Sandrine Hamel

When training goes from this To shoveling snow in the back yard. Gotta do what you gotta do! Boats just got stored away for winter and I’m already counting the days ... before I can get back on the water!!! @infinitebluesurfski @vaikobi @zealoptics #canadianathletesproblems #frozenfun #exploremore #findyourzeal #paddlinglife #surfski #oceanracing See more

spread love not rona #trailrunningselfies

See you in a few months yellow weapon. Swopping racing mals for trail shoes and skis This will be my first off season in 5 years. First winter at home. First year without a World Cup tour or a World Championship. ... First year without this massive surf racing dream of mine. First year without living at the rythm of the ocean. Feeling a little lost. Accepting this big uncontrollable shift is one thing, Living with it daily is another. Longing for the day my toes will finally be in the ocean. Until then, I’ll be discovering the mountainside! Time to chase some new goals @zealoptics @otherseabikini @infinitebluesurfski #exploremore #findyourzeal See more

TIS THE SEASON (kinda) I’m soooo flipping grateful to be stuck at home and to be living autumn for once! Time to get outside and climb as many mountains as a human possibly can. And drink a ridiculous amount of tea. Bring on the return of #armchairadventures for a month! ... Stay safe legends, wear a mask & go play outside! @zealoptics @pksanscartier @zealoptics @capeclasp #exploremore #findyourzeal #autumn #fallingforfall #passionautomne #quebec #codered

Only thing that’s better than the smell of the ocean? The smell of autumn @zealoptics @marielau_blanchard #exploremore #findyourzeal #explorecanada #autumn

So life went from : Living by the ocean, pursuing my biggest paddling dream, chasing swells and never really bothering to wear shoes... To : ... Chasing groms around high school because they lost their masks, trying to deal with online university while i’m teaching an English class, learning to become a Phys Ed teacher (and getting over it by Friday so I let my 9th graders play spikeball the entire period). *And this is what I look like on Saturday morning, finding some peace at @cafewaves_ to grade papers.* Life’s been uhm... different, but oh so challenging and interesting! Definitely slipped me out of my comfort zone, but loving every single moment of it. Excited to see what these groms will have to teach me this year... All I know for now, is that I’d still rather get a 12ft set on the head than have to deal with 30 hungry teenagers at 2nd period. @cafewaves_ @zealoptics @sealandgear #exploremore #newchallenges #coffeelover #saturdaymorning #misssandy #teachersrock #findyourzeal

morning groove // @otherseabikini

YESTERDAY WAS UNREAL. 26km crossing. At home. Dawn patrol. 2h21 min. ... My head is still spinning. Huge thanks to @pksanscartier for being the best partner I could’ve asked for. Thanks to everyone who came and supported. Finally can say, feels epic to be home. Such a special opportunity. Huge shoutout to @baiebeauport for making it happen. More to come! @molokai2oahu #anythinggoes @otherseabikini @zealoptics @radicalshop @infinitebluesurfski @vaikobi @barkboards #pronepaddleboard #worldchamps See more

View from the morning lefts and rights is a little different here in Canada than on the swamp back in Cape Town. Missing the company and the banter though. Counting down the days until I can kick @daniel.m.jacobs butt again. @allwavecanoe @vaikobi @infinitebluesurfski @zealoptics #findyourzeal #exploremore #surfski #canoe #oceanracing

Set up for the summmmmmmer A little girls dream : her board and her truck. Huge thanks to @pcminnovation for letting me use this beauty to get around while I’m in Canada. I thought I’d customize it a bit. // Slowly getting back into the swing of paddling. Excited to see everyone on the water again! ... Until then, getting ready for some all time virtual racing #molokai2oahu (merci annie pour le prime iphone content) @zealoptics @southbirdsurfshop @infinitebluesurfski #exploremore #canadianpaddleleague #findyourzeal See more

World Ocean Day How much do I miss being a beach grom? Nothing feels better than sand, salt and knots in your hair from a proper day in the waves! Being away from the ocean today, with everything that’s going on in the world, really makes me realize how grateful I am for this endless playground and safe place. Let’s protect it and respect it the way we should, so we can keep on playing! ... Healthy ocean = Healthy planet. Be considerate of marine life, Keep beaches and waterways clean, Get involved & spread the word about the need for ocean conservation! @zealoptics #worldoceanday #exploremore #findyourzeal #byronbay See more

