When you’re Lilly Pollard, world champion bodysurfer and cofounder of Milkshake Designs, trying to break into the male-dominated world of watersports just means getting a few more girls out there. The Australian bodyboarder launched her line of bodyboards to be specifically for women, by women– and her dream of teaching women to take over the waves is in full swing, one board at a time.

What kind of girl does Milkshake Designs design boards for?
Girls that are looking for fun and adventure, and love the beach!

What has been one of your proudest moments as a bodyboarder and as a designer?
Ohhh, there’s a few. Pushing kids into waves for their first time. Also, definitely when I receive emails from girls saying how stoked they are with their Milkshakes board, that’s just the best feeling. Competitive-wise- Placing second at the 2007 Ingles Pro Women’s World Tour event in front of all the girls waving Aussie flags and giant blow-up fingers, that was one of my proudest days ever. Then winning The Confital Pro in Canary’s at the end of that year was just the icing on the cake!

What is the biggest reason you would tell a new rider to give bodyboarding a try?
It’s just such an awesome lifestyle. It’s fun, healthy, easy to learn the basics, you meet amazing people, it’s calming, it’s exciting, and being in the ocean is just the best, isn’t it?

Where do you see Milkshakes Designs heading in the next few years?
Well, I see Milkshakes Designs as the key to helping grow the professional side of women’s bodyboarding. We currently sell lots of beginner board models, but not a lot of high performance boards, which is reflective on the state of women’s bodyboarding right now. There is not a large number of girls competing or riding at a high level in the sport. So right now, our focus is on supporting those top girls and encouraging new girls into the sport. We’re going to be sponsoring a couple of big women’s events next year, and expanding the range of Milkshakes products.

Did you have a favorite bodyboard before you started MD, or a design on a bodyboard that you rode that you loved?
I have a few at home that I keep for their sentimental value. My hot pink Teahupoo board, another board that I won Confital on. Also my old Rheopaipo signature model board. My board shape has basically stayed the same for a few years now, it just works so well for me in big and small waves!

What is your favorite room in your house?
The lounge room! It’s where friends meet, where I do my work, it has a nice little view over the mountains and a full view into the neighbor’s lounge room.

What has been your favorite trip?
I feel so blessed to have traveled the world quite a bit. I love all my travels, love seeing new places, new waves, and new people. One of my favorites ever though was West Oz desert trip a couple of years ago. I scored some amazing waves, awesome adventure and the scenery is just incredible there.

Do you have any other hobbies aside from bodyboarding and designing?
I love swimming, attempting surfing when the waves are tiny, a bit of photography, and catching up with friends.

What is your life motto?
Be good to others and have fun!