A year ago, we launched our Koala Eco ‘Hour in Nature’ journal thread, profiling inspiring people whom we believe genuinely live and breathe a nature-focused lifestyle, and who can inspire us to do the same.

Our debut interview in 2021 was with model Helena Vestergaard, mum of River and Sway, who has long been a loyal supporter of Koala Eco. Ever since then, we’ve featured a roll call of wonderful women. Now, we’re thrilled to introduce our first chat with a guy—former big-wave pro-surfer Nathan Webster—who happens also to be Helena’s husband, and River and Sway’s dad! 

What’s your favourite thing to do in nature? 

Surfing is the perhaps most obvious answer and it’s the first thing that springs to my mind. However, with deeper thought and reflection I feel that, for me, everything in life is better when experienced outdoors, surrounded by nature. I think there is such a deep, undeniable connection between being and earth that just can’t be ignored. And when you are outside, this connection manifests itself, and there is a positive charge available for all of us just to kind of ‘tap into.’ 

Describe your connection to nature: what positives does it bring to your life? 

Nature brings me to life. It reconnects and grounds me. It gives pause. It meditative. And when the waves are especially good it gives me incredible joy and satisfaction. I’m trying not to say the word ‘stoke,’ but that’s definitely the effect!  

What are your fondest memories of spending time in nature? 

Starting surfing at age four and then spending the rest of my life chasing waves around the world, getting to compete and immerse myself in nature for a living. These are not only fond memories but also an incredible blessing on my life: a connection, established early, which is also the gift that keeps on giving.  

Many of us are time-poor and might not get out into nature as much as we’d like. Any suggestions for a quick nature-based pick-me up? Something sensory, experiential…? 

Oh yeah. Simply, whenever you can, take a moment when outside to pause, feel the sun on your face, let the wind give you a hug, hear the sounds. Marvel at the sights. Even just a few seconds is all it takes, and you will be like, ‘yup, life is beautiful.’