Soli Bailey: Maps to Now
from Waterpeople Hosted by Lauren L. Hill & Dave Rastovich - surf stories & ocean adventures
There's no straight lines in the ocean - nor in a surfing life. We sit with professional surfer and Bundjalung waterman Soli Bailey to trace his lines from early talent and success, through the grind of competing and a life-threatening neck injury, to a grounded love of surfing that’s deeper than any accolades. Soli opens up about the quiet crisis that arrived during lockdowns: paddling out and not wanting to be there. He breaks down how stepping off the contest treadmill, and reconnecting with community brought the spark back. Then comes the hard turn: a violent injury, neurosurgeons warning he was lucky to walk, and the decision to have surgery. Soli shares what recovery taught him about slowing down, caring for his body, and holding ambition without letting it hollow you out. We revisit his dream run—Cloudbreak’s drainers, Shipstern’s step-ladders, and hidden points—and why he doesn’t need “bigger, faster, farther” to feel complete. Along the way, he honors the people who steadied him: a steadfast stepmum, a patient partner, mentors, and sponsors who backed a freesurf path over results. Send us Fan Mail ... Co-Hosts + Production: Lauren L. Hill & Dave Rastovich Sound + Video Engineer: Ben J Alexander Theme song: Shannon Sol Carroll Additional music by Kai Mcgilvray + Ben J Alexander Closing track: 'Sunseekers' by Andysixstring Join the conversation: @Waterpeoplepodcast ... Thanks to our generous sponsors this season: Patagonia Australia: in business to save our home planet Ngalung Kalla Eco Retreat: surf adventure paradise The Sunglass Fix: give your favourite sunglasses new life Sodii: hydration for salty humans ... Subscribe to our newsletter for BTS stories from making the podcast, and the books, films and music we’re currently into. Written by us + free to read.
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What this episode covers
There's no straight lines in the ocean - nor in a surfing life. We sit with professional surfer and Bundjalung waterman Soli Bailey to trace his lines from early talent and success, through the grind of competing and a life-threatening neck injury, to a grounded love of surfing that’s deeper than any accolades. Soli opens up about the quiet crisis that arrived during lockdowns: paddling out and not wanting to be there. He breaks down how stepping off the contest treadmill, and reconnecting w...
Chapters
- 0:00 Opening Scare And Perspective Shift
- 0:18 Welcome And Acknowledgments
- 1:03 Introducing Soli Bailey
- 3:16 Kindness In The Lineup And Ocean Care
- 3:51 A Dream Run Of Waves Then A Crash
- 6:30 Losing Love For Surfing During Lockdowns
- 9:46 Rebuilding Joy Beyond Competition
- 12:10 Dipping Back Into Competitive Sparks
- 13:50 Art And Sport Can Coexist
- 15:20 Byron Childhood And Ocean Roots
- 17:20 Pressure, Mentors, And Avoiding Burnout
- 19:22 Fishing As Escape And Provision
- 21:44 Surfing’s Selfishness And Sharing Culture
- 24:06 Learning From Pacific Lineups
- 26:44 Chasing Swells Without Chasing Status
- 29:28 Goals, Family, And Contentment
- 31:34 Neck Injury, Surgery, And Gratitude
- 35:02 Slowing Down And Body Care At 30
- 38:00 Listening To Gut vs History
- 40:12 Keeping Surfing In Your Heart
- 43:12 Family, Sponsors, And Support
- 47:02 Closing Reflections And Credits
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