Wednesday, September 23, 2009   9 Comments

Of topical interest at the moment, is NZ’s top female competitive surfer – Paige Hareb.  Sitting in a comfortable 3rd place on the WCT, she is looking good heading into the third event of the 2009 ASP Women’s World Tour and is in with a chance for the title.  The Commonwealth Bank Beachley Classic is being held at Dee Why Point in Sydney from September 30th through to October 5th – so keep your eyes peeled for coverage of our ripper!  Here’s what she has to say on the status of female surfing, her motivations and the life of a competitive surfer…


S2/Hannah - The caliber of female surfers has improved dramatically over recent years - what do you think are the main catalysts behind this?
Paige - Yeah it's awesome to see and they just keep getting better. I think it's because they keep starting surfing younger and younger. There is also a lot of opportunity for them if they do well so there's a lot more motivation for them to get good and do well so they can get sponsored and make a living out of it.
 
Girls still don't seem to be on an even par with the guys in terms of monetary rewards, media exposure and participation levels in the water - how do you hope this will change?  Do you believe it will be possible to gain a more even balance between male and female surfing?
 The only way it can and will change is get better and bigger. More even. I think it will just take time.

People often view being a 'surfer' as a cruisey lifestyle - I know that it isn't as easy as it looks.  How do you respond to people who assume you are living the dream lifestyle?
Haha well people only ever see or hear about the good things of being a pro surfer. The bad ones are being in so many airports, jetlag, getting charged crazy amounts for surfboards and excess baggage. But it's not like I'm complaining it's the best thing in the world as well! Once you get to wherever you're going it's so sooo worth it!

What is it that makes you passionate about the water and surfing?  What are your main motivations that keep you surfing as much as you do?
One word, three letters, as simple as that....FUN! It's not like the same old tennis court every day, it's always different, each wave is different, always going to be new and exciting so you can never get bored. Of course you have to have your down time and what not...all in moderation.

Out on the water, the atmosphere often comes across as somewhat hostile - what is it actually like?  What is your favourite aspect of competitive surfing?
Free surfing is pretty amazing and special especially where I'm from, I'm sitting out the back....sometimes by myself(not many places you can do that) and I look in to land and see a mountain right there, I'm so lucky! Competitive side of surfing I also love because I am a competitive little shit haha I love the competition and I love winning but I also like it cause it has taken me to a lot of different countries, I've experienced new food and culture and met a lot of amazing people!

As a youth, was there anyone you particularly looked up to as inspiration for surfing?  What was it that got you involved in surfing in the first place?
 I have always lived close to the beach so I went there a lot and it's the usual story where Dad first pushed me into white water on his long board. I have always looked up to Layne and Kelly. But now my idols are more Steph Gilmore as she's the one to beat and rips!

You've had what could be clichéd as a "dream run" on the WCT so far.  Is goal setting a key feature in your training?  Have your short term / long term goals adapted according to your placement in the WCT over the year - or do they remain the same irrespective of your position?
Yeah you always have to have some sort of goal and I'm lucky and so happy to say that I have had to keep changing mine to make them harder and higher. I mean even though it's my first year on tour I still have a good shot at getting the title this year which I didn't expect at all at the start of this year.

By now you would have seen a lot of the places around the world.  Do you still consider NZ 'home'?  What is it that makes our country more special to you than any other?
Yes NZ always going to be home wherever I end up living. I love NZ. It's so special especially to me cause I can surf and snowboard in the same day. I love going home, it makes you realise how lucky you are.

The images of you swimming with the dolphins has been well publicized...what do you think of Dave Rasto's involvement with the Taji nightmare and the charity Surfers 4 Cetaceans?  Do you believe this charity is a worthy cause?  Why is that?
Yeah I loved swimming with the dolphins, I definitely rate it as one of my favourite experiences and a thing to put and do on your bucket list! Yes Dolphins are such amazing animals, they don't deserve to be killed and especially in mass consumption. It's just so sad and cruel and there's no need for it! Save the dolphins!

What is your favorite break in the world?  Is there anywhere that you haven't yet surfed but would like to?
My favourite at this stage would have to be chopes and all the breaks in Tahiti, it's so surreal there. I'm itching to surf Macaroni's in Mentawais.

There are a lot of girls out there who are keen to learn to surf but haven't quite got up the nerve to hit the water...what would your advice to them be??
If you're not confident in water or swimming then get a lesson with someone to start with that can push you around and in to waves but try and be confident. Persistence and having fun with it are the two main keys. Live, love, laugh!

 
And finally, is there any question that you've never been asked in an interview but have always thought you've had a good answer for it?  If so - feel free to pose the question and then go for gold!
Haha that's almost the hardest questions I've been asked...sorry I got nothing! That's your job! Haha.
 
 

Cederman

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Hannah's Surfer Girl Blog

Kerrazy

NZ Surfing Magazine

Off the lip

Paige Hareb - Chasing the Dream

Photo CPL

S2 Forecaster