Surfer, Ocean Advocate + Newest PARGO Ambassador Josie Prendergast
Amber Walker
Please welcome our newest PARGO ambassador Josie Prendergast!
Josie is an incredibly talented and graceful surfer, model and environmental advocate who splits her time between Byron Bay and the Philippines. Born in Siargao, Philippines and growing up in Byron Bay, her connection to the ocean runs deep, both through her Filipino roots and the life she’s built around surfing.
She truly does live and breathe it for the pure joy of riding waves with her unique and effortless style being something to watch. She's the Queen of the Pass on the log but has also been experimenting with shorter, more maneuverable boards as of late.
Known for her elegance on a log and passion for sustainability, Josie's helps people wherever she can, living firsthand the realities of remote island life, where clean water isn’t always guaranteed. She is a natural fit for the Project PARGO team.
We were lucky to have Josie join us on a PARGO clean water project back in 2022 in the Philippines and we can't wait to have her join us again.
We recently caught up to chat about all things surf, island life, and what access to clean water really means to her.
PP: Hey Josie! Welcome to the PARGO family!! You've been traveling a bunch lately! Where in the world are you at the moment?
Josie: I have been! I was away for almost all of April. But I’m back home in the bay now which is always nice!
PP: How was your recent trip to the Maldives? Any stand-out sessions?
Josie: Maldives was amazing. It always is! We got sultans pretty good and had some empty lineups in the south stroll.
PP: When you're not surfing, what does a typical day look like for you?
Josie: I try to do a lot of Pilates to build strength and yoga to stretch and restore. I’m a pretty active person so I love to move my body when I can. I love to wake up early and move my body so it sets me up for the rest of my day.
PP: You were born in the Philippines and raised in Byron, what’s it been like having that blend of cultures in your life?
Josie: It’s been really special. I’m honestly so grateful to have both of these as homes and have been able to experience them the way I have. The change for both homes has been quite significant but I guess we have to look from a place of love and care. I’ve been fortunate enough to have grown up with the ocean as my playground so that’s pretty special. And having two cultures shape who I am today makes a difference. I guess I get to see things from different perspectives and take certain values from each into my life and daily. I think being multicultural and being able to experience two worlds that are so different but also so similar in many ways, gives me insight into different ways of living and how I can use my experiences to create awareness and create the path for myself that I want to lead. 
PP: You've spent time in some remote and beautiful places. What’s your experience been with access to clean water? Were there times when it wasn't easily accessible for you
Josie: For sure. As travellers, we are so lucky to be able to travel the world but we also are able to see different types of living situations. There’s definitely been times where clean drinking water hasn’t been accessible and has shed a light on how lucky we are.
In the Philippines, filtered water is pretty well the way to go, in all provinces. The aftermath of typhoon Oddette revealed to me how scary it can be when we don’t have access to clean drinking water. I witnessed first hand how devastating the effects were on my community when there was no other option, but to drink well water or boil water: which made thousands extremely sick. I wish access to clean water was for all.
PP: How has that experience shaped your appreciation for hydration and clean water today?
Josie: To another level. I mean, at home here in AUS, we have the opportunity if we want to just drink from a tap. Over there, that’s not really possible anymore. I remember when I was really young and we would visit Siargao again, the water on the island was still very clean so we could drink it. Over time, as it has become a very popular tourist destination, the water has become polluted so we drink filtered water there now. It goes to show, when natural disasters happen, the people really need access to drinking water immediately. 
PP:
You joined us on a clean water project in Siargao back in 2022, can you take us back to that moment? What did it feel like to be part of something so meaningful in a place so close to home?
Josie: I was so grateful to join that project and also be able to learn about these filters that ultimately have helped countless amounts of people. And people in my community which I hold so close to my heart. To put it simply, I felt like there was hope and a deep level of care. It’s devastating seeing people suffer but so beautiful seeing people and organisations step up.
PP: You've been rocking the PARGO products for a while now. What's your fav product?
Josie: Definitely the 1890ml Sports Bottle. I feel like it forces me to drink water. And also the takeaway smoothie and coffee cups! So easy and keeps everything cold/hot.
PP: What's your go-to colourway?
Josie: Right now, the BAY Blue and the LOVE Lilac.
