Surfing powerhouse, ten time world surf tour winner and champion of women’s health and natural living, Sally Fitzgibbons, has been named the first Australian Brand Ambassador for Burt’s Bees. Joining forces for the ‘Be a True Force of Nature’ campaign, Fitzgibbons notes: “To me, being a ‘True Force of Nature’ means being your authentic self.
“For me that means being in the ocean and feeling brave and courageous no matter what. Being surrounded by water is when I feel like a true force of nature."
Read on to find out more about the campaign, Sally’s day on a plate, and her beauty must haves...
Can you please tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got into surfing?
I was so fortunate to grow up surrounded by the ocean. My Dad and three older brothers all surfed and Mum would take us to the beach everyday as our playground. I convinced my Dad to start pushing me on waves when I was six and since then it has been a constant in my life.
What does an average day look like for you?
When I first open my eyes I focus 10 minutes on meditation. The rest of my day is a mixture of surf training sessions, exercise, physio treatments, and organising logistics of travel and board design. I also tend to sponsor commitments and projects I am developing. It is awesome to have my sport be the vehicle to experience so much in and out of the water, every day is different and that’s what I love most about it.
What drew you to working with Burt’s Bees?
It was an organic fit for me to partner with Burt’s Bees. It’s all natural and shares the same philosophies as me when it comes to treating your skin with the best. Burt’s Bees products protect me in all of nature’s harshest conditions. I try to have a true connection from nature to my skin, it’s the relationship I’m looking for with any product I use.
What does your current skincare routine look like?
I always carry a Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, I pretty much have one on me at all times! I’m loving their new All Weather SPF 15 Lip Balm as it keeps my lips protected naturally in the sun and surf. For me, keeping my skin healthy is just trying to eliminate those harsh chemicals. I’m all about moisturising but ideally I want to use the bare minimum of products on my skin. If I’m using a lot of sunscreens and zincs throughout the day, I sometimes like to use a natural skin scrub mixed in with water to lightly cleanse my pores and give them a chance to breath.
What does your day on a plate look like?
It’s about loving your body and being conscious of what fuel you put in it. If you put in rubbish you are going to get rubbish efforts in return. I keep my plate colourful with loads of fresh produce – keeping things simplistic by mixing and matching a variety of proteins with what’s in season or on special at the markets.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
I think one moment in my career that will always be etched in my memory is getting back up after bursting my eardrum at the Fiji Women’s Pro. To give myself a chance to surf on all the way to the final and claim the win was such a euphoric experience and opened a door into an inner strength that I didn’t know was there.
Who is your favourite person to follow on Instagram?
Phil Thurston @Thurstonphotos. He captures all the amazing moods of the ocean and its beauty.
Your mantra / philosophy is?
To be authentic and truly yourself under any condition.
If you weren’t doing this, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t surfing I would try my hand at another sport, as a physiotherapist, or a sports journalism role.
