Eco-friendly picks from the ocean-loving pro surfer
Photography by Josh Robenstone
Life on the waves
Professional surfer Nikki van Dijk grew up on Phillip Island, a wild, windswept pocket of nature about two hours south-east of Melbourne. Her dad taught her to surf when she was just four years old – and she’s “never looked back”, spending her life travelling the world to compete, explore and enjoy everything surfing has given her.
“I grew up in nature, learned from nature and enjoyed it,” Nikki says. “From a young age I fell in love with surfing and the ocean and I was taught to respect it, nurture it and love it. It became my backyard and it’s been my biggest teacher in life, and I honestly couldn’t imagine my life any other way."
After so many years in the sun and salt, Nikki knows how powerful our everyday decisions can be – for our bodies and the planet.
“As a professional athlete I learnt that every decision you make impacts outcomes and the smallest tweaks can make big changes, especially the choices you make when it comes to your body and life.”
Partnering with Flora & Fauna
For Nikki, conscious living isn’t a trend – it’s a lifestyle she’s built over more than a decade.
“I honestly couldn’t think of a better fit,” she says of partnering with Flora & Fauna. “I have enjoyed the last 12 years of my life living a plant-based lifestyle and have thrived off it. My mind, body and soul have loved exploring this lifestyle and I believe Flora & Fauna truly have the same values and beliefs as I do. A powerful combo together!”
Being so close to the ocean has also shaped her sense of responsibility.
“Being a surfer I have been forced to surrender to the power of Mother Nature and I believe I have a responsibility for the environment… to preserve and protect it. This is why I am so proud to partner with Flora & Fauna as they truly are doing that when it comes to people, the planet, and the animals. I have full trust in them.”
Nikki’s Flora & Fauna favourites
Discover the sustainable staples Nikki swears by – from eco-friendly home essentials to vegan skincare that loves your skin as much as it loves the planet.
Koala Eco
Nikki has been a Koala Eco fangirl for a while. “I’ve been obsessed with Koala Eco products for some time now and I love how clean and considered this brand is – from their ingredients list, to their scent, their use of Australian ingredients down to their art on their bottles.”
She uses Koala Eco “every single day, whether it’s washing my clothes, body, dishes or home.” Cleaning has become part of her self-care routine: “Koala Eco genuinely makes cleaning fun – it’s inspiring and you always feel better after a space has been cleaned, especially with beautifully scented products using Australian essential oils.”
The first thing she noticed? “Its ability to do its job well, the scent, cleanliness and how cute the brand is and its values.” With a thoughtful ingredients list and impressive quality, Koala Eco is an easy yes for a more eco-friendly home.
LAMAV
Long days in the ocean mean Nikki’s skin appreciates a little extra TLC – without compromising on natural, cruelty-free ingredients. “I love the beautiful and clean ingredients in all LAMAV products… it feels like I’m giving my skin a big hug!” she says.
She reaches for LAMAV “most days, particularly when I have been surfing a lot in the harsh sun.” The formulas are light yet nourishing: “Such clean ingredients, really light on the face… my skin is very thankful. Long days and years in the elements mean my skin needs all the help it can get.”
Shop Nikki’s LAMAV favourites:
These vegan beauty staples are perfect for anyone looking to build a natural skincare routine that supports skin exposed to the elements, while staying true to cruelty-free, plant-powered values.
SunButter Skincare
As a surfer, Nikki spends countless hours in direct sun, so high-performing sun protection is non-negotiable. SunButter Skincare is a natural partner for her lifestyle – a mineral, ocean-friendly sunscreen designed for long sessions in the water and on the sand. SunButter Skincare is a brand she feels completely aligned with.
Nikki puts it perfectly:
“I love everything about SunButter. Such a beautiful brand from its ethos and values that I truly am so appreciative of, being someone that chooses wisely. [It’s a] product that is essential in my life to protect my skin from the endless hours of surfing in the sunshine. Safe ingredients for your skin and our precious oceans and planet!”
For conscious consumers, a reef-kind, plastic-free sunscreen is one of the most impactful swaps you can make in your beach bag. Pair Nikki’s favourite skincare with a reliable SPF and you’ve got a sustainable routine from morning surf to sunset.
Shop Nikki’s SunButter Skincare favourites:
Words to live by
“Without nature there is nothing!” Nikki says. “Nature wins every time, and I think it is our greatest teacher. Listen to Mother Nature, preserve and protect her. [My] advice would be treat her how you would like to be treated – with love.”
Her parting message is as uplifting as her surfing:
“Live life to its full, meet your potential in a healthy, happy and fulfilling way and enjoy the ride.”
