Surfing superstar Shayelle Lajoie loves life by the sea as much as we do at We Are Handsome; so, a lot. Shayelle has turned the challenges of maintaining an active and effective lifestyle into motivation to make her day to day a constant adventure and an opportunity to achieve. WAH activewear was created to inspire, motivate and empower all that wear it; so who better than Shayelle to put it to the test?
What inspired you to start being active/to be an athlete?
I started as a dancer for 18 years and to me, dancing was life. Concerts, competitions, new friends and of course making your body do crazy things- it all came together like one big snowball and just gets funner, more interactive and exciting the more you learn and achieve. I was introduced to surfing at age 18 and took it as a challenge, next thing I knew a few sponsors got on board, I began competing and realised I just simply could not do life without this new sport in my life! The ocean is that place for me where everything comes together and makes sense.
What do you love most about this lifestyle?
The freedom, the endless discovery of new surf locations, the challenge of different conditions every single surf and the unique encounters with people and animals!
What is a normal day like for you?
Early yoga, surf, work and race back to the sea for a sunset surf.
How do you balance your time?
Terribly. I make plans and if the surf is fun, all goes out the window and I’m in the ocean, that’s where you’ll find me.
What is your favourite work out?
H.I.I.T – I love a good heart racing sweat!
What is your best beauty tip?
Coconut oil, on everything. Literally. Hair. Skin. Face. Teeth.
What do you eat on an average day?
The whole food pyramid plus chocolate, always coconut water, Figs and sashimi.
Favourite work out music/song?
Currently: “Borderline” by Tove Styrke (but I secretly bounce around to my room to every Taylor Swift song, that’ll help anyone crack a sweat.
Your favourite thing to do when you are not working out?
Sit in the boot of my car, sipping on tea and watch the ocean do its thing.
Favourite place you have travelled to?
Kauai
Dream place you’d like to travel to?
Anywhere in Northern Europe during the winter to see the Aurora Borealis
Fitness goal you dream to reach?
To reach a point where doing what I love pays the bills 😉
How do you see your future?
Travel. More travel. Being outside of my comfort zone, finding a true passion and meeting inspiring people along the way.
What are 3 things you can’t live without?
The ocean
Coconuts
Sun
Your favourite photo you ever took?
While surfing a longboard in Hawaii, I managed to get up into a handstand with my legs in the splits, and got the footage on my GoPro! In the same day I got footage of holding an octopus.. which I later found out wasn’t the best idea.
Catch Shayelle’s gnarly lifestyle on her Instagram @shayellelajoie