The Wave Sliders journal
ENTRY # 042
Written By: Maddy Bolt (she/her)
Intro By: Jack Ventura
INTRO:
This month’s Wave Sliders Journal is a special one, featuring the adventurous Maddy Bolt, whose groundbreaking work in Indonesia deserves serious recognition. Her relentless energy and passion for life sets her apart in a league of her own. Maddy's impressive list of accomplishments runs deep, so after you dive into her Wave Sliders Journal, be sure to check out her website and IG to get the full picture of who Maddy is.
Much respect to you, Maddy, for pushing boundaries and bringing the heat to this month's Wave Sliders Journal.
Enjoy the read everyone!
Who are you?
Share a few sentences explaining who you see yourself as these days...
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I am a marine scientist. surfer, sailor, photographer, and writer. I live part-time in Indonesia where I run my own non-profit working in partnership with local Lombok women to teach them how to swim, surf, and practice ocean safety.
What was your first job?
First jobs reveal a lot about who we were.
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My first job was actually working as a child actress! So random, but I was such an outgoing kid and I loved meeting new people and challenging myself to step into other peoples lives and shoes in a creative way.
No longer in acting, but I do still create films and work as a photographer so I guess you could say my love for creative expression in that realm began early!
What have you learned through surfing that translates to everyday life?
What you have learned from surfing and how those lessons help you through daily livin'...
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Surfing has given me so much throughout my whole life. As a grom, I had to learn eternal patience. Just heading back to the beach every single day, even when I wouldn't even be able to paddle out beyond the break.
I also had to learn to truly believe in myself and trust my body - know that I could withstand countless sets on the head and come out stronger for it. I have also learned to connect deeply with the ocean through a strong reverence with nature.
Lastly, surfing has taught me the true meaning of surrender. I have learned to let go of the things I cannot control, take stock of what is working out for me as opposed to getting frustrated with what is not, and remain present by witnessing and cherishing the small beauties of nature.
What is something you'd like to accomplish in the next 10 years?
Share a goal for the next decade, and how surfing might have influenced these aspirations.
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I would love to be able to hand off my non-profit to the local women of Lombok and have them fully run the program themselves. Local women teaching local women how to swim.
My goal was always to empower the local community so I could step back and just support them. I wanted the project to feed into itself - as more women learned how to swim and surf, they could teach each other, and it would spread in a ripple effect.
I would also love to buy my own sailboat one day and continue to sail around the world. I crossed the Pacific Ocean in 2023 working as a crew, and I would love to do it again for myself. I would love to sail all around French Polynesia and maybe even have kids one day - just a simple and happy life where I am barely on my phone and connecting and learning from the world and people around me.
I want to keep having my mind expanded, perspectives changed, and learning new skills. I want to be surprised. I want to be proven wrong. I want to keep learning.
What Maddy Is Stoked On Lately...
Someone in the surf community you are stoked on:
I’ve been deeply empowered by some of the local ibu (women) surfers here in Indonesia. Despite countless cultural barriers and people trying to hold them back, these women have taught themselves how to swim and surf - and it’s incredibly inspiring. Their strength and unapologetic presence are something I truly admire. I hope to carry a bit of their badass, not-giving-a-damn energy into my own way of life.
A quote you like?
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." — Mark Twain
A place you want to visit that you have not been to yet?
I’d love to explore some of the lesser-known islands of the South Pacific. The region feels like a dream with its vibrant marine life, stunning waves, epic spearfishing, and rich, diverse cultures that I’m super eager to check out.
Featured product
Maddy is an amazing person with too many accolades to mention. Be sure to follow Maddy on IG: @maddyhbolt or check out her website https://maddybolt.com/
Thanks for reading, ya'll! Look out for the next WAVE SLIDERS JOURNAL coming soon.
- Jack
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