Meet The Locals: Gill Hutchison Launches Her Book, Surf Life

Gill Hutchinson never considered surfing more until she watched a woman learn to ride the waves during a holiday in South America.

Fast forward a decade, she loves surfing so much she wrote a book about it.

I recently had a chat with Gill about her book, her work at Torquay Books and, of course, surfing.

Thanks for chatting today! Tell me what prompted you to start surfing?

When I lived in Melbourne, I was very into arts and culture and never came down to the coast. Then, on a holiday to South America when I was 35, I watched a woman around my age being taught to surf.

Soon after, while swimming laps at the Fitzroy Pool with my best mate, photographer Willem-Dirk du Toit, I said: “I want to learn to surf.” Willem rolled his eyes and replied: “So you want me to teach you?”. And I said: “Yes!”.

Within two years, I’d bought a house in Anglesea and moved down the coast.

What was it like learning to surf?

Learning to surf later in life is a challenge and very humbling. As an adult, you don’t often choose to be really bad at something.

I surf a longboard and, after a few surfs in waves that had no consideration for a total beginner, I decided to surf only in nice small waves where I feel at one with the ocean rather than coming out a nervous wreck. So, I surf now for relaxation, not for challenges, which I already have enough of in my adult life!

What inspired you to write the book, Surf Life?

I used to work in the surf industry and was frustrated by the marketing imagery that was being pumped out. It didn’t reflect anyone I saw in the surf.

Willem challenged me to stop whingeing and do something about it so, together, we created Babes on Waves, a blog about female surfers that still exists as an Instagram account. The book, Surf Life, grew out of the same idea; showing women who surf, celebrating those who have a love of the ocean, and communicating that surfing is for everybody. I’m the writer and Willem takes stunning photos.

The esteemed publisher, Thames & Hudson, could see our vision. Covid delayed everything but the book was published in September.

Which surfers are featured in the book?

Surf Life features some well-known surfers as well as women of varying abilities – I hate to use the word ‘average’ – who started surfing at different ages.

For example, Sue, who lives in Noosa, started surfing at age 58 and is now 74. Then there’s Anna, a Surf Coast ceramicist who talks about surfing being just one of her many hobbies.

One of the well-known surfers is Belinda Baggs, who is a Global Sports Activist through her not-for-profit Surfers for Climate. I really admire her and she’s one of the best surfers in Australia.

What’s it like having your book for sale at Torquay Books, where you work?

I’m in such a unique position to be able to sell my own book! This project has been such a long time coming – Babes on Waves started in 2013 and the book was commissioned in 2018 and published in 2022 – that I’ve swallowed my shyness. If anyone so much as looks at the book, that I’ll say: “I wrote that!”.

I have fantastic conversations with people, whether they buy the book or not. I went for a surf on the Sunday after the book launched and a guy paddled over to congratulate me on the book. The response has been great and the book has really resonated with all sorts of people.

Where are your favourite places on the Surf Coast?

I surf either at Point Roadknight or Urquarts beach. They’re both longboard-friendly depending on the wind. I don’t get out as much as I’d like to but I aim for 50 surfs a year. I also do icy dips in the sea in winter without my board.

It’s been lovely to be welcomed by the cohort of locals and my son, Rex, who is 6, absolutely loves the ocean and thinks he’s a pro already as he surfs the whitewash!

My other favourite local activity is walking from Urquarts Beach to the Airey’s Light House Café. There’s lots of different terrain and views on the 10-kilometre round walk and great scones at the half-way point!

Thank you so much, Gill, for sharing your love of the waves and our gorgeous local area. Surf Life is available at Torquay Books and all good independent bookstores, with updates and info on Instagram @babes_on_waves.

If Gill’s story has inspired you to consider a Surf Coast move, I look forward to hearing from you.