Sally Mac - The Mermaid Society

When and where did you start surfing?
My best friend (and mermaid contributor Dr Rachael Marshall) got me into it when I as 18. We both had no idea what we were doing but had so much fun mucking around in the waves pretending we were pro. We were pretty dedicated at the time and made it out little weekly ritual when I returned to Sydney from university in the country.

What is it that you love about surfing and the ocean?
I don't know what it is but its like a drug once you're hooked that's it. Although I haven't surfed my whole life I’ve always been a water baby.
It’s the smell of the thick, salty air on a summers afternoon; what my lungs crave when I'm away from it. That first duck dive or jump under the water... Even on the coldest, most dreary mornings (there aren’t that many in Sydney thank god!) make you feel incredible and so alive. The way it can change your mood. That wave that it feels like you've just won the world title or belly laughs on a party wave with 3 other friends . Can’t forget tap nose when you're running late for work or dried up salt in your eyebrows. It's all just the BEST THING EVER!

Do you have a session that stands out as your most memorable?
You know, the best ones are always when there is no one watching. I don't have one stand out but there are many occasions I get home and burst through the door in utter delight jumping up and down telling my husband how I got the best wave ever.

What kind of education have you had?
I have a bachelor in Communications-Journalism and a Certificate in fitness. I feel so blessed for the education and opportunities I've been given!

What was your very first job?
Babysitting when I was 12 - who trusts a 12 year old with kids! Must have been desperate for a drink.

Can you tell us a little bit about the philosophy behind the Mermaid Society and how you guys got started?
The Mermaid Society has been developed as the one place online you can find girls surf/beach sports results world wide. After having my baby last year and losing my job I needed a challenge to keep me sane. I was always searching for surf event results and could never find them, nor any photos and with my background in journalism, design and marketing I thought hey, I build brands for other people as if I can’t build a brand for myself. I tested some names, right from the start The Mermaid Society stuck, all girls who aren’t princesses are mermaids so it was something soft and a bit hip that girls around the world could relate to. I started to realise that I knew so many people who could be part of the site and we continue to expand our community of mermaids every day.
The philosophy is to promote and put girls surf and beach sports results and news into the agenda of news agencies world wide. We want to do this in the most positive and unpolitical way. We want our mermaids to be recognised for their brilliant achievements and influences.

What kind of content can one expect to find on the site on an average day?
We have a number of contributors who come from all walks of life all over the world. They publish stories, interviews, reviews, academic and opinion pieces. They are all so talented and I’m incredibly proud to have them part of the movement. Every day you will find news or results from somewhere in the world either surfing in Norway or skim boarding in Miami. We are proud to cover any news or results we can get our hands on.

Who are these contributors?
Dr Rachael Marshal is a marine biologist in Karratha WA she gives us the latest from the world under the sea and the studies to back them up she is also her Kelpies out on her SUP since there are no waves in Karratha. Jordie Mercer is the 3x Molokai World Paddle Champion and Australian Ironwoman, Katie Williams is a world champion beach sprinter and our fitness guru. Madi Quinn is a lifeguard and amazing water woman in all aspects. Skye Burgess is working her way around the ropes of the WQS. Alice Forrest is a real life mermaid and conservation biologist helping to save our seas. Emma-Jane Eeles is a lady slider and crafty sewer. Natalia Resmini is a fashion Illustrator who surfs the small Sardinian waves in Italy. Roisin Carolan is one of the most stylish long boarders you’ll ever watch. Raine Jackson runs the Conscious Club and spent her teenage years travelling Europe surfing the junior tour and Lucy Lowe is a soulful singer songwriter. Our newest editions are Laura Gonzalez a Yogini from Hawaii and Rachel Jung an Olympian from France.

Who/ What kind of things influence the work you do?
There is nothing more influential than people who are pushing boundaries, innovating and absolutely loving the ride. These are the people I want the world to know about and I will do everything in my over-enthusiastic power to help get where they want to go. If running a little site called The Mermaid Society is the way I can change lives and make a difference in this world then that’s what I’m going to do. I’m influenced by ordinary people that do extraordinary things.

What is it that you love about your job?
I thrive on news I always have. Every day I’m looking for what’s next. Just like a newsroom I want to have that story up and people to hear it from us. I guess the best part is talking to so many girls from everywhere who have just won an event in whatever sport they work their butt off in. To feel and communicate to the world their absolute stoke, and to create a new generation of sporting heroes.

What can we expect to see from the Mermaid Society over the next 12 months?
The Mermaid Society is a continually evolving news and results site. We will get bigger and better every week. Expect to see some exclusive interviews, much more video content and world firsts. Expect to hear and see new and future world champions and people who could change your mind set or motivation.

Expect to see mermaids at their very best and all the hottest news.

Where can we find you online? 

Posted by: Matthew Ryan, on November 24, 2014
Categories: Interviews

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