Meet Ila — Alexandra Headland Local
Alexandra Headland, Sunshine Coast
Born in Cairns and raised on the Sunshine Coast since she was three, Ila's been chasing waves practically her whole life. Ten years deep into training with Robbie Sherwell at XL Surf Academy, she's sharpening her turns with the PSA team, giving back through SurfAid and the Disabled Surfers Association, and gearing up for a Bali training trip this November.
Tell us a bit about yourself — where you're from and what life looks like for you right now?
My name is Ila and I have been surfing since I was 3 years old. I was born in Cairns and we moved to the Sunshine Coast when I was 3, and I've loved the ocean ever since! I take school seriously, but I'd choose surfing whenever I get the chance. It's a big part of who I am and something I truly love — there's nowhere I'd rather be than in the water.
When did you first get on a board, and what was that like?
My love for surfing started when I was young — my dad surfed growing up, and since that first wave, the feeling of excitement and happiness, completely in the moment, connected to the ocean, that's where my love of surfing began.
You train with Robbie Sherwell every week — what does that look like, and what has it done for your surfing?
I joined XL Surf Academy at 5 years old, and Robbie Sherwell has been my coach for the last 10 years. Robbie's a great coach and I've learned so much from him — improving my technique, reading the waves, staying focused and making the most out of every session. I do 3 lessons a week in the PSA team, which I love being a part of, and I surf every day. Right now I'm working on more power and spray in my turns.
In 2024 I was so stoked to be sponsored by @alex_surfshop_surfboard_empire — I love my @dhd boards and I'm truly grateful. I've had a lot of support in my journey: Habitat, Robbie and XL Surf Academy, Alex Surf Shop/Surfboard Empire, DHD, OPC, Tony Piper Photography for his epic shots, and North Shore Boardriders.
When do you feel most in your element in the water?
Usually early morning when the wind is light, but I love an afternoon surf with friends, dad and my sister Evie.
Walk us through a perfect day on the Coast.
Getting up for an early surf when the wind is a light SW, surfing with my mates, and after the session grabbing a caramelised fusion from Zarraffa's!
What's your go-to when the surf's not cooperating?
I like to hang out with friends, watch movies, go fishing, go to the beach, and I love my training sessions at the Ocean Performance Centre.
Who outside of surfing has shaped who you are?
Outside of surfing, my family have shaped me the most — my mum, dad and sister have always supported me and encouraged me to stay true to myself. My coach, friends and the people around me have also taught me the importance of resilience, confidence and never giving up.
Best wave or best session you can remember?
I've got two. I absolutely loved the Mudjimba Island Challenge with the NSB team — epic, 5 to 6 foot, perfect conditions, had the break to ourselves just as the sun was coming up, and spent all day on the boat watching everyone shred. The second was on our surf trip to Taupo Bay in New Zealand — 4 to 5 foot, howling offshore winds, crystal clear water. We surfed for seven hours that day.
What does the Alexandra Headland surf scene feel like to you?
I love how everyone is so friendly — when you paddle out you'll always see someone you know. It's such a good place to grow up.
What's something people wouldn't guess about you?
Probably how much time I spend giving back outside of competing. My sister and I have been proud SurfAid ambassadors for six years now, taking part in the Make A Wave Challenge, and I also volunteer with the Disabled Surfers Association — plus I love being a Junior Coach for XL Surf Academy, especially with the little groms.
What made you want to be part of the Habitat team?
I'm so stoked and grateful to be part of the Habitat crew — representing a local brand that fits my style and my love for surfing means the world. Thank you, Dale, for an amazing opportunity!
What's next for you — anything you're chasing this year?
I've got a few comps coming up, and I'm stoked to head to Bali in November for training with Robbie's PSA team, plus some big goals for next year. I'm going to give it my all, try my best and see how far it takes me. The ocean is my happy place and I'm going to enjoy the journey.