Gave the #springclassic a crack this morning for the @cdnpdlleague ! To be honest, I didn’t want to take part in any online racing this summer. I felt like nothing could be worst than posting your results for everyone to see when you know you’re nowhere near top form and you’re almost ashamed of your results. After not training for almost 4 months now, this is my second week on the water but I still got it done and I guess I’m doing this for everyone else who feels like th...ey’re going backwards. I hadn’t even hit the 3km mark and I was already telling myself meh I’ll just stop at 4km and have breakky with mum. It’s kak hard to motivate yourself when there’s no team, no coach, no one to keep you accountable. I guess I’m just happy I show up for myself every morning to get on the water! I know the rest will come in time. Hopefully I’ll look at these results in a year and be incredibly proud of how far I’ve come. Still, it’s never easy to see how much you’ve lost in so little time. // Try not to compare yourself too much, don’t be too hard on yourself and be stoked for every little daily wins! Thanks to everyone for the support. Flipping grateful to be home with the fam in our endless Canadian playground. @infinitebluesurfski @vaikobi @zealoptics #surfskilifestyle #oceanracing #canada #paddlecanada #canoekayak #oceanperformance #exploremore #findyourzeal #lockdown #athletemotivation @ Lac Sept-Îles See more

TESTING OUT NEW WEAPONS!! Times have been slow, extremely challenging and mostly freezing here in Canada. Now that the weather is getting warmer and the spirits are getting higher, I am lucky enough to be testing out the new Carbon All Wave DNA 580 from Kayak Ideal ! Can’t wait to give it a proper spin. Also just recieved my new Vaikobi dry bag and I’m frothing big time. All set to carry all my VCold gear and paddling equipment! ... Taking this time to tackle some lefts and rights and get back into rythm before life gets too busy again! Stay safe, paddle away from crowds

you know it’s cold when your surfski is frosted from the night before and you’re wearing your 4 1/2 / 3 1/2 surf wetsuit with a hood. i was waiting for some positive digits on the thermometer this morning... but i seriously just couldn’t wait any longer. season is officially started choms, get stoked ... @zealoptics @infinitebluesurfski @vaikobi @southbirdsurfshop #exploremore #findyourzeal #oceanracing #paddling #surfskilifestyle #explorecanada See more

Isolation bloom time to get messy and grow some roots! I wrote a blog post with @zealoptics about how to start your own home garden during lockdown. Stay stoked, stay inspired. Link in my bio! #exploremore #armchairadventures #findyourzeal #indoored #learnsomethingnew

Dying for post downwind hugs and laughs! Ergo sessions on my ace got me missing my crazy paddling humans. @infinitebluesurfski @fennkayaks @vaikobi #surfski #oceanracing #petemarlinsurfskirace #downwind #chasingdolphins #toomuchbanter

old memories coming up during lockdown just mum & dad busy sailing the 90’s away // i’m sure i’m not the only one back in the family nest during these uncertain times and i couldn’t be more grateful for my parents right now. hope everyone is taking the time to tell the people they love how important they are. #spreadthelove #couplegoals

