Water is a feminine element; however, surfing can be a very masculine environment. How to find the balance between letting go and taking the reins? A few years ago, a friend told me, “Toia, that power you exude doesn’t come from your masculine energy, it comes from your more feminine side.” Suddenly, I was speechless. In that instant, something shifted inside me. Although it immediately made sense, I had always believed that what propelled me forward in life -and in surfing- was my masculine...

Many believe that confidence is a gift, something some are born with and others simply aren't. But life has shown me that confidence is earned step by step. It's about cultivating a healthy relationship with our own abilities and understanding the critical role our mindset plays in building a life that truly flows. As Henry Ford said: "Whether you think you can or you think you cannot, you are right." Ten years ago in Uluwatu, Bali. My first solo trip to Indonesia. The place where I stopped...