GUEST POST BY HANALEI REPONTY, MODEL.
I’m Hanalei.
Yes Hanalei, like the bay. It means moon crescent. It’s a special name, that I am very grateful to have. I am from Tahiti, where dreams become reality.
I learned how to swim before I could walk, and that is when I discovered the beauty of nature and all the treasures in the ocean. I was born and raised in paradise, and my love for the ocean became unconditional. The beach was my playground, and everything tasted like sand, salt and sunscreen.
Surfing came as a natural thing in my life, like a blessing from the gods. I remember my brother and I standing up on my dad’s boards, spending hours in the water, like dolphins in their element. Now it is my life, because everything revolves around surfing, waves, swells, new spots, fins, boards, leashes and wax. It’s a passion, a passion that I share with mother nature.
The best part of it is being out there, in the line-up, surrounded by the infinity of waves and people I love: my man, parents, my brother and my friends. No words can describe this feeling. The rush of adrenaline, the mesmerising power of the water, duck diving under the waves, the smiles on all the faces. The ocean will always be my favourite place. Where I resource myself. Where my happiness is, or where I drown my sorrows. No matter what, the ocean always puts you back into your rightful place. It can lift your spirits up, or teach you how to be humble. The ocean is the best cure.
I got to travel the globe for surfing and modelling from a really young age, it really opened up my mind and vision of the world and shaped who I am. I got to surf in four different oceans, and countless perfect waves. Traveling is the most thrilling experience ever: you never know where you’re gonna end up, who you’re gonna meet, what you’re gonna see or discover. All these are little hidden jewels and memories which are gonna fill up your heart and mind for the rest of your life. More, friends you meet on your way are unforgettable. Every new friend, every new culture and every new country impacted on who I am today.
Traveling the world taught me a lot about myself and about others, and I discovered that adventure is the best way to learn. But home will always be home, and the ocean the special place in my heart. Along the way, people taught me that you can make your wildest dreams tomorrow’s reality. Life is what you make it, you just have to understand that you are the only person that can get you were you want to be. Now go out there, travel, live your life to the fullest, be kind to the earth, jump in the ocean, fall in love, create your destiny and never ever regret anything.
Love,
Hanalei.
Follow Hanalei on Instagram + follow her blog HERE
* * *
NOTE FROM LIZZY: The above photos of Hanalei being a little mermaid under-water were actually the images that inspired the ‘Hanalei’ part of our latest collection… the cowrie shell embellished pieces were meant to invoke that momentary feeling you get when swimming in the ocean when you wish you were a mermaid, living under the sea, with long crimped flowing hair like Daryl Hannah… with no need to come up for air. We were so honoured that Hanalei put this post together for us, and shared her feelings on her love for the ocean. xx Lizzy