This year wasn’t for us. This year was for them. And it all got taken away. 2020 World Surf Lifesaving Champs are officially cancelled. // Lots of things we can’t control now and it saddens me to see athletes all around the world with shattered dreams and lost purposes. I’m back in Canada, with no aim, no plan, no idea what is going to happen. We sacrifice all we have, put everything towards our wildest goals knowing the risks, yet I don’t think anyone saw this coming. Tha...nks to @lifesavingsport in Canada for the endless support, to @llandudno.lifesaving for the best club I could hope for and to everyone involved in my athlete’s career. This year, the @lslc_worlds2020 team decided to make our Worlds Campaign a way of giving back to the @sentinelocean Hout Bay Surf Club and inspire the next generation of lifesavers. To get the kids out of the streets and into the ocean. In light of what’s happened, I understand I won’t be racing for a world title this year, but I realize what’s hurting me the most is not being able to continue doing what we love and sharing our passion. No podium step is worth the reward of being part of a beautiful, elevating community. I guess that’s just one of the many things I’ve learnt living in South Africa and it’s a big lesson for everyone this year. When all you’ve put your efforts into gets taken away, what are you left with? What can you still be proud of? What legacy are you leaving behind? Huge shout out to @franksolomon for being the best big brother, inspiration and role model. Everyone should know about your incredible implication and the hard work you’ve put into building this Surf Club. // So yea, sorry about the long post, but please go have a look at what they’re achieving and give @sentinelocean a follow! Hopefully I’ll find a way to get back there soon enough to join the fun! Until then, let’s use this time to rest, reset our goals and start fresh. @zealoptics @zealoptics_explorer @officialmauijim @vaikobi @vaikobi_south_africa @southbirdsurfshop @krackausa @infinitebluesurfski #coronavirus #lifesaving #worldchamps #exploremore #findyourzeal #zealoptics See more

feels like this would be the safest place at the moment all responsibilities are on hold... should we just get lost at sea? @mhpaquette @jolynclothing @konabrewingco @barkboards @zealoptics

this is so sad. races and comps are being cancelled. the world is under the most insane pressure & i had to make the tough call to fly home with a 24h notice.... absolutely devastated i had to leave without even being able to say goodbye but there’s some things we just can’t control & so much uncertainty at the moment. to everyone back in cape town, be safe hold tight and i’ll see all of you very soon. hope everyone is with their loved ones. wash your hands & feet kids. thanks for taking such good care of me CT until next time xx @llandudno.lifesaving #coronavirus #doitforsandy #rip See more

just a photo of me studying for my test tomorrow. blissful arvos in africa, would seriously be rude not to get in the ocean can’t blame me. #sorrysir #exploremore #istillpassed #oceanracing #surflifesaving #findyourzeal #krackasurfcraft #llandudno #capetown #ocean

*can’t even tell you the amount of times i’ve given my coach this face - go again, really? but i’ve already done like 20 ins and outs through the surf* practice makes perfect. @mhpaquette // back at it this weekend for province champs after a few too many weeks of much needed rest and being horribly sick. time to take the training wheels off. wind and swell on the radars. keen for this season to finally kick off! ... @zealoptics @vaikobi @krackausa @southbirdsurfshop @jolynclothing See more

Life will always lead you where you can do the most good. Where your presence is needed. All you can do is trust the journey. // View of my new home for the next little while. Flipping excited to get involved with @llandudno.lifesaving @lslc_worlds2020 again in preparation for World Champs!! A year ago I would have never believed I’d end up being a llandudno local. This feels absolutely unreal and terrifying at the same time. Hope this isn’t my final destination. I’ve still got so much to learn and so much to share... but I wouldn’t be mad if it had to be. #rolliepollies #llandudno #capetown #travelafrica #surflifesaving #exploremore #views #goldenhour #travel

I don’t wear prescription glasses. Ever. I used to wear my contacts 24/7 to be ready for the next best adventure. And apparently that’s not lekka for your eyes... (Don’t try this at home kids) When the @officialmauijim ohana came in and made me try these lightweight titanium frames, it definitely was a game changer. I can’t wait for the next adventure to see where these glasses take me! Thank you for looking after me so well, in and out of the ocean! #aloha ... #eyewear #mauijim #exploremore #gifted @marielau_blanchard #winteradventure

When the dog’s more kitted out for winter running than all of us I usually try get in the ocean everyday, so I’ve been trying to get in the snow everyday. Turns out, it’s just as cold and just as wet as the water in Cape Town. Only downfall ; it takes 20 mins to get dressed to go play outside and once all the layers are on, you can’t just wee in your wetsuit. #girlproblems #winterrunning #thesweatlife #wintertraining #stravarun #strava4080 @infinitebluesurfski @lululemon @apogee.sports @ Quebec, Quebec

It's not always sunshine & beach vibes! Lots of work still to be put on this devil's machine before I can hit the water again. Looking forward to a little more action. :P

