64. From Australia to Portugal: Surfing, Freelancing & Moving Abroad

What if your work schedule fit around surfing? Even better—what if every surf session made you better at your job? When Lachlan Campbell left Australia and landed in Europe, he didn’t just want a job—he wanted a life that revolved around the swell.

With no formal education, training, or set plan, Lachlan jumped into freelancing and figured it out as he went. Now, as The Surfing Copywriter, he helps surf brands tell their stories in a way that feels real, relatable, and deeply connected to the culture. But for Lachlan, it’s more than just marketing—it’s personal. His inspiration comes from everyday moments, lineup conversations, and even unexpected places like history books, always tying it back to the world of surfing.

In this episode of Confessions of a Surf Lady: The First Women’s Surfing Podcast™, we talk about what it takes to design a surf-first lifestyle, the risks and rewards of freelancing, and how surf culture shifts when you move across continents. From growing up on Australia’s wave-rich coastline to navigating the lineups of Portugal, Lachlan’s story proves that if you’re willing to take the leap, you can build a life around what you love, too.

Main Themes:

Freelancing & Surfing: The Perfect Match

• “As a surfer, being a freelancer, I think that lifestyle is just so compatible.” – Lachlan Campbell

Turning Everyday Surf Sessions into Work Inspiration

• “I pull ideas from everywhere—the lineup, a great wave, even history books—and tie them back to surfing.” – Lachlan Campbell​

Building a Career Without a Safety Net

• “I had no formal training, no plan—just the decision to go all in and figure it out.” – Lachlan Campbell​

Moving Abroad & Surfing in a Different Culture

• “You’ll never meet a more stoked group of surfers than late-in-life European surfers.” – Lachlan Campbell​

Resources:

• Follow Lachlan: Connect with him on Instagram at @thesurfingcopywriter.
• The Surfing Copywriter: Learn more about his work at www.thesurfingcopywriter.com.
• Join The Surf Société: A space for women surfers to connect, grow, and improve their surfing. Join Here.

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Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever dreamed of designing a life around surfing, Lachlan’s story is proof that it’s possible. Whether you want to freelance, move abroad, or s

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Confessions of a Surf Lady, women's surfing podcast, is supported by The Surf Société, our unique digital women's surfing platform where we come together to Learn More. Surf Better. Live Happy. Learn more at Surfsoc