Who said growing old meant missing out on adventure?
Certainly not 80-year-old Donna Holmes.
With the encouragement of her granddaughter, Holmes has embraced the thrill of the ocean and conquered a new hobby: surfing.
Donna’s remarkable journey unfolded on a birthday trip to Fiji.
In a video shared by her pro-surfer granddaughter, Brisa Hennessy, Holmes is seen embarking on a mission to master the art of surfing. The Instagram post, which quickly went viral, showcases the dynamic duo’s preparations on a boat, practicing on a yoga mat and eventually riding the tropical waves.
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“What’s your initial thoughts?” Hennessy playfully asked her grandmother on the boat, to which Holmes jokes, “I’m gonna die,” quickly followed by a confident, “No, I’m going to do fine.”
With Hennessy providing guidance from the back of the surfboard, Holmes fearlessly conquered the waves, bringing joy and pride to her granddaughter. The video not only went viral on social media but also caught the attention of a notable Fijian pro surfer who praised the octogenarian’s moxie.
Reflecting on the experience, Hennessy shared in an interview, “We had nothing going on that day, and so I was like, ‘Grandma, we are going surfing!'” She highlighted her grandmother’s adventurous nature, describing her as a “firecracker, no-hold-back, adventure-seeker, arms- and hearts-wide-open lady.”
Photo courtesy of Bessa Hennessy/Instagram
Later, the two caught up a Fijian pro surfer who made sure Holmes knew how amazing she was. “That was a nice wave you caught,” he said.
You just got to catch a wave and have fun.”
Hennessy, a professional athlete herself, emphasized her grandmother’s commitment to a healthy lifestyle, engaging in activities like yoga, line dancing, meditation, walking, biking and more. “It’s the combination of her genuine curiosity and zest for life that keeps her so young and vibrant,” she said.
Describing the special bond with her grandmother, Hennessy expressed, “There is something about sharing the love of surfing and reliving the magic of riding your first wave, especially with someone you love.” She added that her grandmother has been her biggest cheerleader since she was 2 years old, supporting her at every contest.
“She is so young at heart but she has the wisest soul, we truly can do anything together and talk about everything together,” Hennessy said. “She is my best friend and one of my biggest inspirations and aspirations in my life.”
“I think it’s the combination of her genuine curiosity and zest for life that keeps her so young and vibrant,” she explained, adding that Holmes is also “an incredible artist, cook, gardener, and knitter.”
Hennessy hopes that others draw inspiration from her grandma’s story. “Life is so short so do the ‘thing’ you’ve been wanting to do!'”
“Anything is possible with an open mind, heart and a curious soul!” she added.
Watch below for this cowabunga grandma catching waves!
