Layne Beachley reveals she nearly quit as she was battling chronic fatigue

Layne Beachley has revealed she was only five years in when she first wanted to quit surfing — and at that time she was No. 2 in the world.

Layne Beachley was five years in when she first wanted to quit surfing.

She was battling chronic fatigue, working 60 hours a week in four different jobs and getting a measly $8000 a year from her major sponsor — and she was No. 2 in the world.

It’s those inequalities that got her involved in Bold Moves: How To Stand Up, Step Out And Make Your Next Bold Move, written by Ella Bache CEO Pippa Hallas.

Former pro surfer Layne Beachley, pictured with CEO of Ella Bache Pippa Hallas, will be featured in a book about successful women. Picture: Tim Pascoe

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Hallas wrote about her own story and how other successful women, including Beachley and journalist Tracey Spicer, overcame adversity.

Beachley went on to win six world titles — and women’s surfing now boasts equal pay.

“It’s about owning my achievements, and being aware of how hard I’ve worked, and not being afraid to share them with others,” Beachley told Confidential.

“Everyone sees the end result, nobody sees the s. t you go through to get there.”

Hallas became the CEO of Ella Bache at age 33 — her grandmother is Madame Bache herself.

Beachley worked 60 hours a week in four different jobs to fund her surfing dreams. Picture: Troy Snook

Not only has she carried the responsibility of being a third-generation business owner in an increasingly competitive market, she also lost her mother last year.

“I just wanted to share the stories of my family and the stories of the amazing Australian women I’ve met throughout my career,” she said.

“I stepped up into CEO when I was 33. I may have seemed poised and calm on the outside but it certainly wasn’t like that on the inside.

“They say the third generation blows everything: first creates it, second maintains it, third blows it.”

She has gone on to win six titles. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Hallas said it wasn’t just a business book, but also about women supporting each other and taking pride in their achievements.

“When you get put into a position where you are the only woman in the room, you have to own your voice. That takes courage and the more you do it, the better you’ll get.”

Bold Moves is available from April 1.

Originally published as Layne Beachley reveals she nearly quit as she was battling chronic fatigue