The temperature is just 4C and you’re paddling through the icy waters of Cornwall, England.
It's a stark contrast to the golden sand and sun of the Gold Coast but for Bondy and European Surf Lifesaving Champion Anya Hocking it was her reality growing up.
So when she first heard about Bond University, Anya was determined to make it her future.
The Bachelor of Laws student grew up in England’s southern beach town of Gyllyngvase where she joined the local nippers.
“We lived right behind the club and mum and dad just wanted me to be able to swim and enjoy the water,” Hocking said.
“Gyllyngvase SLSC is one of the biggest surf lifesaving clubs in Europe, so it was a no-brainer.
“It was so cold training in England. Sometimes it would get down to four degrees when I was out on the water so I would have to be all rugged up.”
When COVID-19 hit, all English surf lifesaving carnivals were cancelled so Hocking made the move to South Africa to compete.
“My uncle is South African and he convinced me to go over and compete there in 2021,” Hocking said.
“I fell in love with South Africa and I loved training at the Clifton Surf Lifesaving Club.”
While at Clifton SLSC Hocking met Bondy, Savannah Voigt.
Hocking began her Bachelor of Laws studies at Bond this year, inspired by Voigt who has been studying a Bachelor of Exercise and Sports Science at the university since 2023.
“Savannah is one of my best friends from Clifton SLSC so she really influenced me to make the move over to Australia and study at Bond,” Hocking said.
“I am really loving Bond. The university has been so great in helping me balance my studies and sporting commitments.”
The duo will make their way back to South Africa this weekend to compete at the South African Surf Lifesaving Championships which kicks off on the April 28.
They’ll compete together in team surf lifesaving events including board rescue.
“It’s amazing to stand on the line with your best friend. It means so much more because you don't just want to do well for yourself, you want to do well for each other,” Hocking said.