Layne Beachley, seven-time world champion surfer

1 I wouldn’t call myself a hard core runner. I would call myself an athlete who runs. Surfing requires fast muscle twitch and really quick movements so running is part of my training, mostly sprints in the sand and a lot of soft sand running.

2 My body isn’t used to running long distances, but in 2008 I did the Great Wall of China Walk with Olivia Newton-John so long runs became part of my preparation and it really tested me physically.

3 Running is a totally different application mentally and physically than surfing. Surfing is such an all-body workout that there’s no one particular form of training that can really cater to working the muscles that are required to be a good surfer. Surfing in itself is a full-body workout.

4 I developed the Beachley Athletic fitness range because I wanted sportswear that was functional and comfortable and that didn’t chaffe. I’m really proud of the range and hope others will enjoy it also.

5 A lot of surfers on the circuit do run, it’s a good way to keep fit in between events. You can keep your body weight down by running 30 to 40 minutes a day and it’s not quite so demanding on the body as something like weights or some of the explosive drills we have to do.

6 I suffered from depression and chronic fatigue in ’93 and ‘then again in ‘96. I was emotionally and physically drained at the time, but the one thing that really broke that cycle was giving my body the rest it needed. Once I felt stronger I started introducing very small amounts of exercise and that certainly broke that mental depression that I was suffering from. It filled my body with adrenaline, circulation, blood flow and energy. I know that if I’m really tired, going for a quick surf or a short run really lifts my energy levels.

Words: Lisa Holmes, Photography: Mark Watson