Introducing the uber-cool pro-surfer Jacob Mellish, one of our very first Brand Warriors. Originally from Cape Town, 24 year old Jacob competes on the professional surfing circuit. Around 4 years ago, Jacob discovered that yoga hugely complemented his surfing and he has not looked back since. Based in Scotland, Jacob teaches at ‘Tribe Yoga’ and surf’s Edinburgh’s chilly waters.
Watch Jacob's intro video here
We are stoked to welcome him on board as a Brand Warrior and here is his awesome story:
What was your inspiration to first take up surfing and what got you hooked?
Ever since I was big enough to walk, I started going to the beach with my family and was riding waves on the bodyboard in the shores. When I was about 4 my Dad (a legendary surfer himself) pushed me onto my first wave…I have been hooked ever since!
Surfing in Scotland … Really?? What tips would you give to someone first starting out?
Get a thick wetsuit, gloves, boots, and a thermos hoodie!
Where, in your opinion, is the best place to surf in the world?
Hmmmm…I love surfing everywhere. Each place is unique and offers it’s own different elements, but if I had to choose, my favourite coast line would be the East Coast, South Africa.
What is your greatest surfing achievement?
Winning the Billabong pro Junior Jefferies Bay. I also came 2nd in the South African Championships. My most recent win was in 2014 at the ‘Off the Lip Rolling Retro’ at my home beach Llandudno, in Cape Town.
How did you get into yoga? Can you tell us about your very first class?
My very first encounter of Yoga was when I was training for junior surfing under 14’s. I added some yoga postures into my training that I had found in a old surf mag. Then, about 4 years ago my girlfriend was begging me to go to her favourite yoga studio for quite some time but I felt rather intimidated about the possibility of stretching in front of a lot of people, especially seeing how sweaty and red in the face she would be when she came back from a class. After 6 months of begging me, I finally took the plunge and all the rest is history
How does yoga complement your surfing? Have you ever practised yoga on your board?
Yoga and surfing go hand in hand in so many ways! The ebb and flow of natures ways, like the waves, are so connected in similarity to the yoga practice and the breath. I find the ocean has many lessons that I can take into my yoga and the yoga has so many lessons that I can take into my surfing. I sometimes ponder if yoga is my yoga or if surfing is my yoga…then I come to the conclusion that it's all connected, haha.
I teach stand up paddle board yoga and I dream of riding the tube in warrior 2 or handstand!
Do you have any advice for other guys at the beginning of their yoga journey?
Find a type of yoga that works for you! Forget any stigmas attached to yoga. Take the practice slowly and enjoy creating a better connection between your body and mind :)
Western Cape to Scotland is a big move…tell us more!
I moved over to Edinburgh to help to start up and build Tribe Yoga studio. I am loving teaching yoga and working with such an awesome Tribe of people, ha ha! Of course I am missing the sunshine, but Scotland and Edinburgh are BEAUTIFUL!
What does the year ahead hold for Jacob Mellish the Surfer/Yogi extraordinaire?
This year I'm looking to advance into my 500 hour teacher training, possibly going to India and I'm doing the uk pro surf tour circuit with first event in early June. I'm hopefully looking at holding a surf and yoga retreat towards the end of the year and in the mean time, plenty of ohming and tube riding!
Tell us something that not many people know about you?
I'm pretty damn wild by nature
Please can you leave us with some Jacob Mellish words of wisdom?
Practice yoga everyday for a month and see what happens :)
You can find Jacob Mellish teaching at Edinburgh's Tribe Yoga Studios - if you're in the area, swing by and take a class