If some of you are wondering why I keep going back to Cape Town... this is pretty self-explanatory. Epic footage of the 3rd stop on the 2019 World Surf Ski Series in home turf of the best in the business! Felt pretty amazing to be the underdog and finish with the top girls. Watch until the end... Almost time to start banking the KM's again and play in the ocean! Again, humongous thanks to Vaikobi Zeal Optics Infinite Blue for the endless support, this year was a dream come true. And thanks to World Surfski Series for putting together the most incredible events. (Always eat your carbs before the race kids)

All dreams are awesome, no matter if it’s complex or simple, local or global, alone or in team, for tomorrow or in ten years. All equally worthy of pursuing. It’s what makes you feel like every moment has a true purpose. It’s what makes you come alive and it’s what keeps your inner curious pushing over that comfort zone. For me, it’s all about the spirit of great adventures; it gets my blood pumping and my adrenaline peaking and it’s certainly never about the smoothest ride. Make sure you don’t lose sight of those dreams.

practice what you post be fearlessly authentic share less perfection and more of what makes you happy but most of all... embrace your unfiltered self! // sharing this photo of mum and i for @livelife_unfiltered . she definitely is the most authentic woman i know, always showing up as her true self and never scared to share the power of her soul over any looks. i’m pretty lucky i grew up with this model of a strong, raw and accepting mum but not all young girls had this chance. it breaks my heart to see how social media has completely changed the way our world looks at women. and it’s amazing to finally have an opportunity to show the next generations what true beauty is. i mean, being so happy makes us look pretty damn good without a filter!!! #assheis #authenticself @a_sylvain See more

It’s all fun & games when you’re both feet on land! Just me sussing things out with @murdochfinch and looking at what I might have gotten myself into... Officially qualified to take on the Cape Point Challenge in a few weeks time, a 50 odd km paddle around Cape Point and crossing from the Atlantic ocean to the Indian ocean. Let’s see if I can take on this proper challenge. @zealoptics @vaikobi @infinitebluesurfski #findyourzeal #exploremore #oceanracing #capepointchallenge #cantstopthenugget

IT’S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING surgery rehab is officially behind me finally running & hopping on this little beauty feeling fitter and stronger than ever! it’s been incredibly humbling to work my way back up,... but it’s time to see what this nugget can do BIG thanks to @krackausa for making it happen & sorting me out with this weapon @infinitebluesurfski @zealoptics @krackasurfcraftaustralia @jolyncanada @rlsscanada #frothing #surflifesaving See more

No better feeling than racing on home turf. Paddling in glaciers’ water, around islands of pine trees and endless mountains. I am truly blessed to be able to represent this beautiful country on the ocean racing world series, ey. Now all we have to do is wait for the wind and the ocean to work their magic. @zealoptics @fennkayaks @infinitebluesurfski @vaikobi @xs_unified

Crossing the finish line at World Champs 3 months ago VS. Crossing the finish line last friday at sea dog paddle series, 3 weeks post foot surgery! 2 weeks until I get back in the surf on my two feet! Massive shoutout to this legend Harriet Brown for being such an inspiration! Apprently you have to break a foot or two to become the best surf ironwoman out there... Zeal Optics JOLYN XS Unified #surflifesaving #rehabtime #exploremore #findyourzeal @ Adelaide, South Australia

Off the grid and loving the beanies - @xs_unified @southbirdsurfshop

Fanny packs are made to be worn around the waist kids. @sarahkatehaupt #doyouevenfashun #marketmornings #speedmachine

week 9 // practicing the art of surrender and the bravery of trusting ... x. See more

