Noelle Watters is a renowned name in the surfing world. From a young age, she has conquered waves all over the globe and inspired millions with her athletic talent and passion for the sport. However, beyond the ocean, Noelle is also a savvy businesswoman who has successfully transferred her surf skills into the corporate realm. This article discusses Noelle’s journey from a rising surf star to an empowering entrepreneur.
Early Years in the Water
Noelle was practically born on a surfboard. Growing up in Huntington Beach, California, she was riding waves from as young as 5 years old. With the ocean in her blood and natural athleticism, it did not take Noelle watters long to progress from riding whitewash to tackling more challenging breaks. By early teens, she had won numerous amateur competitions up and down the California coast. Noelle’s dedication to practising daily and honing her technique allowed her skills to flourish rapidly.
Many who witnessed Noelle’s fluid styles and daredevil manoeuvres predicted she had what it takes to go pro. And so, in her late teens, Noelle committed to pursuing a career in competitive surfing. She began travelling nationally and internationally to competitive WSL (World Surf League) events. Noelle’s performances caught the attention of sponsors, and she soon secured deals that helped support her burgeoning pro career.
Success on the World Stage
In the late 2000s and early 2010s, Noelle emerged as a standout in the WSL Qualifying and Challenger Series. She earned several event wins and rankings high enough to qualify for the elite Women’s World Tour multiple times. Going against the world’s best on the main tour, Noelle proved herself a formidable opponent. She cracked the top 10-ranked women’s surfers globally in back-to-back years, showcasing an ability to perform under pressure on surfing’s biggest platform.
Noelle’s combination of airs, carves, and bold manoeuvres in bigger waves wowed crowds everywhere she surfed. She became a fan favourite known for her fierce competitiveness and never-give-up attitude. Noelle also shone as a role model of the water through her philanthropic efforts. She supported causes like protecting ocean environments, empowering girls through surf education programs, and more. By the mid-2010s, Noelle had cemented her status among the greats in women’s pro surfing history during an illustrious decade-long career.
Launching Her Brand
After achieving surfing success, Noelle felt drawn to starting her own company that could have a wider impact. In 2016, she launched Salt Gypsy, a lifestyle brand focused on empowering women through surfing. Some of Salt Gypsy’s key offerings include:
- Apparel like rashguards, bikinis, and boardshorts are made from eco-friendly materials
- Accessories like hats, sunglasses, and bags featuring empowering designs
- Online surf lessons, retreats, and experiences to help more women learn to ride waves
- Philanthropic partnerships to support ocean conservation non-profits
Noelle leads Salt Gypsy with a mission to inspire self-confidence in women through the timeless spirit of the sea. The company donates a portion of its profits to environmental causes as well. In just a few years, Salt Gypsy has taken the surf industry by storm with its stylish yet sustainable products being worn by athletes and enthusiasts worldwide.
Building an Ethical Business
Under Noelle’s guidance, Salt Gypsy prioritizes ethical and sustainable practices. For instance, the company:
- It uses eco-friendly fabrics made from recycled plastics and organic materials
- Partners with female-owned factories that promote fair working conditions
- Ships products in recyclable packaging or via carbon-neutral options
- Donates 1% of annual sales to partner organizations fighting ocean plastic pollution
- Hosts regular beach cleanup events in surf communities with customer volunteers
Noelle ensures the brand remains true to her lifelong dedication to uplifting women and protecting oceans. Her leadership has earned Salt Gypsy recognition from entities like the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association for exemplary business sustainability.
Continuing Her Impact
While no longer actively competing, Noelle still surfs recreationally and collaborates on projects to spread the stoke. She serves on the board of several ocean charities and gives talks to inspire the next generation of women in and out of the water. Noelle believes that anyone can achieve their dreams through hard work and determination.
Now in her late 30s, Noelle is busier than ever, juggling her roles as a business leader, environmentalist, athlete, and more. She proves that life after a pro career can be even more rewarding when one finds ways to leave a lasting, positive legacy. Noelle Watters‘ story is an inspirational example of how passion and perseverance can transform any individual into an agent of change.
