Sierra Lerback became the first female to win the ‘Old Mal’ division in the Noosa Festival of Surfing. That’s a really big deal. Born and raised in Hawaii and now living near Noosa, Sierra talks good vibes, good music and that “not everybody in Hawaii throws shakas all the time”.
What have you been up to lately?
A lot of surfing and planning trips to Japan, Mexico and Hawaii now that the world’s opening again, which is super exciting. It’s for work – surfing – which, is ‘play’ really.
What have you been listening to lately?
I love Country music. Anything coming out of Nashville at the moment. I love putting on a Country radio station on Spotify. Try it!
Most underrated artist/group?
Maren Morris.
Favourite secret artist/group that’s a guilty pleasure?
Um, Christina Aguilera! Too revealing?
Stones or The Beatles?
The Beatles.
If you’re not surfing, you’re…
Bored.
The biggest influence in your life so far is…
Stephanie Gilmore [Australian professional and seven-time World Surfing League Champion]. The way she carries herself on land is how she surfs – cool and without care.
How would you describe yourself today compared to who you were five years ago?
I’m pretty much the same person I was five years ago. I just live on the opposite side of the world now.
What would you say to your younger self?
Try new things.
What’s your motto?
Everything will work out. If it doesn’t then it wasn’t meant to be.
Lockdowns taught you…
When it’s midday, you can start drinking champagne if you want.
If offered a drink, you’d have…?
A fresh coconut!
Coffee or tea?
Coffee.
Most overrated food?
Pickles.
Most underrated food?
Mushrooms.
In Australia, something less known about Hawaii is…
That not everybody throws shakas all the time. I think it’s more Australian than it’s Hawaiian.
In Hawaii, something less known about Australia is…
That Australians drive on the other side of the road.
What’s inspired you lately?
I’ve been really into trying new surfboard shapes, figuring out different fin setups and how best to ride them accordingly.
A little pearl of wisdom you picked up was…
Don’t worry.
Proudest moment so far?
Being the first female to win the ‘Old Mal’ [division at the Noosa Festival of Surfing]. It’s something that will stay with me forever.
What got you into surfing?
When you grow up in Hawaii, it’s just something you do. My dad and brother both surfed, so I could either just sit on the beach or paddle out and join them.
Describe the feeling of surfing to a non-surfer.
Being completely in the hands of Mother Nature – out of control but still at ease. Also constantly being humbled by the power of the ocean! It’s peaceful and exciting all at once.
A memorable motorcycle moment was when…
Riding on the beach in Bali! Heading down to the beach with a handful of friends and taking turns on the bikes, a whole lot of fun.
What are the similarities of surfing and riding for you?
It’s about being aware of what you’re doing, your surroundings and doing everything with flow – not being too jerky. Try to make it feel easy and effortless.