WEEK 8 // sandy diary // Started this week drinking my morning coffee & reading a great book by this remote south african river. My mind if finally clearing up about this whole new injury. For the past week, any time my mind would wander, I couldn’t help but bounce back between all those questions that could never be answered. How could I possibly break the same bone, the same day, 13 months later? Is the universe trying to teach me a lesson? Didn’t I learn enough the first... time? Or maybe it’s only bad luck Sandrine... What I am trying to say is, we try to find answers to ease our conscious mind. Truth is, as soon as you let go of the things you can’t control anymore and focus on your intentions and the million things you can put your energy towards, you realize how much power you give to your mind and eventually, what you are truly capable of. I might not be able to paddle at the moment, or do anything that involves using my legs as a matter of fact!! But if theres one thing I can do, is put all my focus on a quick recovery and all the high frequency humans surrounding me. I realize now the massive impact of the people around me and the positive energy that is shared. I’ve never felt so inspired. After all, I consider myself extremely lucky to be given this time to reset my goals, invest in my relationships and explore the coast line with my 4x4 crutches, until it’s time to send it again. // Thanks to everyone who is making this new challenge a smooth sailing one! Chipmunk is still smiling and ready to get this injury fixed once and for all! @zealoptics @xs_unified @hooked_on_africa_fishing @sashaamor See more

world class family > world class athletes // with this new year throwing some new challenges at me, i’m tackling this little setback with a whole different mindset and a brand new support crew - with of course, as always, the og’s, the all time legends, the parentals. i would never be able to succeed as an athlete and a young woman without all the sacrifices, the time and the effort my family has put into my crazy adventures. this year is all about giving back and showing ...them what i still got in bank. world champs & world cups are still on the radar for me and i’ll definitely be ready to send it. more to come about this racing injury, but for now, i am enjoying coffee and a good book while spending time with the people who uplift me (like physically lift me up and carry me around haha #spoiled). @zealoptics @fishhoeksurf @oceanjunction #teamcanada #worldchamps #surflifesaving #exploremore #findyourzeal See more

not quite how i felt during my first board session back. 8 weeks to be flying again. time to get all the hard yards in bank. // so happy to be back and racing with @fishhoeksurf @zealoptics @oceanjunction @krackasurfcraftaustralia #sandysendit #lifesaving #oceanracing #worldchamps

HAPPY SANDY Yes! I just finished planning my year of 2019... Exciting training, racing & traveling on the menu! New destinations, new opportunities and new challenges for starters. So keen to tackle a fresh season racing in 3 different oceans, ... while reuniting with epic humans to share endless adventures. Massive thanks to everyone supporting this journey! Finished 2018 on a high, but 2019 will be one for the books. Time to send it!! @zealoptics @powerwattsquebec @kayakideal @oceanjunction #exploremore #oceanracing #surflifesaving #grom #travel See more

risked it for the biscuits! still don’t know where my head’s been this week, but at least my arms still knew what to do! pretty happy with how ive been paddling and that i could get a sneaky 6th place in the world, nose to nose with the best girls out there! ... so grateful for everyone that has been a part of this journey @zealoptics @xs_unified @oceanjunction @kayakideal #lifesaving #surfskilifestyle #exploremore #findyourzeal See more

first time standing on a starting block in more than a year. safe to say i missed it. feeling abit overwhelmed, anxious, maybe disappointed, but all in all determined to get this injury out of the way and get back into it. i knew i couldn’t expect much in the pool, yet it’s always hard to see how big the set back is. now that the band-aid is ripped off, it’s time to deliver for the next few days off racing. thanks to everyone for the amazing support @ Adelaide, South Australia

clubbie caps back on first weekend of racing in almost a year pretty keen to hit the beach @alexandramahony @xs_unified @zealoptics @oceanjunction #surflifesaving #funstuff #nippers

hey you i love you and i miss you and i think we should go back @marie.charlotte.h @dafinhi #sistersadventures #maui #tb @southbirdsurfshop #alwaussummer #live808

E X P L O R E M O R E feels like a dream to join the @zealoptics team so excited for what’s to come! cheers for supporting my crazy adventures and creating the most wicked lenses out there ... // all polarized & eco friendly @zealoptics_explorer @zealoptics @officialmauijim #findyourzeal #zealoptics #plantbased #mauijimfamily #exploremore See more

last weekend home off to south africa then back to australia for some epic racing enjoying the last days of summer at home with my #1 man! feels amazing to see all that’s came out of this year’s tragedy of the foot injury it shifted from what could be the end of my career, my life, my relationships to an open door of endless opportunities ... i took every bit of positive energy i had left and pushed myself to new challenges surrounded myself with wicked humans and finally trusted the process still, i never thought the outcome would be incredible. #keepgrounded #endlesslove #goldendoodle #femaleathlete #roadtoworlds See more

so according to poles i should stick to ocean rather get waves on the head than rocks #whistler #wintergal #mountaineer #alaise #pentoute #comfortzone

back to back racing in flat conditions defiantly didn’t play in my favor but so happy i got to paddle with some world series legends ! massive thanks @deepcovekayak @thinkkayak.global for supporting me in my first international downwind sure will be aiming for a bigger piece of wood next year

