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In our recent Autumn campaign we travelled to a little beachside town, nestled in the rugged coastline of New Zealand, Mount Maunganui. Here we caught up with our two NZ athletes Saffi Vette and Elin Tawharu.
How long have you been surfing for?
Saffi: My dad put me on a board at 2 but I didn’t properly get into it until I was maybe 7. So 13 years!
Elin: I was brought up across the road from one of N.Z’s most famous surfing locations. I have been surfing and playing in the water since I was able to walk. I can remember surfing my first green face when I was 9, however, I was surfing with boogie boards from about 5 years of age and got my first real surf board when I was 8 or 9 years of age. I have been surfing for 12 years now. I grew up surfing with my brother Jonas who would always inspire me to surf bigger waves and surf with more aggression and progression.
What is your earliest memory of surfing?
Saffi: My mum and dad pushing my brother and I into little waves off a rock straight out front of my house.
Elin: My earliest memory of surfing would be around 9 or 10 years old with my dad. We live right across the road from one of New Zealand’s most beautiful white sand beaches here on New Zealand’s east coast -Maunganui NZ. Not long after getting the bug I entered my first ever National Contest on the west coast of Taranaki and won the U12 Girls at age 11 on my Dad’s 7’2’ Fish.
What is the most amazing surf session you've ever had and why has it stuck with you?
Saffi: There has been plenty!! Maybe a session with my whole family in the water. There’s honestly nothing better than sharing waves with loved ones and cheering each other on.
Elin: There have been many amazing surf sessions but I’d have to say that this one session in the Mentawais was insane. I was fortunate enough to go on an all girls boat trip and we surfed Lance’s Left, 4ft lefts in a Sunset Surf - All the girls were ripping. It was glassy, groomed and solid and so surreal that I will always dream about this day. So many girls getting gnarly, deep barrels. I'm goofy so this is a dream wave for me. I surfed until my body was aching. Sharing this with your best mates in one of the most beautifully scenic places on the planet, is an unforgettable surf session, just can’t get much better.
What does your training regime involve?
Saffi: A tonne of surfing, training with a coach a couple times a week, going to the gym a few times a week and Pilates.
Elin: My training regime involves training on our local mountain Mauao, which connects me to my local heritage being Maori. I use our natural environment as a resource for training. Each day I run up and around the tracks. I do exercises on the steps and jump ups simulating what happens in the gym. I keep my yoga up/ daily routine stretching, and love skating in the bowl and local half pipe. I have been getting into boxing lately in our local boxing gym. It’s a great full body workout.
I surf two to three times a day and skate far too much. Skateboards are always in the back of the car. I do paddle training on flat days leading up to competition.
What is your greatest achievement to date, and what are your goals for the future?
Saffi: Winning the NZ Womens National Title in 2021. I want to qualify for the World tour and become the first NZ Womens World Champ.
Elin: My Greatest achievement to date would have to be getting a bronze medal in the U16 girls for NZ at the ISA World Junior Games in Azores Islands Portugal, and Holding 4 National titles at the National Surfing Championships in NZ. My goals for the future are going to the Olympics and winning the Open at the Nationals.
Who are your biggest inspirations?
Saffi: My mum and my dad are my biggest inspirations. Their dedication, hard work and commitment to everything in life is why I am where I am. My brother also inspires me. He surfs so well and has a great style and fluidity within is surfing. Carrissa’s power is so inspiring and Laura’s fearlessness is unmatched!
Elin: A lot of people inspire me, my biggest inspiration in my life is my Whanau (Family). Recently In the surf scene Moana Jones Wong has inspired me when she won the Billabong Pipeline Pro in Hawaii, she is young and charges big waves. I also like the way she talks about her connection with the ocean. Jessy Miley Dyer - equal pay equality for women. Also my dad because he is the one who got me into the sport and still froths to this day like a grom.
If you could be a professional athlete for anything other than surfing, what would it be?
Saffi: Maybe snowboarding. I think it’s the sickest sport to watch!
Elin: Skating or Snowboarding! Love all board sports. Or maybe running. I’ve always been a good runner.
If you could surf any beach in the world, visited already or not visited, where would it be?
Saffi: Cloud break, Fiji. Always wanted to go!!
Elin: Hawaii, want to tick that one off my bucket list! I like the thrill of surfing big waves.
All-time favourite food, and you have to eat it every day. Choose one?
Saffi: Cinnamon Rolls!!!!
Elin: Hmm that’s a tricky one but I’d have to go with salmon and avocado Sushi - Can’t beat that combo.
Lastly, your favourite Billabong piece you are wearing lately?
Saffi: I love my All good top and matching love to lounge shorts!
Elin: Always in and out of my Salty Dayz 2/2 Surf Capsule but am loving the Billabong/Wrangler Take It Back Tee.