First Indonesian female competitive longboard surfer

My dream is to help more people reach their dreams, especially Indonesian women. I want to see more women like me: strong, independent and free.
Tell us your story – how did you get here?
My name is Flora Christin and I’m a longboard surfer. I was born in North Sumatra, but living in Bali had always been my dream since I was a kid. So in 2014, I left my corporate job in the concrete jungle of Jakarta to go travelling, and in 2016, I moved to Canggu, Bali. I picked up surfing and it has become my career ever since. I was 25 when I started, and yet here I am now, making a living from surfing… It’s insane! I’ve been able to travel around Asia competing, but after a few years, I’ve finally decided to stop competing to be a free surfer instead.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
Surfing has changed my life completely – I’ve accomplished so much. I took part in a charity project in Lombok after the earthquake in 2018 where I helped to build over 200 temporary houses – this project helped so many lives. And it’s surfing that made it all happen. Over the years, my followers have really grown, and that’s meant I’ve been able to fundraise on my social media accounts… All thanks to surfing.
What impact have you made in Bali?
When I started longboarding, there weren’t many girls surfing or longboarding… Now there are quite a lot! My dream is to help more people reach their dreams, especially Indonesian women. I want to see more women like me: strong, independent and free. If I can make it this far living as a free-surfer, my message for everyone out there is if you find something you love, just go for it. When you live life with your passion, you’re not just living for living – you’re living your best life.
What does the future look like for you?
A future full of opportunities!
What do you love most about Bali?
The culture. The way the Balinese people keep their traditions alive, no matter what’s happening around them – it’s amazing. They also believe in Karma, and they live by it. The ceremonies and the daily offerings show me how loyal Bali’s people are. And of course, there is Canggu – full of rice fields and good waves to learn how to surf!
Who is your Local Legend and why?
Ady Candy, Ayok Canggu and Komang Widarma – they are all amazing local surfers.