Surf Stories | Natalie Sageloly
Hi surfers and friends,
Natalie Sageloly is my favorite Canadian goofball and most fashionable friend. She splits her time between Montauk, NY and Nosara, Costa Rica.
She curates custom surf vacation for families and other groups in Nosara, and hosts surf retreats for women around the world.
When she’s not surfing, she’s probably listening to Celine Dion.
Please enjoy Natalie’s Surf Story.
Natalie Sageloly
Home break
Montauk, NY and Nosara, Costa Rica
Quiver
9’0 "Pink" Takayama "In The Pink" in Nosara or "DT2" model in Montauk
7’2 Channel Islands "Waterhog" (thanks to Kerianne's rec)
6’9 Pure Fun "Squirt" by Hank Byzack
Dream wave
ohhh what a question.... if you can dream it.. My favourite wave has to be Pilon down in the Osa Peninsula of Costa Rica. I don't know how to explain it other than magic. Not only is the raw jungle and black sand beach surroundings stunning, the wave itself is perfection for intermediate surfers craving long, peeling lefts. Did I mention the macaws that fly over the jungle canopy as you watch the sunset. My other favourite surf break is San O California for the ultimate retro surf vibes and super fun longboard waves when there is size.
What was your introduction to surfing?
I owe my love to surfing... don't laugh.... to a movie called Blue Crush! I am from land locked Canada and I remember from the moment I saw this movie, I was going to be a surfer girl or at least at the time, look like one! Oh yes, this was the era of the Roxy girls and I went out an bought it all. I even had one of those massive Roxy stickers on the back of my red hot Pontiac Sunfire! Even to this day, I watch that movie a few times a year and listen to the soundtrack. Both are highly recommended. When I had my first opportunity to put a toe in the actual ocean in Maui, I batted my eye lashes and a surfer dude offered to give me a lesson. I caught my first wave wearing the Billabong rashie (Kate Bosworth's character wore in the Blue Crush movie) and I was hooked. Life then obviously gets in the way and then it wasn't until visiting Surf Simply in 2012 that reignited my passion for surfing and the lifestyle that goes with it. I moved to Costa Rica in 2014 to pursue my endless chase to become "Blue Crush".
Describe a memorable experience you had in the ocean.
Gosh so many to choose from but they are all about who I am surfing with. I am so fortunate to surf with other women. I can reiterate how powerful and just darn fun to surf with high spirited people, especially women. We just change the vibe in the lineup, if you know, you know. I like to call these ladies my Seasters. The female surf community is like a huge family that is local and global. One of my most memorable experiences I ever had was actually at Pilon surfing at sunset a few year ago with my crew, plus some new friends and Kassia Meador. The setting was magic and the energy from my seasters was next level. If you know Kassia, it’s like taking a hit of some really good drug, just being in her presence. This is surfing for me. The wave is the cherry on top but the good stuff is the memory of the experience. I can’t tell you anything about the waves I caught that evening, but I can remember everything from the colour of the sky to the joy that was on everyones face. Priceless.
Why do you continue to surf?
Because I would die if I stopped.
Anyone you love to surf with?
My Bubby (boyfriend Hubby) Edward Sun and our surf crew in Nosara. Actually we all get pretty competitive, especially Eddie and I but its always good times. My other fave people to surf with are my ladies of the Nosara Women's Surf Club, a women's only surf community I started during Covid. I also have a small crew of ladies that I can get on the surf radio anytime and hit the road for epic surf adventures. They are always up to dropping anything and everything to score great waves, these are my fave people! Lastly, I love to surf with anyone that is kind to others in the lineup and treats women as equals.
What’s a life lesson you’ve learned from the ocean?
A million! The biggest life lesson surfing has taught me is to LET GO. You cant control anything when you are in the ocean. The people around you (well you can paddle away from the grumpy ones), the surf conditions or sometimes how you will surf. Its a full surrender situation and only when you stop fighting it all, can you truly surf the waves. This is obviously true in life, hard to do but when you trust and let go, life will let you enjoy the ride.
How can we identify you in the water?
Last year I rocked a super cute camel toe all season! I am always in the latest sustainable surf fashion (September The Line),and have my entire face covered in reef safe zinc. I am a classic "slight knee bender" and I make a hilarious face when dropping into big waves. I also do this funny thing with my trailing hand, like I am giving a peace sign or flicking a cig (clearing channeling a little Canadian Rock Star vibes of Alanis Morisette)!
Final thoughts?
Yes..... Surfing is for everyone and anyone. Don't let the vibes and opinions of others prevent you from surfing or sticking with it as you progress. If you are meant to be a surfer, you have been blessed with one of life's most amazing gifts. Being a surfer isn't only about catching waves, its a lifestyle, a mindset and an honor. Pass the stoke along in the waves and in life.
Thank you for reading!
OMG the headstand photo AND the blue crush pic!? the best edition yet to be sure!
Kerianne is such a Water Hog influencer; I got the 7'8" on her recommendation and it's my favorite board - now sitting in my closet in Colorado, but hopefully will see waves again soon. Loved this surf story!