Imagine playing in the ocean for living, jetsetting to the world’s best beaches and dating a hot Aussie surfer, all at the tender age of 21. Billabong surfer Alana Brennan seems to have it all. She can swim, bake, spend 15 hours straight in an aeroplane and still look smokin’ hot. Want to know her secrets? So did we.

What’s the best thing about being in the water for a living?

It was my dream for so long and now it’s come true. I’m so grateful for that. I never feel far away from home (Hawaii) in the ocean. No matter how long I’m gone, or how far away from home I am, the ocean always gives me that comfort.

What’s your scariest surfing experience?

I remember when I was 12 or 13 surfing my local spot in Hawaii on a rising swell and trying to make it over this set, but each wave just got bigger and bigger that I couldn’t make it. I got so hammered I dont know how long I got held down for, but it seemed like forever. I hit the bottom a couple of times and felt like I was going to black out. When I came up I got washed all the way in and was seeing stars (not to mention the nice reef cuts all over my feet and legs. I remember thinking I almost died! I guess what doesn’t kill you only makes you stronger. I wouldn’t think anything of it today but the feeling of that wipeout sticks out in my memory.

What’s the best compliment you have ever received?

Someone once told me that I made them feel safe. I thought that was really cool. It made me feel really special and it’s not a compliment that people get often, so it meant a lot to me. Especially because it was from someone I really loved, and it made me happy that I had that effect.

You travel to surf spots all over the globe. What’s always in your suitcase?

I try to pack light and only bring the necessities, but I always carry sunscreen, coconut body butter, manoi tahiti oil and a deep moisturising vitamin E face cream. A Lancome bronzer brush is also a staple in my make-up bag. It evens everything out and gives you an extra glow without it looking too much. Less is more.

How to you protect your skin from being in the sun and surf all day?

I use Ella Bache zinc on my face, Alba Botanicals body screen, as well as a shirt or a rashie to cover up my back. I moisturise with Body Shop body butter, Victoria’s Secret garden collection and cocoa butter. If you’re always in the sun and water, put Monoi Oil on the tips of your hair after getting out of the shower and it protects it from drying out.

How do you keep fit when you’re not in the surf?

I like to take long walks. Walking gives you time to yourself and it’s great way to stay toned. I also just love playing in the water or dancing, because it’s so much fun you don’t realise that it’s exercise!

What’s your tried and tested tip for staying in bikini-ready shape?

Eat healthily, and make sure that you’re burning as much as you’re eating. If you’re eating right, it isn’t all that hard to do. I love snacking on baby carrots.

Which celeb’s style to do you adore and why?

I really like Kate Hudson’s look. She always looks comfortable, classy and glamorous at the same time. She doesn’t try too hard. Whatever she wears looks like it’s a reflection of who she is and she keeps it really natural.

How do you go from the beach to a party and still look glamorous and fabulous?

The right outfit is all a question of the right attitude. Act as though you’re comfortable with how you’re dressed and you’ll never look or feel out of place.