Pro surfer & Philips Satin Perfect spokeswoman Hannah Harding's travel tips

Warm weather surfing means ditching the 5mm wetsuits, fishermen jumpers and tights to sun our pasty pins and maybe even swap the neoprene for boardies and rashvest (UK: if we're lucky!).

Animal pro surfer, model and spokeswoman for the new Philips Satin Perfect epilator Hannah Harding is an expert on warm waves: each winter the Cornish lass migrates to Indonesia for three months of sun-soaked surf and bikinis. We chatted to her for her best travel, packing and beauty tips, plus why her Philips Satin Perfect means less stubble - and much more surfing....

I know you started surfing after meeting your boyfriend and got hooked: Any reason why it took so long?

Yeah I started when I was about 19, some will say that's quite a late start, but I've always believed it's never too late to try something new! I've always been very keen for anything wet and wild, so was amped to get in and give it a go, plus spend a bit of time with my surf obsessed bloke ha!

I'd attempted it once before a few years previous and loved it, but living away from the sea I never continued. A lot of the surf girls have been surfing since they were young and come from surfing backgrounds, which is a massive help - I guess I'd just never thought about it that much before...

Your cropped hair is quite unusual in surfing - despite the obvious advantages when in and out of salt water! How would you describe your personal style?

I think I have only had my hair past my shoulders once since I was young, it's not the usual surf girl look but I love my short hair, plus it's for sure a lot easier when handling the sea! Ummm I've had many different looks through the years, punk, hippy, even a bit of chav haha!

Now? I guess I still have a tiny bit of each showing through. I like to think my style is unique to me and is always slightly changing! I'm definitely a tomboy at heart, but that's not to say I'm not girly either. I love getting dressed up for a night out and doing my makeup, I'd wear make up in the water if I could, but I always end up with panda eyes and that's not a good look...

I've read about your winters in Indo and am beyond jealous: What is it about the place that makes you return each year?

God where to start? The people are amazingly lovely and hospitable, its warm and the sun is usually always shining, the waves are world class, its beautiful and a great place to have fun surfing and laughing with your mates, the culture is magical. It's like a second home now, I can't stay away: I keep meaning to go somewhere new but always end up back there...

What's a typical day in Indo like?

Wake up! Check the surf, have a fresh banana smoothie and fruit salad, jump on my beloved bike and drive to a perfect warm pealing wave. Surf till I'm knackered, refuel by eating a nasi gorang (fried rice and veg). Surf again, dinner and a couple of bintangs (beers) with beautiful friends, sleep well in preparation to do it all again the next day! Life's good when you're in Indo :) God I miss it!

Top 5 tips for an Indo first timer? I.e. places to visit , eat, surf, shop, chill?

On my last trip, I went to Ubud for the first time in the whole five years of visiting Indonesia. I was only there for a day and night, but it really was an amazing place, we went up to the mountains and although the weather was crap and you couldn't see much it was still a great experience, lots of art work and yoga etc. I will definitely be going back for a longer visit next time.

I usually eat at the little warongs where the locals eat, not only is it cheaper but your also trying the local cuisine that's usually cooked better cause they actually know what they're doing. Who wants to go to McDonald's when you're in Indo, be adventurous! Staying in a home stay out on the Bukit is a good option for surf, cause you have both sides of the peninsula to play with.

If it's windy and not so good at Ulu's or Padang it's only a quick drive to the other side where it will be offshore! Shopping is amazing in Bali, but with it getting more and more westernised it can often be just as expensive as back home!

My advice is go to the back street shops. Also if you can handle the craziness do a quick trip to Denpasar which is where the locals buy a lot of their things to sell in their own shops, you'll be surprised at how much cheaper it is! You can chill anywhere in Indo, just having bintang outside the local shop is great :)

What 5 things do you always pack when going on a surf trip?

Favourite board obviously, a good surfing bikini, SUN BLOCK, antihistamines and my Philips Satin Perfect epilator - no one wants to be hairy!

Surfing, Salt and sun can be pretty tough on your skin and hair: Do you have any magic tricks or potions to keep from looking a mess?

Yes, unfortunately surfing is a definite enemy to your looks, but what you gonna do? Stop? I don't think so, instead all you can do is help prevent and protect: my hair suffers horrendously from the sun and sea and will often look like someone's taken a lighter to me fringe.

So I've found, and I know it sounds weird, that putting a bit of sun cream on pre-surf to the affected areas actually helps protect your hair. And obviously keep conditioning! Also smother your face in a good block or zinc; your skin ages so quickly in the sun and sea so it's really important to protect it.

When I'm out in Indo my face is often a lot whiter than the rest of my body, it may look odd but I don't give a dam, your face is what people see the most, so keep it youthful and skin cancer free. Finally I never go anywhere without my Philips epilator, it keeps me hair free and my skin silky smooth, important if you spend most your time in a bikini.

You've been riding for Animal for a year - how's that going?

I love riding for Animal, they are a great British surf brand and are always really involved with all their riders! I've been with them for a little over a year now and they have been so supportive with everything that I'm doing. I always have so much fun and a good giggle at all the events I do with them. Yeah super stoked to be part of the lovely Animal family, plus I love the clothes and product hehe!

Is there any Hannah Harding signature collections in the pipeline for Animal?

Ah ha now that would be telling! You'll just have to wait and see!

For more on Hannah head to hanharding.com or like her on Facebook.

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