If you’ve been feeling the need for something uplifting lately, you may well find it in the story of local surfer and surf coach Karin Ochsner.
Karin lives with a rare immune condition that makes things that many of us take for granted – like living indoors, wearing normal clothes, and eating regular food – potentially life-threatening.
It has forced her to live her life out in the elements with little protection beyond a basic tarp or umbrella, to regularly change her environment, and to be incredibly careful about what she puts in and near her body.
But somehow, Karin has found a way to lead an extraordinary life: sharing her gifts as a surf coach, explorer and adventure guide, and inspiring people with her story.
This tale of healing and thriving against all odds is the subject of a new documentary, ‘Surviving to Thriving’, which premiers at Byron Theatre at 6.30pm on November 8.
Following on from Karin’s first documentary Surfing to Survive, the second film tracks her challenges and triumphs as she confronts her deepest fears and past traumas.
This includes having to live outdoors during the 2022 floods, having a heart-pounding interaction with a shark, and being forced to move around to cope with her condition.
It is also a story of healing, documenting Karin’s growing insight and understanding of her health challenges.
‘The process of making this film has helped me a lot in understanding my illness better and also for getting the support I needed to travel back to the places where my health is best at certain times of the year,’ Karin says.
Karin describes the documentary as a ‘real community baby’, being created and funded through the efforts of many talented locals who have donated their professional skills for free or for a very good price.
It features Northern Rivers legends such as Delta Kay, former surf champion Pauline Menczer, and well-known surfers such as Kieren Perrow, Joel Fitzgerald and Joel Paxton.
Former surfing world champion Layne Beachley is also in the mix, along with outdoor professional David Summers, and Scientist Leo Guida.
For more information or to purchase a ticket for the film premier go to www.surfingtosurvive.com.
You can also support Karin and her film by participating in a raffle to win a custom made Joel Fitzgerald surfboard featuring artwork by Ozzie wright. Tickets are available at www.surfingtosurvive.com.
