Name / nickname

Major, Miss Major, A-Maje

Age

Dirty 30!

Home town / where you’re based now -

From Auckland originally, but I've spent my entire life coming down to Tairua since my mum had roots here from the 60s! Tairua was always my favourite place to go and escape Auckland so when I became a teacher and finalised my registration, I quit my job, went to Hawaii and watched JJF win his second title at Pipe, and moved into the fam bach - that was 2017! Now I live here with my partner, Ben, and we bought our first home in 2023. Couldn't love a place more! 

Occupation / what you do outside the water -

I am in my 10th year of teaching, believe it or not! I went straight from highschool, into uni and into teaching. Technically I've never left school hahah. But teaching is the best! I love my job and it allows me to live in the Coromandel, so in my spare time I am either chasing waves (top priority), fishing and/or spearfishing (if it's flat) or walking my two doggos.

Surfboard dimensions (height, usual board size etc.) 

I am a tall gal, nearly 5'10 and averaging 80kg so I find that I like a board with plenty of foam. Pete Anderson has been making most of my boards for me for years now, having made my first ever board for my 17th birthday when I decided I wanted to quit lifeguarding and turn to surfing - that was a 6'6 Cuban. In the years since, I've ended up with soo many boards, but my go-to shortboard is around the 5'10, 30L mark. I've got a 6'0 step up for the bigger days (34L), a 5'6 twinny (33L), a 7'0 midlength and a 9'4 log from Mark O'Connor. Oh, and of course I've now got my very own Major Squeeeeze! Anything above 29 litres and I'm all over it :D 

Surfboard Model you have helped design - 

Major Squeeze

What’s your go-to surf song or vibe before a session? 

I am a sucker for some filthy rap, the nastier the lyrics, the better: Big L - 98 Freestyle, Dr Dre - Nuthin' but a G'thang, Big Pun - I'm not a Player, Nas - Life's a Bitch, Jeru the Damaja - Me or the Papes, and Biggie - Get Money to name a few. Something about the disgusting, aggressive lyrics gets me so fired up and excited - something I definitely need for the bigger days. If it's a small day, I love a bit of old school house or Home Brew/@Peace. I've been obsessed with Tom Scott's talent since I was a grom, so his music means a lot to me. To be fair, my music taste is ridiculously diverse; I also adore Dire Straits, The Cure and The Police just as much as those mentioned above - hard question!

If your surf style was a drink, what would it be? 

This one is tricky, and I don't really drink alcohol, but I LOVE chocolate, and dairy after a surf, so I'd have to be a Nippy’s iced choccy; smooth, steady, pretty heavy, and a bit of a classic. I'd like to think I'm pretty lovable in a line up too, just like everyone loves a Nippy's, unless you get cheeky then I won't hesitate to have words.

Describe your dream surf trip — where and who with? 

Oooft! My partner, Ben, my brother, Van, all my Tairua crew, and anyone else that was keen - I love surfing with friends, seeing everyone frothing and hooting, calling eachother onto waves etc. In terms of where... it would have to be an epic trip to somewhere in Indo, tbh I'd love to go to the Maldives or Ments one day (not that it will ever be possible with my teacher salary lol), stay at a sick land resort that has hammocks, crystal-clear warm water, friendly dogs and locals, and most importantly, a fun left for the goofy gang!

What’s one thing you wish more women knew about surfboards or surfing? 

That it is extremely hard, but if you really want to get better, you just have to get out there and be shit for probably years, but you will get better IF you commit. Also, LITRES ARE YOUR FRIEND. Paddle hard, head down and don't let the boys paddle circles around you or tell you that 'you weren't gonna make the section' - Yes, I was told this once. It's hard, people doubt you; you've got to be willing to hustle and get a bit scrappy and you've gotta be ready to back yourself and speak up because unfortunately we are the minority in the sport. In terms of what to know about boards, I think it is a really good idea to get a custom board if you're fully locked into the sport and want to progress, having the right equipment really is the best thing you can do. Lastly though, and a positive at that - surfing is the BEST thing for your mental and physical health. It has done wonders for my confidence, body image and overall health, so get amongst it!

Who’s a woman in surfing that inspires you right now? 

I think my forever inspiration is Tati Weston-Webb and Steph Gilmore (plz come back to the tour) because Tati makes the craziest, most committed drops and makes the craziest pits. Steph is just the GOAT and queen of style. These are things that I aspire to. Also that grom Milla Coco Brown - she absolutely charges and is so hectic, which I love. I often think "Tati would go" if I'm ever hesitant to paddle into something ugly.

What’s your post-surf ritual? 

In summer - cold shower and a smoothie or an ice cream (9 times out of 10 it is the latter). I always crave dairy after a surf. I even made a spotify playlist years ago called 'Milky Shaka' because we'd had the most epic summer surf day and I got a mad milk shake after our surf and one of my mates called it a milky shaka and it just stuck haha I still listen to it in the peak summer days too. In winter - I'm straight into the hot shower for as long as it takes to feel my feet again. If I'm in another town then you'll find me in a coffee shop sipping on a latte.

What’s something surfing has taught you about life? 

Jeez there's so many I could list. To name a few: Commitment is everything. My body is an incredible thing and I should always be grateful that it allows me to do what it does - like how crazy is it that we literally paddle into waves on what is effectively an XL piece of foam, and we can ride this body of water whilst standing up!? Mind blowing. In short, I guess it has taught me about commitment, discipline, happiness, excitement, priorities and staying young! God, I just absolutely live for it.