Slow Flow: Malin Gustavsson

Malin is building more than strong bodies, she’s cultivating a cool coastal lifestyle too. Let’s meet Malin Gustavsson.

 Malin, what got you into surfing? 

I started surfing while I was travelling Australia with my partner, he was a surf instructor back then, but I was never consistent enough to properly improve. So every summer I’d basically have to start from scratch again.

But a few years back, surfing became my escape from my busy work life. It was honestly the only thing I wanted to do on weekends, and that’s when it really turned into something I fell in love with.

How did you get into Pilates and how often do you practice a week?

I started Pilates in Raglan at the best studio ever, Lifted, and I completely fell in love with it. Pretty soon after, I decided to do my teacher training, and I’ve been teaching there ever since, which is crazy because that was about eight years ago now.

I honestly breathe Pilates. I do a little bit most days, but for me it’s more about consistency than smashing out one big workout. Some days it’s just mobility and recovery, and other days I’m like… okay let’s feel the burn.

What do you love about New Zealand?

New Zealand has such a calm energy. People are really friendly, nature is everywhere, and life feels slower (in the best way). It’s super outdoorsy, and I think that’s what I fell in love with the most.

Why is Pilates so good for surfers?

Pilates is honestly one of the best things you can do as a surfer. Surfing is so demanding on your body, especially your shoulders, hips and lower back and Pilates strengthens all those areas in such a balanced way.

It helps so much with core stability, mobility, posture and control, and it makes you stronger in the best possible way. It also really helps with injury prevention, because you build strength in the smaller stabilising muscles that surfing needs.

And the biggest thing is balance. Pilates teaches you control and body awareness, which transfers straight into surfing.

How important is it to stay strong when you’re surfing?

I think it’s so important. Even if you only surf sometimes, strength and mobility make such a huge difference. Surfing is unpredictable, and being strong helps you avoid injuries, recover faster, and just enjoy it more.

Plus, paddling is honestly hard work, so building strength makes the whole experience way more fun and less exhausting.

How has your body and mindset changed since living by the ocean and teaching in this environment? 

Living by the ocean has made me feel much more connected to nature and my body. Surfing keeps you humble, Pilates keeps you strong, and the environment keeps you grounded.

Mentally, I feel calmer and more present. I listen to my body more now.

I’ve been teaching outdoor Pilates for surf women here in Raglan alongside The Dames. It feels so aligned to combine my love for surfing and Pilates in nature. The Dames, led by Nina, have created such a supportive and empowering surf club for women in the surf, and I feel really lucky to be part of it.

Apart from that, I’ve been teaching on a weekly schedule at Lifted Pilates studio in town for the past seven years.

What does your typical day look like?

My days here are pretty simple but really enjoyable. A typical day is coffee first (always!), then checking the surf and trying to get in the water if the conditions are good. After that it’s usually work stuff, admin, planning, teaching Pilates and then catching up with friends for beach walks and swims.

And of course, watching the sunset… they’re absolutely unreal in Raglan. Then bed early because I love an early start and need my beauty sleep 🤭