Spotlight on the surfers of Te Arai

Image via @kearnanmurphyphoto⁠

From humble beginnings, these women decided to make a positive change in their lives and take up the awesome sport of surfing - a decision that they will be forever grateful for!

As female surfing becomes more and more prevalent in New Zealand and throughout the world, we thought it time to give a bit of the spotlight to some local women who are out there, battling the NZ seasons to try to improve their surfing!

Aotearoa Surf’s ongoing Surf Sistas program has introduced these women to the world of surfing. “Seeing these girls paddle out confidently into the line up is one of the best feelings ever. Just months ago they didn’t have the confidence to go out in the water alone.” says owner and mastermind behind the women’s only Surf Sistas program.

Over the next few weeks we will put the spotlight on three wahine’s to find out where they have come from and where they’re at now with their surfing!

Thanks to Aotearoa Surf for putting this article together for us to feature.

MEET TRACEY

Stance: Natural

Age: 37

Hometown: Auckland

Tracey shredding on her 7’4 Salt Gypsy board in Te Arai, Auckland, NZ.

Tracey began surfing at the age of 34 and is from Auckland, however spends most of her time in magical Mangawhai. Her first ever surf lesson was in Bali by a very friendly local Balinese boy in 2018 on a family holiday. “My brothers and their friends were surfing every day and I was sick of missing out (being the only gal) so I met someone on the beach and asked him to teach me to surf! I had lessons for a few days in Bali, flew back to New Zealand and instantly joined in the Surf Sistas program with Aotearoa Surf.” 

Tracey started, similar to most people, on a typical foamie, but now owns 2 of her own boards; a beautiful 9ft, dusty blue Salt Gypsy longboard (her favourite) and another 7’4 Salt Gypsy board for those bigger days. 

Tracey travelled back to Bali the following year and that’s where she truly found her feet - in the warm water and consistent waves. Through all of these experiences, she learnt skills and was able to experience a surfing life in NZ like never before. “I now have a fantastic group of women that motivate and encourage me - the girls at the Surf Sistas are forever giving each other tips and advice to improve our surfing skill and technique!”

She loves surfing Forestry Beach and anywhere around the Mangawhai area, due to its chilled out nature. We asked Tracey if surfing had changed her life, her response; “Surfing has taught me patience and resilience; to get back up after you fall down and I use that in all areas of my life. I have also met so many fantastic people through surfing, forming lifelong friendships. And finally, surfing has given me motivation, whether it is getting in some exercise or getting up early for that morning surf - it keeps me going!”.

-You keep going girl!

Where are you from?

I’m originally from Auckland, and am still living in Auckland, however I spend half (well, probably more) of my spare time in Mangawhai. (Why? Surfing of course!)

What age did you begin surfing?

I began surfing at 34!

What made you start surfing?

My first ever surf lesson was in Bali with a very friendly local Balinese boy in 2018 on a family holiday. My brothers and their friends were surfing every day and I was sick of missing out (being the only gal) so I met someone on the beach and asked him to teach me to surf! I had lessons for a few days in Bali, flew back to New Zealand and joined in the Surf Sistas program with Aotearoa Surf. The skills I learnt through Che and his team were amazing! I went back to Bali the following year for the Aotearoa Surf Retreat and I think that’s when I really found my feet - warm water and consistent waves, there’s nothing better! We now have a fantastic group that motivates and encourages one another - the girls at the Surf Sistas are forever giving each other tips and advice to improve our surfing skill and technique!

Who taught you to surf?

My first ever surf lessons was in Bali with Aotearoa Surf School! I joined their Bali Retreat and was taught by Che. Following this, I further worked on my skills through their incredible Surf Sistas program!

What board did you begin surfing on and what are you riding today?

As with everyone, I started on the typical foamie. I now own two boards, a beautiful 9ft, dusty blue Salt Gypsy longboard (my favourite) and another 7’4 Salt Gypsy board for those bigger days. Lately, my back has been a little off so I’m borrowing a 8ft Modern Love Child while it heals. I’m happy to pick up just about any board though for a bit of fun - I often borrow Che’s boards at Aotearoa Surf plus me and the gals share around our boards with one another so we know which suits us best!

Visual @lotta_and_the_waves 🌊

Tell us about your time with the Surf Sistas

Surf Sistas has been an amazing experience. It was great to consistently surf with the same bunch of women, it encouraged me to get out there with the encouragement and support of others. Because it’s run in monthly blocks, you will find some of the women stay on, others fall off, I did it for four months straight which meant I got to meet 4 sets of AMAZING women. As a result, I have made lifelong friends and solid connections with women that are not a part of my tribe. Surf Sistas gave me the confidence to get out there on my own and now, even though I’m not doing it anymore, I still regularly catch up with the friends that I made, surf or not surf - sleepovers, lunch dates, we did a ‘Surf and Stay’ Women’s Weekend in the Eco Pods at Aotearoa Surf, we’re even planning a trip to Queenstown as we speak! It’s an awesome little crew!

What is your favourite break to surf?

It has to be Forestry. I love the drive down there through the forest, I love the waves, I love the beach and I even love the forest that backs onto the beach. Sometimes I explore the forest when there’s no surf. Plus it’s a lot quieter than many of the other beaches.

Image via @amyloucoulton⁠

What is your favourite thing about Mangawhai?

The beaches, the vibe (more slow paced, chilled-out vibe) and of course my family and friends that live here.

Where else in the world have you been surfing?

Just Bali, Indonesia so far, plus I have surfed all over New Zealand. Once everything opens up again I have a long list of places to tick off my ‘to surf’ list!

How has surfing changed your life?

It has changed my life HEAPS! Surfing has taught me patience and resilience; to get back up after you fall down and I use that in all areas of my life. I have also met so many fantastic people through surfing, forming lifelong friendships. And finally, surfing has given me motivation, whether it is getting in some exercise or getting up early for that morning surf - it keeps me going!

Stay tuned as we feature more amazing women and follow their journey through surfing.

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Betty