Ivana Bajic is often behind the lens, but this time, we’re shifting the spotlight onto her. A producer, director, and passionate ocean lover, Ivana is the visionary behind Nature of Surf Women, a multimedia project that captures the raw beauty, strength, and resilience of women surfers through images, words, and sound.

Ivana’s project is more than a surf book—it's an immersive experience that connects readers to the ocean and to female empowerment. Her collaboration with photographer Gabriela Tellez has brought the essence of these women to life, sharing their stories in ways that defy traditional surf media. From overcoming personal challenges to embracing the healing power of the ocean, Nature of Surf Women gives voice to everyday women who have found a deep connection with the waves.

VSC: You discovered surfing later in life during a visit to Nosara. Can you share how that experience transformed your relationship with nature and influenced your personal and professional life?

Ivana: Later in life... hmmmm... I would say I discovered surfing when I was ready to feel nature as an important part of myself again. When I allowed myself to reconnect with my inner child, do some deeper healing, and enjoy the simple things with people I love—not with those I feel I need to be with.

Before I visited Costa Rica for the first time, I was living in London. It was a typical gray, rainy afternoon, and as usual, my husband, myself and our friends  were in a bar drinking wine, talking about work, work, and more work... One of them mentioned he had just returned from Pavones, where he learned to surf. That same night, we booked our tickets to Nosara for a yoga retreat. After three days, we ran away from the retreat, finding ourselves wandering on a beach, watching surfers. And that was it—we took a lesson, then another, and another. It was incredible to stand on the board, being part of that massive body of water, falling countless times, yet having so much fun. Surfing offered the adrenaline rush that had been missing from other adventures I’d experienced.

I think I changed gradually—becoming more focused on ocean pollution and how I could minimize my impact. I expanded my friendships beyond work, which made me so much happier and more relaxed. I started caring less about branded things and more about becoming a better surfer. I got braver, I opened my own company and decided to lead by example—Nature of Surf Women was printed on 100% recycled paper.

For me, the women I met—including my best friend, Tati—were the magic of surfing. I don’t think I would have been as committed to surfing if I hadn’t found the right community. There was so much joy in spending time with people who loved me for who I am, chasing after blue morphos, and going to bed early just to watch the sunrise from our boards...

VSC: What inspired you to create Nature of Surf Women, and why do you feel this project is important for both the surfing community and a broader audience?

Ivana: If you look at the books on the market about women surfers (before ours), you’d mostly find books about surf history or well-established, professional surfers. I had already been surfing for two years when I started wondering, "Why aren’t there any books about women surfers of different ages, skill levels, and body types?" These women could be a significant source of motivation for others, showing the healing power of the ocean and its waves.

Every time I was in the water or sitting with the girls in Nosara, I couldn’t stop thinking, "Her story deserves to be shared with the world; her wrinkles and scars would be so beautiful to capture."

Coming from a production background, my mind is always wired to find a good story. One weekend I decided to make a presentation about Symbiosis between Nature and women and there was no turning back—it felt like a wave, and we just took the ride.

The book was a huge success. We raised the funds in just a few weeks on Kickstarter, and nearly every surf publication supported us with articles. More importantly, women were thrilled to see perfectly imperfect bodies and to reflect on their own life stories through the experiences of the women featured in the book. Stories of overcoming cancer, divorce, lost hope, or loneliness, as well as new adventures, body positivity, transformation, and ocean conservation. It’s a book about everyday women—powerful and beautiful, like nature itself—highlighting our  raw connection with Mother Ocean.

VSC: You’ve worked on projects that blend art and technology, including collaborations with renowned artists. How did this background influence your approach to creating Nature of Surf Women?

Ivana: I have to say that Marina Abramović influenced my freedom of multimedia expression immensely. She’s fearless in her ability to connect people, blending everything she has in the moment to create a shared “pulse". This inspired me to make the book interactive. I thought that in order to truly connect with  women surfers in the book, the reader needs to experience their environment. So, I brought the sounds of nature into the book. Then I recorded their interviews, connecting the images with their stories,and sounds of rain, waves, birds, crickets.. allowing the audience to be part of their lives.

VSC: You mentioned that the women you met while surfing taught you about self-love and the importance of female communities. How did these experiences shape the narrative and direction of your project?

