Frother Of The Month: Joel Pilgrim

By Christie Bennett on January 30, 2014 in People

This month’s Frother is a big fan of the fluoro, especially on Fridays…

Name: Joel Pilgrim
Age: 24
Stance: Natural
Local Break: South Bondi
Board Shaper: 3P – Paul Parkes
Board Dimensions: 9’0” x 22½” x 2⅝” longboard with thruster setup

Where are you originally from?
I grew up in Newcastle in a dreamy place called Caves Beach.

What brought you to Bondi?
I got a great job that I couldn’t pass up, so I moved to the big smoke a few years ago and haven’t looked back.

How often do you get out for a wave?
I try to get out at least once a day. It can be hard when the alarm goes off at 5am, but getting out there and getting stoked with your mates (and dolphins this morning) makes it all worth it.

You’re often sighted out in the line-up at Bondi on a Friday morning in a fruity looking outfit with a bunch of equally fruity looking mates; what’s that all about?
It’s called OneWave. We’re a non-profit surf community raising awareness and kicking the social stigma of mental health. It’s all about getting out there and sharing the stoke of the ocean while sparking conversations and getting people talking. Fluoro Friday happens every Friday morning at 6:30am at South Bondi with people rocking up in all sorts of crazy fluoro attire. The great thing is, more and more people are getting involved and starting their own Fluoro Fridays along the east coast, and even around the world! Places involved so far include Bondi, Manly, Byron Bay, Tathra, Jan Juc, WA, New Zealand, Hawaii, Tahiti, Cook Islands, California, Las Vegas, New York and South America.

Can anyone go down and be a part of it?
Yeah totally, that’s the idea of it. We have new people turning up every week. All you need is some colourful threads and a big smile. For those who have never surfed, this is a chance to give it a crack and to experience those positive vibes that surfing and the ocean provide. And for those who’d prefer to stay out of the water there’s plenty of conversation and fun on the beach with acro-yoga.

Is it fair to say that surfing can change people’s lives?
Absolutely! I know a number of people who say exactly that. When times are tough and you’re going through some really dark times, surfing provides such a great social and emotional outlet that can help you escape from the crazy curve balls life can throw at you.

What do you do for a day job?
I’m an Occupational Therapist working in mental health in Bondi. I work with young people experiencing early psychosis, getting their life back on track after going through their own mental health issues. I love my job; it’s so rewarding and no two days are the same.

Where is your favourite surfing destination?
Tahiti would have to be on top of the list.

Do you have any surf trips in the pipeline?
I’ve got a boat trip to the Mentawais in May/June and hopefully a trip to Namotu Island in Fiji at some stage too.

Any last words?
Smile the shit out of every day. You never know how much a simple smile could change a stranger’s day, week, or even their life! Surf more, smile more, love more, but most of all – froth more!

You can find more info about OneWave at www,facebook.com/onewaveisallittakes or follow them on Instagram at @onewaveisallittakes.