asia, lived in South Africa and 3 years ago I learned how to surf in Costa Rica. I am a Influencer, model and content creator which gives me the freedom to pretty much work from anywhere in the world.

When did you start surfing and what inspired you to pick up a board?
I started surfing 3 years ago on a solo trip to Costa Rica. I was worried that I would feel super lonely, so I decided to book myself into a hostel to connect with other travellers. Learning how to surf has always been on my bucket list and since the hostel I was staying at offered surf lessons, I thought to myself: Why not give it a try? I have been hooked ever since.

Has learning to surf been difficult? How have you overcome obstacles on this journey?
I would be lying if I told you that learning how to surf was easy. Especially when you are just starting out it can be frustrating at times. I think the most important thing to remember is to always have fun. Whether it’s surfing a bigger board, going to spots with smaller waves or finding a surf buddy- make it as fun as possible and you will naturally improve.

Your favourite beach in the world and why?
One of my favourite beaches in the world is Clifton beach in Cape Town, South Africa. It is absolutely beautiful & the water is crystal clear. South Africa has such a special place in my heart, since I spent so much time there and the beaches and nature there are just something else!

You travel a lot, as do we! What are some of your tips for sustainable tourism?
I think small actions can make a big difference. I always bring my own water bottle, pick up trash at the beach and choose plastic free options at the local supermarket.
I also love supporting small local shops, restaurants & markets instead of big chains.

What does your dream day look like?
I wake up early & go for a sunrise surf at a perfect left-hand point break. Then I have a delicious breakfast with lots of fresh fruit. After that I lie in the sun & read a really good book before catching some more waves. In the afternoon I hang out with friends, we go on a little adventure somewhere and take lots of cute film photos! Then we go back to the beach where we watch the sunset whilst enjoying some pizza.

Your all time favourite food but you have to eat it every day, choose one!
Avocado toast with a soft poached egg! It’s a classic and I actually already eat it pretty much every day.

When are you going to visit Australia?
The last time I was in Australia was on a family vacation when I was 14 years old. That’s actually where I fell in love with Billabong after visiting a store in Sydney. I was so obsessed with the style and back then I actually told myself: one day I will move here. Unfortunately, I actually haven’t been back since, but I am hoping to visit next year in 2023.

What is your process when creating content, and do you prefer film or digital?
I have been working as a content creator for the past 8 years now and the way I shoot content has developed so much over time. In the beginning I feel like a lot of the photos I would take were rather staged, whereas now for me it’s all about capturing a moment or an emotion instead of creating it for a photo. This is also one of the many reasons why I have been so obsessed with film photography lately- it just feels so much more real and raw.

Lastly, your favourite piece from the Crystal Tides collection?
I am so in love with all of the pieces from the Crystal Tides collection, but if I had to pick a favourite it would be the Sunrays Georgia Bralette & the Sunrays Avalon Pant. The cut is so flattering and I love the gorgeous blue colour.