For many surfers, the dream of traveling to exotic locations, riding perfect waves, and capturing those moments for the world to see is the pinnacle of the sport. But for Australian pro surfer Nikki van Dijk, that dream became a reality in a way she never expected—her first-ever magazine trip.
Despite being a well-established name in the competitive surfing world, Nikki had never been part of a magazine feature trip before. That all changed when she joined an epic boat trip in the Caribbean, surrounded by some of the best female surfers in the game: Coco Ho, Malia Manuel, and Tia Blanco. With a crew of talented photographers, filmmakers, and fellow wave riders, the journey turned into an unforgettable experience.
A New Adventure for Nikki
Coming from Phillip Island, Australia, Nikki has spent most of her life in the water. Known for her sharp turns, smooth style, and fearless approach to competition, she’s competed on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour and has made a name for herself in professional surfing. However, this trip wasn’t about contests, heat scores, or world rankings.
Instead, it was all about exploring, surfing, and creating magic for the cameras.
Nikki admits that most of her past travel experiences had been with Rip Curl-sponsored surfers, following structured plans for competitions and promotional events. But this trip was different—it was all about capturing the beauty of surfing, the friendships that come with it, and the pure joy of chasing waves in a tropical paradise.
Life on a Boat: Surf, Shoot, Repeat
Imagine being stuck on a boat for 10 days, surrounded by crystal-clear waters, perfect waves, and an ever-changing backdrop of Caribbean islands. That was the reality for Nikki and the rest of the crew.
“The crew on the boat have just been so much fun,” Nikki shares. “Every corner is like something different happening and everyone’s being crazy. So when you’re stuck on a boat for 10 days, no one can go anywhere, and you just go weird. But it’s been fun.”
Surf trips like these are a mix of intensity and relaxation. One moment, you’re paddling out into world-class waves, the next, you’re lounging on the deck, soaking up the sun, and laughing with friends. But for a magazine trip, there’s also a constant element of work—shooting photos, filming segments, and making sure to get the perfect shots.
Working with Cory: A Photographer’s Magic Touch
One of the highlights of the trip for Nikki was working with Cory, the photographer capturing the action. She had worked with him before during her time with Rip Curl, but this trip gave her a fresh perspective on his skills.
“He’s only getting better and better. I’ve been a little blown away on this trip with how easy it was to work with him. His skill levels are crazy out there, and he makes us feel comfortable.”
That’s an important part of any surf shoot—being comfortable in front of the camera. While professional surfers spend their lives in the ocean, performing for the lens in a staged environment can feel unnatural. Nikki even admitted, “I’m a surfer, I don’t know how to pose.”
But Cory’s approach helped Nikki and the rest of the crew feel at ease, capturing authentic moments that showcase both the power and grace of surfing.
The Beauty of Surf Trips Beyond Competition
For Nikki, this trip was a reminder that surfing isn’t just about contests, rankings, or prize money. It’s about the experiences, the people you meet, and the places you get to see.
Trips like these allow surfers to connect with the ocean in a different way, free from the pressure of judges and scorecards. Instead, the focus is on the adventure, the memories, and the pure stoke of catching waves in a new, breathtaking location.
And when you throw in a tight-knit crew, a boat full of like-minded ocean lovers, and some of the most beautiful surf breaks in the Caribbean, it becomes something truly special.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just a Surf Trip
This was just the beginning for Nikki when it came to magazine trips, and it’s safe to say it won’t be her last. With her talent, positive attitude, and love for the ocean, she’s bound to feature in many more epic surf adventures.
For those of us who dream of surf trips like this, Nikki’s experience serves as inspiration. Whether it’s scoring perfect waves in the Caribbean, exploring a new coastline, or simply heading out for a session with friends, the heart of surfing remains the same—freedom, fun, and the endless pursuit of the perfect ride.
If you’re feeling the travel bug, maybe it’s time to start planning your own surf adventure. And if Nikki’s story teaches us anything, it’s that sometimes the best experiences come when you least expect them.
See you in the lineup!