Jas does it all, from surf lifesaving to kayaking and ocean racing, with a mix of grit, grace, and good vibes. Off the sand, she swaps her paddle for a good book, a board game, and a few cuddles from her cats. Her passion for racing (and for life) makes her the kind of athlete who inspires everyone around her.
Q1. You’ve competed across surf lifesaving, kayaking, open water and ocean ski, how do you mentally switch gears between those disciplines?
It can be tricky, as all the races are very different, so you need to know your race plan. Luckily for me, I just really like to race, so I don’t find it too bad. It also makes it really fun, racing across multiple sports, because you never get stuck in a rut, and always have something new to work on, or a new training plan.
Q2. You’ve represented Australia many times in junior teams (surf lifesaving, kayaking, etc.) is there one moment from international competition that feels pivotal to you? I have a few, one would definitely be captaining the junior life saving team last year, with my sister on the same team. Another would be 2023 Junior Kayaking World Championships where I won my first individual world championship medal in kayaking, and this year’s 2025 U23 Junior World Championships, where Bianca made her first junior kayaking team and my K4 came second, which was an awesome experience.
Q3. What’s something you enjoy doing when you’re not training or racing - a favourite hobby, quiet ritual, or odd pastime? (I know that you love reading and board games.)
I have a lot of hobbies that keep me going! Reading and board games are definitely at the top of that list. In particular, I love to read epic fantasy (like Lord of the Rings, the Wheel of Time, anything Brandon Sanderson, etc.) and Catan is 100% my favourite board game, with the Great Dalmutti being my favourite card game. I also love a bit of cooking/baking, knitting, drawing, writing, archery, photography and kicking the footy in the back yard. Preferably all done alongside my cats. 😄
Q4. If you could travel anywhere in the world (no training, no competition), where would you go and why?
I’m really big on mythology and ancient history, and also love a colder climate, so I would love to go to Norway and England during the winter time! I also think that Alaska would be epic.
Q5. What does the title “JAYD Athlete” mean to you?
Being a JAYD Athlete means that I am someone who younger girls may look to for sporting or life advice, which is very daunting, but it is also an opportunity to demonstrate that it’s ok (awesome) to be a little (very) different!
Q6. Is there a JAYD swimsuit style or colour that reflects your personality or your sport mindset?
In terms of colours, I have to go with a Meadow | Pink Sorbet contrast, because that’s my favourite colour combo, and also Olive because that’s just my favourite colour!
Q7. What’s one piece of advice or message you’d like to share with young athletes (especially girls) about pursuing sport and self-expression?
To have fun with it! That’s definitely still something I’m learning, as I sometimes get too much in my own head about my results.
Q8. What event or discipline makes you the most nervous, and how do you manage that pre-race anxiety?
Honestly, all of them, just in very different ways. For board, I’m nervous because I know it’s my weakest leg (we’re getting there), ski it’s because it’s meant to be my strongest leg and I want a good start, and for the swim it’s because I really despise being in a pack so want to be ahead from the start.
Q9. After a big race or carnival, what’s your ideal recovery day or ritual?
Ideally, I will be lying in bed in my pyjamas with a good book and a stack of medals on my bookshelf. In a perfect world, there would also be a storm, and a howling wind so I could just coup up in my room with my cats.
Q10. Is there a particular discipline (surf ski, paddle, ocean race, etc.) you’d like to push further or prioritise moving forward?
I would love to get back into a bit of ocean ski racing! Unfortunately it's hard to find the time with such a busy surf calendar.
Q11. How do you keep balance between your sport ambitions and down time or social life?
I like to think that my social life is my sporting life. I tend to make friends best through forced proximity anyway, so it works for me! 🤣 I am VERY big on my downtime though. I love to spend time on my many hobbies, and it gives me a creative outlet where I can just do my own thing.