Our New Surf Hat Collab Drops Soon!
From reef dives to rocky coastlines—something new with Maddi is coming. Known for her missions to remote ocean pools for swims Maddi and her page @she.who.explores is giving adventure fomo.
Full interview below and a tease of what’s to come!
She Who Explores x Plow Launching early Sept.
***PSA this is not the hat that is dropping...we are keeping the design under wraps for now ;)
Above Maddi with her first ever plow hat! <3
Tell us about yourself. Who is Maddi, aka She Who Explores?
I’m Maddi — a professional photographer, ocean lover, and full-time explorer. Through She Who Explores, I document life on the road, exploring tropical islands and beneath the waves. From wild coastlines to remote reefs, I’m always chasing the feeling of being free, salty, and inspired.
What first sparked your love for coastal adventures and travel photography?
I was very lucky to grow up on the South Coast of NSW with the ocean at my door step. All the ocean sports, I did with surfing being the main one that all my family and I share together. I picked up a camera young and fell in love with capturing the wild beauty of where land meets sea — and all the raw, fleeting moments that come with it.
What does the name She Who Explores mean to you?
It’s more than just a name — it’s a way of life. To me, it’s about curiosity, courage, and creating your own path. It’s for the women who seek salt, stars, and stories — who say yes to adventure, yes to themselves and trust the journey.
What drew you to collaborate with Plow Surf Co.?
Plow’s values felt aligned with my own — thoughtful design, ocean lifestyle, and a grounded Aussie spirit. Most importantly, the work Plow do to help educate beach goers on sun safety as well as making sun safety “sexy” - It felt like the perfect fit to create something that was both beautiful and functional, with roots in the places we love most.
Can you share the inspiration behind the design of your collaboration hat?
The design was inspired by one of my favourite local beaches back home in Tassie — a quiet stretch of coastline scattered with hundreds of delicate shells. It’s a place that feels soft and feminine, grounding and nostalgic — and I wanted to bottle that feeling into something wearable.
What do you want people to feel when they wear this hat?
Like they’re carrying a little piece of the coast with them. I want them to feel free-spirited, playful, and connected to nature — like they’re always just one salty breeze away from their next adventure.
How does your lifestyle and time on the road shape what you wear and carry with you?
I laughed when I read this. We are currently living out of my 4x4 / foot top tent set up called vinnie and let me tell you, we’ve made more room for surfboards, dive gear and other beach related equipment over our own personal clothing etc. We live at the beach… nice date night outfits? NOPE try more like 100 bikinis, 30 wetsuits and a few plow co surf hats.
What’s something you always look for in a good adventure hat?
Finding functional gear that’s stylish and cute I think is hard. Plow blends those together seamlessly
How do you balance style and functionality when you’re creating or exploring?
Function over fashion. Always. I actually have a rule when living minimal on the road - if it doesn’t serve two purposes it doesn’t get packed.
Favourite beach or surf spot you’ve visited recently?
Oh - I can’t give my favourites away! Haha
We’ve been spending a lot of time on the Ningaloo Reef lately where all the beaches are just magical! Fun surf, beautiful reef and awesome seafood. We feel really lucky!
What’s one item (besides your hat) you never travel without?My camera gear - you never know when the perfect capture will be. It’s how I share the world and the way I view it, truly it’s apart of me.
Where will you be taking your Plow hat next?
As I write this we are packing up from Exmouth, WA and going overseas to Fiji for my first international expedition - running group trips to the Yasawa islands.
What’s next for She Who Explores?
I have really felt over the last year that finding a home base is more my calling than being on the road fulltime. But that won’t stop opportunities for more ocean adventures, more storytelling, and some exciting new creative projects in the works — including retreats and collaborations that celebrate the saltwater lifestyle. I’m always exploring… and always evolving, I even keep myself on my toes as I just don’t know what’s around the corner!
