Tully White - Patagonia

As an island nation with a population largely concentrated on its sandy edges and watery coastline, we’re one of the few countries whose identity is rooted not in our landmass but in the watery depths that surround us. To the world, we’re defined by our relationship to the ocean.

On the surface that might seem easy-going but a closer look lays bare ocean acidification, marine heatwaves, degenerating kelp forests, and devastating resource exploration.

We have a reciprocal relationship of give and take with the waves on our shores, and while that’s been ignored for a long time, Australians are starting to pick up the slack and look out for our coastal spaces.

Tully White, from our Manly store, is at the intersection of this relationship. Cruising around California, getting ready for the second heat of the WSL Longboard Tour, here she talks about the connection between sport and activism, and what it means to give our oceans a voice.

Where are you at the moment?

I am currently in Huntington beach California for the US Open of Surfing, which is stop number two of three for the WSL World Longboard Tour. I will be surfing a little later in the week, so have been enjoying watching some of the other events here, including the WSL Challenger series, skating and BMX competitions. The US Open runs for 9 days and is one of the biggest festivals in surfing so it’s cool to be here!

How are you feeling about the next heats in Huntington and Malibu?

I am really excited for Huntington and our final stop of the tour in Malibu: it’s so special to be able to surf in these events! As the only Australian girl on tour, it is cool to represent Australian longboard culture and style at these competitions. The US Open at Huntington is a huge event with thousands of people coming down to the beach every day to watch and lining the pier. It is quite incredible to see just the number of people watching the event. It’s a great platform for longboarding!

The Malibu event will be held in October and will decide the world champion for this year. Malibu is one of my favourite waves in the world, a perfect right hand pointbreak which runs forever and has the perfect speed for a traditional heavy log. My friends and I have made a few sneaky runs up to Malibu this trip because it’s been really good, although so crowded!

You came third in the opening event of the WSL Longboard Tour held at Manly Beach. How was it competing in familiar territory in front of friends and family?

The first event of the Longboard Tour this year was held at my home beach, Manly. It was a big surprise for me to hear that the Tour would have an event there because it’s not the best longboard wave, but luckily home had dreamy conditions for most of the event. It was special showing friends from around the world my home, but also seeing my local surf community (especially the groms) stoked on traditional longboarding. During the event, every heat I was in I was absolutely stunned by how many friends, family and local community stood on the sand to support me, it was a huge confidence boost!

We also ran a Patagonia store event with Surfers for Climate during the event, showing some short films and talking about the Surfers for Climate movement with Belinda Baggs. The Manly crew put on a great event (huge thanks especially to our store manager Will!). We were stoked to have a big turnout including some of the international longboarding community come down to the store and learn about Surfers for Climate!

Your engagement with the ocean isn’t just limited to surfing, can you tell me what pushed you to not only experience the ocean but to help in its conservation?

Growing up I always just wanted to be outdoors whether that was at the beach, in the bush or just in the garden. I didn’t really like to just sit inside. When I turned 13, I was lucky enough to travel over to Ningaloo reef in Western Australia with my mum to go dive with whale sharks on board a dive boat. In absolute awe of the whale sharks, I followed around the onboard marine biologist all day asking way too many questions. The most memorable part for me was the way they took the opportunity to not only educate everyone with facts, but also the threats facing the whale sharks and what we could do to help protect them, no matter how far away we lived. Ever since, I’ve been passionate about learning more about environmental science and conservation, and I am now doing a degree in the field.

Can you talk to me about your work with Surfers for Climate, and how important it is to open up channels of communication and information on the science of marine conservation?

Surfers for Climate is a community of surfers who seek to educate themselves and others on climate change; to make greener choices for our future in our day-to-day lives; to protect our coasts from the search for oil and gas; and to create a cleaner surf industry. When it first started up Belinda reached out to ask if I would like to be a foundation member and I was stoked to join in. Fast forward and the movement has grown thanks to the hard work of Belinda, Johnny and Josh along with a huge team of passionate surfers. I am now a proud ambassador for Surfers for Climate, and strongly believe it’s an incredible movement to inspire a huge shift in the attitudes of surfers and the surf industry as a whole. We are not just surf rats, we are politicians, bankers, lawyers, teachers, scientists and more! There is a huge amount of power in using our combined ocean knowledge and passion alongside career-earned skills, to be voices for our coasts.

