Nationality:
Australian
Current Position:
Resident Medical Officer
Education & Work Experience:
- Bachelor of Medicinal Chemistry (Honours) (Dean’s Scholar)
- Doctor of Medicine (MD)
- Completed PGY1 and PGY2 at the Prince of Wales Hospital
Medical Interests:
Currently pursuing Basic Physician Training, with a long-term goal of specialising in cardiology.
Local Surf Spot:
Mostly Maroubra these days. Grew up in Wollongong and still chase waves anywhere between there and the South Coast.
Favourite Surf Destination:
Hard to beat the NSW South Coast—my best waves and memories are there. The North Coast is a close second, from Lennox through to Angourie.
Travel Experience:
I’ve been fortunate: a European summer, a Canadian winter, plus side trips to Japan, Thailand, Vietnam, Fiji, the Philippines, and Indonesia.
Best Surf Trip Ever:
G-Land and Nias, July/August 2023. Big lefts, big rights, powerful waves, and shallow reefs. A humbling experience.
Worst Surf Trip Ever:
The same one—copped a bad wipeout at G-Land and cracked a few ribs.
Best Thing About Surfing:
It’s a total escape from reality. Solo, it’s peaceful being out in nature. With mates, it’s about trading waves, the banter, and calling each other in (without ever dropping in).
Best Surfing Advice You’ve Received:
“Back foot on the kicker for control, and turn with your whole body.”
Favourite Surfer & Why:
Don’t tell him I said this, but Dr Phil Chapman. Watching him charge bombs at G-Land for six hours straight is nothing short of inspiring.
Current Go-To Surfboards:
- JS Raging Bull 6’0″ x 19 5/8″ x 2 5/8″
- Tokoro Step-Up 6’4″ x 19″ x 2 7/16″
Social Handles:
Instagram: @jamienovak2
Further reading: Dr Eamon Molloy Joins The Surfing Doctors Crew