Sport is both a passion and a coping mechanism for Juliana Bahr-Thomson.
As a child, she tried every sport she could get her hands on, from gymnastics, springboard diving, soccer and lifesaving.
Only now is she starting to discover her drive to succeed was also a way to cope with the abuse she was suffering at home.
The NSW lifeguard and domestic violence survivor is hoping to inspire other victims by jumping on her paddle board and paddling 1000km from Newcastle to Noosa over 43 days.
"This paddle is my voice and symbol; it is my way of representing the struggle and personal battles I have overcome in my life," she told AAP.
Calling herself a mermaid with a message, the 28-year-old will battle shark-infested waters to paddle the 1000km to set a world record, all while raising awareness for the White Ribbon foundation and for environmental conservation.
"I fell into sport, using it as a coping mechanism," she said.
"I still rely on sport heavily to keep me sane."
With a routine that starts at 4am and includes hours of swimming, paddling and excruciating gym sessions, Bahr-Thomson has been prepping for the paddle for two years.
Two torn Achilles tendons and recent foot surgery didn't stop her from training every day.
"I've been out at sea paddling in a giant boot, with the busted leg," she said.
"I've paddled past men in fishing boats and they've just lost it (laughing)."
Bahr-Thomson found the urge to up the stakes when she completed a 180km solo prone paddle from Newcastle to Bondi Beach over three and a half days in 2015.
A small headwind almost derailed her ride on the first day.
"At one point I was paddling on the same spot for two hours, looking at the same sand dune," she said.
"That was demoralising."
With no water safety, no people around her, stopping wasn't an option.
"You've already started, you've just got to get there," she said.
The wind and swell patterns this time of year along the east coast will hopefully help her tackle the much larger challenge.
Coming forward with her story hasn't been easy. Since going public, Bahr-Thomson has suffered from anxiety and guilt, and received backlash for her honesty.
"I've been scrutinised and I've had some incredibly nasty text messages, which you can also class as domestic violence," she said.
"It kind of frustrates me, but if you look at the bigger picture, I'm doing something about it. Not everyone has that courage."
Juliana Bahr-Thomson will start her paddle on June 26 at Newcastle Harbour (Shoal Bay), and hopes to finish 43 days later at Noosa Heads.
To support her journey and to donate, visit www.mermaidwithamessage.com.au
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