“Today we’re excited to begin shining a light on some of the incredible supporters who help make Mercy Ships’ work possible. Around the world, our mission is powered not only by our volunteer medical professionals and dedicated crew, but also by compassionate people from all walks of life who choose to use their influence, talent, or platform to create impact.
To launch this new series, we had the privilege sharing our interview with professional surfer Reef Heazlewood, whose heart for others is just as impressive as his talent on the waves. Reef has captured international attention for his athletic achievements, courage, and sportsmanship, and we are honoured that he has chosen to stand with Mercy Ships in bringing hope and healing to those who need it most.
In this interview, Reef shares what inspires him, the role of gratitude and faith, and why supporting Mercy Ships matters to him. His passion reminds us that anyone can make a difference, whether on land or in the line-up.” Gabrielle Reilly
Gabrielle Reilly: What does a great day in the water look like for you right now, and why?
Reef Heazlewood: For me it’s getting up early, just beautiful weather and some good friends. And just laughing and having fun regardless of what the surf conditions are like. I want to have fun and enjoy that with other people.
Gabrielle Reilly: How did you first hear about Mercy Ships?
Reef Heazlewood: I heard about it when I was still in school, I can’t remember if it was through a school presentation or something my sister, Renee, heard and then told me. But I just remember it being so incredible hearing about the mission and healing that was reaching those who in normal circumstances would never experience that.
Gabrielle Reilly: What about Mercy Ships mission speaks to you most?
Reef Heazlewood: I think the hope and healing and I think they’re so intertwined because it’s about having a life that is filled with joy and peace that Mercy Ships bring through the hope and then the life changing healing.
Gabrielle Reilly: Was there a story or moment that made you decide you wanted to support Mercy Ships?
Reef Heazlewood: I remember my sister being so inspired by Mercy Ships and it was her excitement and passion that made me want to be involved as well. We could both see that this was changing lives in such compassionate ways. And I think it’s so special when someone else’s passion stirs in other people to want to make a difference.
Gabrielle Reilly: What do you think changes for a person and their family when they finally receive a surgery they have waited years for?
Reef Heazlewood: There’s this hope that they’ve been holding onto and when they receive that surgery they can see hope in all areas of their lives, to be apart of their communities and make their own impact.
Gabrielle Reilly: What other outcome from Mercy Ships do you appreciate?
Reef Heazlewood: I love that Mercy Ships also leaves having trained local healthcare professionals and improved healthcare systems because that is going to bring more lasting impact and development for the communities that are in need.
Gabrielle Reilly: Where did you grow up, and how did that place shape you as a surfer and a person?
Reef Heazlewood: I grew up on the Sunshine Coast, and I think for myself it helped make me disciplined and also eager to get better in areas that I’m weak in. For instance there’s not a lot of big waves and so I’ve watched previous Sunshine Coast surfers be called small wave surfers but that just made them adapt and become big wave surfers and I wanted to be like that as well.
Gabrielle Reilly: What is your earliest memory on a surfboard?
Reef Heazlewood: I remember being at Moffat Beach and my Dad paddling me out on his back and us catching waves with him having me piggybacking! I always love thinking about that memory.
Gabrielle Reilly: Where is your favourite place to surf?
Reef Heazlewood: I’ve been to Tahiti a few times and I always leave wanting to go back. It’s not just the surf, although it’s world class, but it’s the people and the mountains and the water, it all just comes together to be my favourite place.
Gabrielle Reilly: When did you know you wanted to turn pro, and what did that transition actually look like behind the scenes?
Reef Heazlewood: I wanted to be a professional surfer from as long as I can remember haha. And I just remember Dad and Mum encouraging me to work hard, stay committed and go big! And that would’ve been their encouragement no matter what I was doing.
Gabrielle Reilly: What has been the biggest challenge of your career so far, and how did you work through it?
Reef Heazlewood: The biggest challenge that is actually still ongoing would be my struggle with putting pressure on myself and losing sight of the path and structure. So one of the things that is apart of that struggle is I see every single good thing I could be doing to better myself and I want to try and do everything but that’s just not possible and so I then think that I’m not doing enough and I’m being lazy haha. But there’s a plan and a process and you just have to stick with it.
Gabrielle Reilly: How do you stay grounded on tour, and what daily habits keep you centered?