Ivana: I’m forever grateful to this project because it taught me the most valuable lesson in my life: to appreciate my own authenticity and that of others, and to stop wasting energy on people, places, or things that don’t leave me feeling empathetic or fulfilled.

The book evolved from the original idea in many ways. We decided never to do traditional promotions, but instead to organize community events. We wanted to spend time with the people who got the book and keep in touch with them. It wasn’t always easy, but I met so many new friends through events and the book. I also started working with ocean conservation organizations and learned a lot, which has fueled my determination to highlight sustainability in my future projects.

VSC: Your vision to collaborate with photographer Gabriela Tellez brought a unique beauty to the project. Can you describe how your roles as a surfer and a producer complemented each other in capturing the essence of female surfers?

Ivana: Gaby, originally from Costa Rica, now lives in Lyon, France, where she works as a documentary photographer. I’ve always admired her unique approach to photography, particularly her use of color and shadow play. Like many women in Costa Rica, she was afraid of the ocean because her parents never took her there—many people don’t swim well, and they don’t bring their kids to the ocean due to the dangerous currents.

I admire Gaby so much for embracing this project as a challenge to connect with the ocean. Her land photography is breathtaking, dynamic, and full of life, but what we captured through her water photography was completely different from standard surf photography. She focused on personality and character expression in the water, which is what makes this book so special.

We embraced imperfection and the learning process as part of our project because, just like the ocean, surfing allows you to be imperfect. The goal is joy and harmony with nature, and that’s what we wanted to capture.

VSC: Nature of Surf Women aims to tell the story of women surfers outside mainstream media portrayal. What were the most significant challenges and rewards in representing these women authentically through your multimedia project?

Ivana: We wanted to publish the second edition of the book last year ( we have only 80 copies left!)  but the challenge for the big publishing houses was the lack of well-known names. We decided to stay rebels and not include celebrities in the book giving the space to everyday women, and we are proud of the impact we’ve created. I love when people stop me and ask when I’ll do the next one because they would love to be part of it. It's so important that we’ve created a space where every woman feels welcome.


VSC: As a surfer, sun protection is crucial not only for preventing skin damage but also for maintaining long-term skin health. How has your approach to sun protection evolved over the years, and what are your thoughts on embracing natural beauty as we age?

Ivana: I’ve met a few women who struggled with skin cancer caused by neglecting proper sun protection, and their experiences were both sad and frightening. I’m very careful with my daughter, and for myself, to never surf without sun protection. Climate change has had a significant impact, leading to stronger UV radiation, and people who spend a lot of time in the sun and water need to be realistic about the consequences.

There are so many cool brands today that are ocean and coral-friendly, so you can protect yourself and the ocean.

VSC: This project is such a beautiful testament to female strength and connection. Are there any new or upcoming projects you're working on that you’re excited to share with us?

Ivana: Yes, I’m so happy to share! We've been working for almost two years on a documentary film about the healing powers of the ocean and surf therapy. Throughout this journey, I’ve met incredible women—strong, resilient individuals who have faced their challenges head-on, found hope, friends, and love in the ocean, and transformed their lives. It’s been inspiring to witness.

I’m working with an amazing team, and hopefully, we will begin filming in 2025. My big dream is to work on a new book in parallel with the film, introducing women who have made an impact through their personal and community work—healing themselves and their communities, while also contributing to ocean preservation.

I have also partnered with my great friend Toyo, the founder of Saltwater Divas to create and organize a soulful female only surf retreat in Costa Rica. This retreat is all about fun, adventure and reconnecting with ourselves and each other while soaking in the beauty of the jungle and beaches.

Join The Movement!

Don't miss out on the opportunity to be part of this soulful surf retreat in Costa Rica, designed to help women connect, heal, and thrive. Visit the Nature of Surf Women website for more details.

Ivana Bajic’s Nature of Surf Women is not just a book—it’s a movement that celebrates the strength, resilience, and beauty of women surfers. We’re excited to offer a limited number of copies available on our website.

At Vampire Surf Club, we share Ivana’s commitment to diversity and empowerment, and we’re proud to support a project that encourages women to embrace their unique stories and connection to the ocean.