5 skis 1 car and a frothing little grom safe to say i’ll remember my first paddle back in Squamish thanks legends @niclowe_paddleformentalhealth @blackie5721 @dawidmocke

today i’m grateful for my ohana (and for my mum’s ever-lasting-youth genes, god bless her) #40goingon20 @a_sylvain @marie.charlotte.h @marielau_blanchard @felix_blancrotte

surfski season is in full swing and i’m pretty stoked to be one of the first lucky nippers to paddle the new epic SLS10 in north america! cheers @kayakideal & @epickayaks #newweapon #coachesofinstagram #epickayak #surflifesaving

Still pretty grateful of everything I have (including a 6th metatarsus in my right foot now) You’re the most frustrating idiot on this planet but oh well I can’t really go anywhere can I ? @joelerskine #christmastime #grateful #holidayblues

Replacing snow for white water once again this year @southbirdsurfshop /// We’re bringing @krackasurfcraftaustralia stock and custom boards to Canada next summer and you’ve got two last weeks to order! Discounts for affiliated athletes or clubs Heaps of goodies and surprises coming aswell... DM or email me for more info on how to become a part of the team #krackacanada !! #surflifesaving @lifesavingsocietyontario @lifesavingsport

Want to look like this in Nova Scotia next year? Or surf the great lakes on your brand new racing mal Get your Kracka now DM for more info about 's best surfcraft. #krackasurfcraft @joelerskine (please don't hate me) #inthegreenroom #gnar #barrels #hesthatgood #discogettingshacked

Bunny hopping on a brand new board this season ... and spoiler alert it's not on a . Stay tuned Canada, something's coming our way ... #stoked #newride #newsurfcraft #lifesaving @rouvillesurfclub

Still have to pinch myself thinking I was just crowned Canada's best ironwoman. What a weekend Massive thanks to @mhpaquette for the ... uhm... patience. I guess this year is ours @rouvillesurfclub #surflifesaving #superclubbie #rouvillesurfclub

Aaaaand we're off Pretty stoked to be racing on the east coast for a second time this summer. Let's bring home the title @rouvillesurfclub #novascotia #lifesaving #southshoremontrealforthewin

Super bel article qui présente notre sport! Merci au Journal de Québec pour leur appui.

Drone fun with @jianca_lazarus ! @dolphinsurfcraft #lifesaving #drone #jiancalazarusphoto

Still hard to believe that I was just named Junior Athlete of the Year after my first attempt in this crazy sport. Huge thanks to @mhpaquette and @marie.charlotte.h for their patience... @rouvillesurfclub #humble

CAN #waimeabay #snohawaii #rouvillesurfclub @rouvillesurfclub #jiancalazarusphoto

Tough day at work back in Hi Make sure you don't miss the first episode of SNO HAWAII @vraktv on may 3rd #jiancalazarusphoto #snohawaii #vraktv #hawaii #vedettes #lifeguards #baywatch #beachbabes

Les championnats australiens sont annulés aujourd'hui et demain en raison du cyclone qui touche la Gold Coast... On croise les doigts pour reprendre la compétition ce weekend

Surfcom, Surfcom, Tugun patrol is ready to roll! #sandyonduty #lifesaving #tugunsurfclub #goldcoast #surfrescue @tugunslscseniors

Sorry mum, I'm never coming back. #jolynclothing #lauriethephotographer #beachlife #goldcoast #australia :: @lauriedepault

Canada rep on aussie beaches! Couldn't be more proud of our teammate Dan for his win in the sprint relay #gocanada

Once again, I stepped on the podium for my 3rd place in the 200 Superlifesaver! Truly honored to be able to represent my country internationally. I might have been the only medalist from Canada this weekend, but it's only the beginning!! Bring on German Cup