Meet our latest member Melinda Collins
Nationality?
Australian
Current Position?
Community Pharmacist, Medication Management Review Pharmacist for Claims Pharmacy
Education and work experience?
Bachelor of Natural Medicine, Southern Cross University
Master of Pharmacy, University of Western Australia
Over 12 years in community pharmacy in the Southwest of Western Australia. Currently working in Dunsborough at a wholistic pharmacy specialising in multimodality health care. I also work for a company that reviews medication management for insurance claims.
Previous Volunteer Work
Disabled surfers, Byron Bay
Medical interests?
Natural Medicine with a focus on preventative care
Local surf spot?
Yallingup area
What is your favourite surf destination?
That’s a tricky question! In my 20s, Mexico and El Salvador were amazing. Nowadays, in Rote, Sumatra and the east coast of Bali, I have had lots of joy waves!
Travel experience?
Indo numerous times, Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Mexico, El Salvadore, Guatemala, Panama, New Zealand, Samoa, Fiji, and Australia.
Tell us about your best surf trip ever.
My hubby and I spent 6 months in Central America. We were childless and carefree. We scored so hard in Mex and El Salvadore. Right-hand point breaks are my jam 😊 We bussed through each country. We met some incredible people, surfed some beautiful waves, were confronted by so many men with guns and gnarly stories of cocaine wars and gang retaliations, dodged crocodiles, and survived crazy bus rides with no regard for safety. It was a trip of a lifetime.
Tell us about your worst surf trip ever.
Mmmm, no surf trip is bad. The comradery and memories make it all worthwhile, even when you get skunked by flat spells.
What is the worst surf injury you have ever had to treat?
Well, I’m just a mere pharmacist, but speaking for myself, burnt eyeballs have been my worst enemy of late!
The best thing about surfing?
Surfing for me is the whole package- my meditation, social catch-ups, community, and physical well-being.
What was the best advice you have ever received regarding surfing?
If you jump on a board and it doesn’t feel right straight away, that’s a good thing. This means that your surfing may have room to evolve, and it will challenge you to try something different in your technique or approach to catching waves. I thought that was great advice; if you only ever stick to what you know, how do you know what you’re missing out on?
Favourite surfer in the world and why?
Steph, of course… style, poise, innovation, natural talent and a beauty to watch.
Current go-to surfboards? (make and dims)
DHD mini twin- 5’10, 35L
Pyzel Phantom 5’10, 31L
Read More: Meet Paul Willemse