Life is for living, whatever your age

Taking the Drop is the life-affirming story of four women who took up surfing in their forties, broke away from their existing daily routines and steered their lives into new directions.

Their love of the ocean broadens their horizons, teaches them lessons of skill and survival, allows them time for reflection and shows them that change and loss make way for growth, renewal and peace.

With an exciting and sometimes hilarious take on surfing, this book reveals insights into their life journeys and their passion for finding the ‘perfect wave’.

“Life is for living — let’s go surfing!”

“The empowering message these four women share in this book is clear and simple; age is just a number, and it’s your attitude that really counts.”
Layne Beachley, Seven Times Women’s World Surfing Champion

“Here is a bunch of women, turned surfers, sharing their stories. The underlying friendships, spiritual journeys and the breaking down of barriers, is uplifting and inclusive. I expect many readers will identify with them and be encouraged to follow their own hearts.”
Pam Burridge, Women’s World Surfing Champion 1990

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Sheree da Costa is a former ballerina who danced with The Australian Ballet and Sydney Dance Company. Apart from her love of surfing and all things oceanic, Sheree is an avid skier and horse-rider and currently resides on the Northern Beaches, Sydney where she enjoys spending time with her sons and loved ones.

Danielle DuBois was born in Austria, migrating to Australia in 1968. As a young child Danielle’s love for the water was apparent. It was the place she sought serenity, peace and comfort. Danielle now lives a stone’s throw away from the ocean on the Northern Beaches, Sydney where she works as a Marriage Celebrant and Justice of the Peace. Her hangout is the ocean where she surfs most days.

Jillian Flitton developed an affinity with the ocean at a young age while living on Victoria’s ‘Surf Coast’. Jillian has a degree in Psychology and a Diploma of Education and worked as a secondary school teacher before taking leave to travel overseas. For a number of years she was based in France where she indulged her passion for skiing and travel. She is married with two teenage daughters and lives on Sydney’s Northern Beaches.

Debbie James loves surfing and … diving, snow skiing, snorkeling, kayaking, travelling, loving and caring. She grew up in Queensland, but the place she calls home is the Northern Beaches, Sydney. Currently she works as a business developer and holds a teaching degree in Adult Education. Her passion is the ocean, family and friends, and making the most out of every day, no matter what.

New Idea magazine