LJ Strike

MY NOMAD
LEAD DECKHAND, DIVE INSTRUCTOR AND PHOTOGRAPHER

Introducing LJ

Lia Johnson-Strike or LJ as she’s usually known is Lead Deckhand / Dive instructor and Photographer on board the beautiful Motor Yacht Nomad. An essential part of this dedicated crew for over 18 months, LJ has travelled everywhere from Florida to the Caribbean. Across to Panama and up to Costa Rica, Mexico and California. Down to the Galapagos Islands. 3650nm across to French Polynesia, then to Tonga, Fiji and onto Australia and, of course, the Mediterranean.

Multi-talented doesn’t even begin to describe LJ and we are overwhelmingly happy that she has joined our Ambassador Program. As well as rising way above the challenge of being a female deckhand in a male dominated department, LJ manages to combine her passion for the water and outdoor activities with a phenomenal creative flair for all types of photography.

What Do you do for fun?

My idea of fun consists of anything outdoors. Whether it be skiing, scuba diving, hiking, 4wheel driving, camping, rock climbing, or free diving. You’ll always find me outside soaking up the sunshine somewhere. I like to read books on mindfulness, languages, and ancient history. I’m also known to paint in watercolour and make Japanese origami when I get chance.

Besides the outdoors, I would say the thing I’m most passionate about is photography. Giving the gift of memories to others and myself is such a fantastic feeling. I can see the world in such a unique way; noticing the finer details and capturing it forever is so special. When I’m out taking photos, it also provides me with a chance to be able to zone out and just focus on what’s in front of me. Taking in all of nature. Underwater, drone, abstract, landscape and astrophotography, I love it all.

What Makes Motor Yacht Nomad Unique?

Nomad is a 55m/180ft 2019 Amels. She’s a real beauty, but I’m also super biased. The colour of her ‘Navy Nomad Blue’ hull means she stands out no matter where she goes. She’s a head-turner, that’s for sure.

Nomad embraces everything that is the ocean. 90% of our program focuses on being in, on and under the water. You won’t find a more hard-working, energetic and dedicated crew to make your time onboard a lifetime memory. Anything from Bluewater and spearfishing to scuba diving, snorkelling, inflatables, towables, sea bobs, E-Foil, jet skis, wakeboard boat and our brand new 47ft fishing tender.

What’s Some of Your Favourite Moments On Board?

There are so many! From diving with over 1000 spinner dolphins in Costa Rica to snorkelling the crystal-clear waters of the Bahamas, swimming with whale sharks in La Paz, Mexico. Having our own private beach setup on a sandbar in the Bahamas and dolphins swimming off the bow in Catalina Island, California.

I have to say the time I spend in the water stands out the most. Being able to capture and photograph all the memories for not only myself but for our owner and his family is just incredible. Working with a deck crew of like-minded people who are more like family than colleagues makes every day worthwhile.

What Do You Love about FunAir?

I live for the ocean and everything it offers; I also live for fun and FunAir does a great job of combing those passions. The fun and entertainment the kids get from our FunAir inflatables keeps going from sunrise to sunset.

One of my favourite products is the Playground climbing frame with mini slide. I love playing with the kids on that, especially when its set up next to the Beach Club Sea Pool so we can slide straight into the netted swim area. The three-story Yacht Slide we have provides all the thrills and we’ve had a LOT of fun flying through the air with the BigAir Blob!

Find out More about LJ