Lachie Eastwood completed his challenge to surf every day for 100 days straight last week, on February 17.
Lachie Eastwood from Smiths Beach set himself a challenge to surf every day from November 17 last year, until February 17.
Regardless of the conditions, Lachie surfed every day for 100 days straight at beaches around Phillip Island, as well as at Wilsons Prom.
Every day for 100 days straight, 13-year-old Lachie Eastwood paddled out into the surf.
In the rain and the wind, on crystal clear days of barrelling surf or days when the sea resembled a lake, the Smiths Beach youngster headed for the ocean.
He hit the 100-day milestone last Thursday, February 17.
The 100 Days of Surfing challenge was not done for glory or even to fundraise for a worthwhile cause.
It was a personal goal.
“I love surfing and I just wanted to surf more,” Lachie said.
“It takes my mind off everything and makes me feel alive being in the ocean.”
Over the course of the challenge, Lachie surfed breaks across the island, including Cape Woolamai, Smiths Beach, Flynns and Wright Point as well as Wilsons Prom.
“There were a lot of days when I surfed alone and the conditions weren’t great, as well as good surfing with friends,” Lachie said.
“I surfed with some of the Island’s best riders who inspire me.”
Mum Carrie Eastwood said the family is incredibly proud of Lachie, although she’s not sure what sparked the challenge.
“It virtually came out of nowhere,” she said, adding his original idea was to surf 30 days in a row, but it grew from there.
“He is quite determined and if he is passionate about something, he will fulfil it,” Carrie said.
“Around 50 of those 100 days were pretty average, but he proved to us he didn’t mind surfing in any conditions.”
Meeting the challenge meant some days Carrie had to drive Lachie to a suitable surf spot, while other days he rode his bike to the beach.
Although he was supported by his family, Carrie said all the credit belongs to Lachie.
“I think this has cemented that if you put your mind to anything, you can do it.”
There are possibly more challenges ahead.
“He would definitely do it again, but he may look at doing it for a cause, or incorporate doing it with friends,” said Carrie.
“If he did, I’d try and document it a bit better, maybe with a diary or a daily photo.”
And while the family celebrate his perseverance and motivation, reaching his 100-day goal hasn’t stopped Lachie paddling out.
“He said I don’t know if I can stop, it will feel really weird to have a day out of the water,” Carrie said.
