Beyond the Board: Olympic Gold Medalist Caroline Marks On The Evolution Of Women’s Surfing, Befriending Fear & The Power Of Taking A Break

This week, Emily sits down with Olympic Gold Medalist and World Champion surfer Caroline Marks. Fresh off the premiere of her new film Now Days, Caroline discusses the incredible evolution of female surfing and what it’s like to travel the world competing against her closest friends and biggest rivals.

She dives deep into the "savage mode" mindset required to win, the courage it took to step away from the tour at age 19 to prioritize her mental health, and how she learned to embrace the discomfort of being out of her comfort zone to eventually stand on top of the podium in Paris. Whether you're a surfer or just looking for a spark of motivation, Caroline’s journey of self-belief and tenacity is sure to inspire you to find your own flow state.

In this episode:

• The making of the film Now Days and bringing female surfing to a mainstream audience.

• The unique camaraderie and rivalry among the world's top female surfers.

• Growing up as the only girl among four brothers and how it shaped her competitive edge.

• The transition from Florida to California and the pressure of early professional success.

• Navigating the "savage mode" mindset: turning competition on and off.

• Coming up short in Tokyo 2021 and the four-year mental game leading to Paris 2024.

• The decision to take a break from the tour at 19 for mental health and the healing process.

• Caroline’s personal "I Am" statements and her morning routine for success.

• Learning to appreciate life beyond the board: sunsets, family, and simple joys.

• What it feels like to finally be an Olympic Gold Medalist and a member of the Hall of Fame.

QUOTABLE MOMENTS

"The beauty of life is you just keep evolving and growing, and you’ve just got to ride the roller coaster."

"When I’m in the water, I just turn into a different person ... you just go into savage mode. I’m trying to win."

"Good things happen outside your comfort zone. The best moments of my life have been from when I’ve been uncomfortable."

"I’m brave, I’m confident, I put the work in, I’m powerful, and I am doing what I love."

"Knowing that you’re the only one that’s you—that’s like a superpower."

SOCIAL
@carolinemarks
@emilyabbate
@iheartwomenssports

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