The Art of Flow with One of Surfing’s Most Magnetic Souls - Josie Prendergast

May 11, 2025 Britt James

If you’ve ever watched Josie Prendergast glide down the face of a wave, you know there’s something special about her. It’s not just her style — although it’s undeniably graceful and timeless — it’s the feeling she leaves behind. Born in the Philippines, shaped by island life, and now calling Byron Bay home, Josie’s journey is one of culture, connection, and chasing waves across the globe.

From fronting major campaigns for Billabong to leading dreamy surf retreats in tropical corners of the world, she’s become a beacon for women in surf — not just for her style, but her presence. In between salty sessions and sun-kissed travels, we caught up with Josie for a dose of surf wisdom, soulful chat, and a peek into what makes her flow.

Your roots are from Siargao in the Philippines — how has your cultural heritage shaped who you are today, and what brought you to call Australia home?

My mum is from Siargao island in the Philippines and my dad is Australian. Originally from Sydney but has been in Byron since the 70s. My brothers and I were all born over in the Philippines and dad brought us home to Byron when I was around 3 or 4. He did this for our lifestyle and education ect. We would still visit the Philippines every year or two for a month or so. I’m so grateful to have both Byron and Siargao as my home.

Surfing seems to be such a deep part of your soul — what does it really mean to you, and how has it evolved over the years?

it means connection to me. Both homes, I’ve grown up around the beach. In Suffolk park growing up, it was a minute walk to the beach and same for siargao. It connects me to my family and to my childhood. I’ve been so lucky to have it as my ultimate playground really and I owe it to my dad for sharing the sport and allowing me to live and love it the way I do. No pressure, just passion.

You’ve travelled the world with a surfboard under your arm. If someone’s planning a surf trip abroad, what are your go-to tips for packing, prepping, and staying surf-ready?

ohhhh definitely sun safety. Bring a good zinc that last hours and a quality sunscreen. I try my best to use products that are safe for you and safe for the environment. good sun care and after sun care makes all the difference. I’ve had both Pterygium removed due to the sun, so it’s important to take care of ourselves!

Know your limits and take it seriously.

You now call Byron Bay home — what do you love most about the lifestyle there, and what makes it such a special place for you?

well it’s all I’ve really ever known. I’ve been here most of my life and had this as home before it became so popular ( I mean it’s always been popular but not to the extent it is now. )

I love that I get to still live a life that I loved growing up and still be able to love it.

Your skin is also glowing — even with all that sun and salt! Can you share your top skincare tips for women who spend a lot of time outside?

wear sunscreen and zinc. Both in and out of the water. ( the Sol Sista Co is great as it looks like foundation too. Hehe )

But even if I’m not surfing I wear sunscreen, on top of a serum and lotion. And I like to double cleanse. I’m actually super big on skincare and health, so I put a lot of effort into it and making sure I’m taking care of myself. both mentally and physically.

I’ve gone down the path of using products that are safe for you. And all these products have been game changers. I try not to over do it in the sun, ( even if the surf is pumping ) but re applying sunscreen and zinc and also knowing when to rest.

Out of all the places you’ve travelled, is there one destination that totally stole your heart — and why?

Maldives. I’ve been so many times now and it always blows me away. The waves are beautiful and I’ve met some incredible people along the way.

I also love Peru, Indo & West Java was incredible.

What’s your current favourite board to ride and why?

9’5 nose rider because it’s my go to log for so long now and a 6’11 elveen from Mctavish for bigger waves. It’s a single fin with side bites so still feels like a single fin, but allows you to ride bigger waves and more power.

What song is on repeat for you right now?

You’re wondering now, by Amy winehouse.