Lea Brassy - Simple Voyage

When did you first start surfing?
In Normandy at age 13.

What is it that you love about surfing and the ocean?
The Ocean is somehow mothering me. I feel resourced, rejuvenated when I am in the water, wether it's surfing, diving or swimming. It's also precious freedom for my body and soul, some quiet time that only allows me to live the time being.

Do you have a session that stands out as your most memorable?
An 11pm surf session during the midnight sun season of Iceland is one of my favorites. For 3 hours, my boyfriend and I were catching glassy head high right handers peeling perfectly on a 100 meters long. We would cheer each other on every wave. Imagine an endless sunset with golden spray on each turn. Simply magical.

When did you decide to pursue a life of surfing and exploration and what influenced you?
As a teenager, I already knew my priority was to have a fun life, driven by passion more than by a job career. So my choices were made naturally towards what was exciting me the most: travelling the world with surfing googles on! I have always been extremly free in my decisions and I just did what felt right at the time. I have found drive and inspiration in photographs, films and stories.

You have done an impressive amount of surf travel what is it that you look for in a travel destination?
I look for wild, remote places where Nature is overpowered and where people have a strong connexion to her. Sometimes, often times, I end up surfing less than a regular surf trip but I value the experience over all.

What are your top 3 personal favourite places that you have visited/ waves that you have surfed?
Chile, for the power and wilderness of the Pacific Ocean. Iceland, for its unpredictable conditions yet wonderful surprises. New Zealand, for the perfect combination of all I love.

Can you tell us a little bit about the Simple Voyage and how it came to be?
Simple Voyage was first just a name for a blog that would share my travel stories. I feel like It is inspiring a lifestyle around adventures and simple living.

I read that you are a registered Nurse, how do you find time to balance your work and passions?
I organize my working time around my trips. Adventure project/surf trips are a priority. I apply for short term contracts in between them, something around 4 to 6 months a year. I also have the key support of Patagonia to make this lifestyle possible.

What is your life's philosophy?
Simplicity is key to freedom.
Small scale actions go a long way.

What is it that you love about what you do?
I am especially free and I feel alive.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?
I see myself choosing a place to settle. Therefore I could be involved in my community and work on the values I believe in. My place would have a veggie garden, bee halves, bread oven, hen house and a workshop. This being said, I might be on the road again, on a long term adventure...

Where can we find you online?

Facebook www.facebook.com/leabrassypatagonia
   




Posted by: Matthew Ryan, on September 22, 2014
Categories: Interviews