Namita Nayyar:
Best workout place: Gym or outdoors?
Felicity Palmateer:
I love a combination of both! You can’t beat some sunshine on the bod and fresh air in your lungs, but obviously, a decent gym has the apparatus and accessories that enable you to focus on specific parts of the body. Handy when the weather is rainy or cold too! I’m not a fan of crowded gyms but you take what you can get!
Namita Nayyar:
In 2015, you rode the biggest wave ever ridden by a female Australian surfer at Cowaramup Bombora. How would you describe the experience?
Felicity Palmateer:
It wasn’t my intention to go and ride the biggest waves ever surfed by an Aussie female, so for me it kind of just felt like I was going for another surf. Especially being from WA I knew a lot of the other guys in the line up so it made me feel really comfortable. But I would be lying if I said that I wasn’t scared. It was forecasted to be the biggest swell to hit Australia in a long time so I was definitely nervous. Once I came in from the surf, the real shock was seeing photos starting to pop and I could actually start to see how big it really was.
Namita Nayyar:
Your breakfast comprises of?
Felicity Palmateer:
I often start the day with some fresh lemon juice squeezed into warm water, maybe a pinch of salt. A mouthful of apple cider vinegar is a good digestion aid too. I am a MASSIVE avocado fan; my boyfriend calls me the avocado monster. So, I’ll spread avo on some toast (wheat and gluten free bread if possible), add a bit of feta and tomato. I’m lucky enough to have Nudie juices delivered to my door when I’m home in Australia and a tonne of coconut yoghurt, so I’m always smashing Nudie products. Not a day passes where I don’t drink a juice or smoothie. When I travel overseas, I’ll buy organic wherever possible. And COFFEE! Can’t get moving without my double shot almond cap. A walk and coffee and surf check, then breakkie!
Namita Nayyar:
Your surf inspiration role model?
Felicity Palmateer:
There is something inspirational to be found in every surfer (or person). Personally, I get a lot of enjoyment out of watching someone new having a go at surfing for the first time and recognising all those feelings and sensations that they experience. That’s really cool! It reminds me of the fundamental sensations that make surfing special. Performance inspiration comes from watching the very best. Last year in particular when I was competing at jaws. The performances by surfers like Aussie Ryan Hipwood, Brazilian Lucas Chumbo and eventual winner Ian Walsh, were ground breaking – and it helped make the Invitational the best big wave event ever. I also travelled to Indonesia last year with Maui surfer Kai Lenny and gained a true appreciation for how talented he really is. He surfs everything from kites to foils, tow boards, S.U.P.s and he looks like he’s having fun in every condition, from 1ft – 50ft. The level of surfing now on the men’s world tour is amazing too. And now that Joel Parkinson is retiring, I’d say my new men’s is Griffin Colapinto. I also can’t go past Steph Gilmore’s style.
Namita Nayyar:
Other than surfing, what other projects are you working on this year?
Felicity Palmateer:
It’s taken some time, and has actually been a little frustrating but I’ve finally decided on what I’ll be doing for my next art exhibition. It will be a combination of photography, painting and include an audio-visual component. If I can combine the content the way I’d like to, I am confident it will be extremely memorable, not to mention the culmination of a lot of hard work. There are still many phases of production to work through, but slow and steady wins the race!
