Leonie Anholts
Surf Photographer
Goal:
My goal is to create a community where women feel safe, supported and empowered to live the lives they have always dreamed of using surf photography.
A Bit About Leonie
Originally from the Netherlands, Leonie Anholts fell in love with Raglan and decided to make it her home. She vividly remembers the first photo, which inspired her to become a surf photographer. Starting with a small analogue camera, she learned new skills and shared her photos on Instagram, quickly building a supportive community of women surfers who met daily in Raglan.
That community spirit has become the basis of her work. Leonie offers women’s surf events and retreats throughout New Zealand where women can learn from each other, meet other surfers, and create new communities as they venture into the challenging world of surfing. Her work welcomes men as well as women into the possibilities of a more inviting and less aggressive surfing culture.
Through her global online photography presence, Leonie captures and celebrates the beauty, softness and wildness of women in the water, showcasing the strength, skills and grace of women surfers. By sharing her photos, Leonie invites others to join the surfing community, promoting inclusivity and a deeper connection to nature.
Leonie’s work is making a positive difference in the Waikato community and beyond, fostering a sense of belonging and encouraging everyone to embrace their own connections with the ocean.
