Wano Liao

Interview by Glenn Sakamoto

Wano Liao is a talented surfer living in Gold Coast, Australia. Born and raised in the mountains of Taiwan, she escaped an abusive partner and later sought refuge in Australia with her daughter. We spoke with Wano to learn more about her rebirth as a surfer.

Can you tell us a bit about your childhood?

I grew up in Taiwan in the mountains and was 5 years old when my father passed away and my Mum was left to bring me and my 2 sisters up on her own. We never had much but my mum worked very hard so what we did have was always everything we needed.

What inspired or influenced you to begin surfing?

2011 was the darkest time in my life. As a refugee, the domestic violence women sent me to the Gold Coast from Brisbane for safety. When they took me to Point Danger at Coolangatta to show me this beautiful big blue ocean, it was so big and open and at that moment – I saw the end of a dark tunnel.

My daughter and I started a new life here. Every time I went down near the beach I always saw all of the surfers at the beach, even ones that had either been out or had just come in and they looked so happy. I thought to myself: This is how I want to be. I took 3 surf lessons at Currumbin Alley Surf School and I haven’t stopped since!.

Do you remember your first green wave? What did you experience?

I didn’t even know how to swim at the time but I started surfing anyway. I was scared and excited and when I stood up on the wave I felt so alive and when I saw that beautiful green face in front of me, I could feel the ocean spraying on my face somehow giving me comfort and letting me know everything will be alright.

What meaning does surfing hold for you?

Going surfing is like going to a temple in Taiwan. In Taiwan we go to temples to pray for peace, good health, to make good money from your business or work, get a good education and for good luck. I am very lucky to be able to surf every day before work.  I can center myself, maintain good health, and be a happy person every day to face whatever challenge may come.

What struggle(s) in your life helped you become the person you are today?

I struggled the most in life during my marriage, which was surrounded by gangs, drugs, alcohol and violence. When I made the wrong choice in my life at that time I went to Hell. But having that unforgettable experience of my marriage made me become the strong woman I am today.

Are there sometimes challenges being an Asian woman in the water?

The Gold Coast is a multicultural place, so we always have surfers of Japanese, Filipino, Korean descent (and probably a few other girls from other cultures out in the line up).The only time I’m the only girl out in the line up is when it’s a big day at the Gold Coast, I like to feel the big waves.

What are some of the things that bring you happiness?

The surfing community brings me so much happiness and joy. The “oldies” at Currumbin Alley teach me the Australian lifestyle. Being able to live by the ocean and go surfing every morning before work is the best thing that has ever happened to me.

What “Golden Rule” do you live by?

Respect myself, and people will respect me, too. I do what I say and I don’t say it if I can’t do it.

What is your current favorite board?

Normally I surf 9’6”’ Eagle from William Surf Craft at Currumbin Alley for the fat slower waves and I surf a 9’4” Thomas Surfboard at Snapper for fast sucky wave,s but I just snapped it at Sunshine Beach at the Noosa Surf Festival. I’m looking for a shaper to make me a new Snapper board. On the big days I surf a 9-0 fun gun from local surfer Syd Willmett.

Your favorite surf spot?

Currumbin Alley, Snapper, Rainbow and Kirra.

Who are some of the people in surf culture that inspire you?

Syd Willmett age 69 and Brian Puncher age 68 local surfers at the Currumbin Alley who surf The Alley every morning –  big, small, messy or whatever the conditions. They are so respectful and it’s their love of surfing big barreling waves fearlessly. Their style looks so amazing on the big waves. They always tell me: “It’s only water.” I’m like a duckling following them everywhere on the big days.

What's your favorite meal? What’s on your music playlist?

I miss all my Taiwanese food. I cook lots of stir-fry and noodles on a daily basis. For music, Congo Myron, System is the Vampire, Road of Jah, Vanupie-Rock Down-Subway and Bob Marley.

What’s next for Wano Liao?

I’m working hard planning to be semi-retired by 50 and work only 2 days a week. I want to help other women who have experienced domestic violence and get them out of their situation safely along with their children. I would love to have the opportunity to introduce them to surfing or to help them become a stronger woman like me. I feel that this is my purpose.

To learn more about Wano Liao, follow her on Instagram here. Photography by Gary Brinkman and Luke Dubrovsky.