Reef Heazlewood: It’s not easy for sure haha. Having a solid structure is something I’ve worked on and always updating to be able to stay as efficient as possible. I like to wake up and read my Bible first thing, and then go for a surf after that. I also love to stay connected with my family and friends and that helps keep me grounded.
Gabrielle Reilly: Who have been your most important mentors, and what did they teach you?
Reef Heazlewood: My Dad for sure, he was the one that told me to go big or go home haha! But he has also just taught me to lead by example. I’ve also got so many incredible mentors that have shown me that serving is greater than receiving by giving me so much of their time and effort.
Gabrielle Reilly: Does faith play a role in how you compete and how you serve others?
Reef Heazlewood: It plays the biggest role in my whole life. I know that if I give my best and try to always point it all to Jesus that it doesn’t matter what happens, win or lose it always works out.
Gabrielle Reilly: What does success mean to you now compared with when you started competing?
Reef Heazlewood: In sport, there’s very few who are winning all the time and so I’ve learnt to base my success in if I’ve given my best effort rather than if the result was what I wanted, and I think that applies to anything we do. It leaves you feeling so much more satisfied than chasing results that may be out of our control.
Gabrielle Reilly: What advice would you give your younger self starting out in the Surf Qualifying Series?
Reef Heazlewood: I’ve always been a bit quieter and shyer my whole life and I would just encourage them to step out of their comfort zone and engage with more people because they’ll be so stoked that you went out of your way to chat.
Gabrielle Reilly: Outside of surfing, what are you most proud of so far?
Reef Heazlewood: I’ve been able to run some Bible studies at home and also on the road with fellow Christians (surfers and non-surfers) and that’s been something so close to my heart and also giving my time and effort to other athletes on the road.
Gabrielle Reilly: How do you balance social media expectations with being authentic about who you are?
Reef Heazlewood: I’ve learned to put good parameters around my social media, time limits and then I am usually checking with my wife before posting about being authentic and myself.
Gabrielle Reilly: What is one way you try to give back when you are on the road in a new community?
Reef Heazlewood: I love to reach out to the Christian Surfers community around the world and I love to see how they’ve been going and try and encourage them. Usually they encourage me so much too.
Gabrielle Reilly: Do you have a cause or issue beyond surfing that you care deeply about, and why?
Reef Heazlewood: I want to go into Christian ministry and I’m even trying to prepare myself now and organise for myself to do some things now and not wait for my surfing career to be over. I just have such a passion for my faith and want to encourage others to dive deeper into theirs as well.
Gabrielle Reilly: What does a typical training week look like when you are building toward a contest?
Reef Heazlewood: Going to the gym three times in the week, surfing everyday to learn the new surf break and ever changing conditions and just having fun!
Gabrielle Reilly: What are three travel essentials you never leave home without?
Reef Heazlewood: My headphones, water bottle, and snacks for travelling.
Gabrielle Reilly: What is the best piece of advice you have received from another athlete?
Reef Heazlewood: I really remember hearing this from a surfer who has now gone into coaching but it was to be “smelling the roses” and it’s just about enjoying the places and the people that you meet and get to see along the way and it not being too strict to not enjoy how incredible the whole journey is.
Gabrielle Reilly: Which wave is still on your bucket list, and what draws you to it?
Reef Heazlewood: There’s some waves in Ireland and they’re cold, but raw and powerful and it looks like it just strips away so much that you’re immersed in nature. I love the look of that.
Gabrielle Reilly: What Australian qualities do you carry with you that people notice overseas?
Reef Heazlewood: Being laid back and hospitable are some things that people I think notice of Australians.
Gabrielle Reilly: What do you want your platform to stand for over the next five years?
Reef Heazlewood: I want to inspire the next generation to dive into having faith, not giving up and to be the best people they can be.
Gabrielle Reilly: Three words for Mercy Ships.
Reef Heazlewood: I know for myself, sometimes the words right in front of me all the time can sometimes lose their weight, so I would encourage all of us to always meditate on the word Mercy!! Because it is such an awesome word! And my other two would be Encourage, and Determination.
Gabrielle Reilly: One small daily habit that helps you stay kind and focused.
Reef Heazlewood: I try to be focused on others needs and so to do that I like to ask how people are doing.
“To see why Reef Heazlewood loves Mercy Ships so much, enjoy this short video
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