A big focus of Surfers for Climate was on PEP11 (Petroleum Exploration Permit 11). Can you tell me about the approach of that campaign and the support it received from the community?

After paddling out for The Fight for the Bight in early 2019, I think the whole coastal stretch between Sydney and Newcastle was shocked at the idea of PEP11 being renewed and progressed so close to home. Surfers for Climate – along with other not-for-profits Surfrider and Save our Coasts – supported and collaborated to raise awareness and rally a large movement against the renewal of PEP11. As someone who has grown up on this stretch of coast, I think the companies fighting for the permit were relying on nobody noticing the renewal take place and silently progressing with their explorations. Surfers for Climate, along with the others fighting against PEP11 made sure this process and opportunity to renew the licence did not go unnoticed. They made sure everyone knew about the power of their voice, giving pathways for people to make sure their opposition was heard by those who needed to hear it. There were paddle-outs, petitions, templates to send emails and letters to the people making decisions – all made very accessible to anyone who was opposed to the renewal. It was a very successful campaign and super-inspiring to watch people-power protect our coastline for generations to come.

Have you seen a development in environmental activism or engagement in sports?

I think that there has been a huge increase in sports people’s and industries’ engagement with environmental activism. There has been a positive shift in recognition of the amount of influence they have as role models, and the benefits of using that power for the good. Some women I have been inspired by include Belinda Baggs and Laura Enever in surfing and even other sports women such as Nicola Barr in AFLW. There has also been new not-for-profits formed in recent years which help sports people engage with climate activism and become more involved in the space, such as Front Runners and Surfers for Climate.

What would you say is the most important step in protecting our oceans: engagement with the natural environment; activism for the natural environment; or conversations about our natural environment?

There is a huge need for all three steps in every person’s journey, because what starts off as engagement leads to conversations and a love which inspires activism. Conversations about ocean conservation and protection inspire thought and encourage wider participation in the activism space. One of the favourite things I’ve learnt through Surfers for Climate is the idea that successful activism is all about people finding steps within their comfort zone and building from there, instead of trying to take off in the deep end and becoming overwhelmed. For some people, conversations can help build understanding and confidence. For others, making larger commitments such as meeting with local politicians and joining in paddle-outs and peaceful protests may be within reach. So, I guess I think the most important step is whatever each individual person is most comfortable with, and for some that means just getting out there and enjoying a sunrise swim!

What can going out and experiencing the oceans teach us about it?

Spending time in the ocean and on our coasts teaches us about the rawness and beauty of the natural world. It overpowers us and reminds us that we are not always in control, humbling us and reminding us of the force of nature. When we go down to the beach we become directly affected by the UV, winds, tides and swell­­ which is something we can disconnect from in our busy day-to-day lives. Most importantly though it reconnects us to country, inspiring us to help ensure that these untouched places are protected for generations to come.

You’ve got a lot going on for you at the moment: competition surfing; two jobs; studying a degree in environmental sciences; a bit of activism here and there; there’s a lot of avenues for you to pursue. What does the future look like for you?

It is a little hectic for sure! But I love it. I am enjoying the opportunities and experiences travelling as a competitive surfer has gifted me so far, and hope to continue this journey. It pushes me to get the most out of a surfing life and has connected me with like-minded people all over the world which is incredible. I’m enjoying finding my voice in the activism space too and feel like the further I progress in my degree specialising in climate change and sustainability, the more confidence I will gain. I hope that I can combine these two passions of mine in a meaningful way, inspiring others to be more aware of the threats facing our coasts and the changes we can all make for a more sustainable and climate-aware future.

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