New Zealand national surfing champion Paige Hareb, 32, is a professional surfer who competes internationally and hopes to surf at the next Olympics. She fits in a quick cuppa with the Weekly while travelling the world to surfing competitions.
You spent last year competing as a professional surfer around the world. What has been the highlight for you?
It was my first full year competing again around the world since being home in New Zealand for two years because of Covid. I wasn’t that happy with my results, but just to travel the world again was such a freeing feeling, and I made the most of it by taking time away from the ocean and exploring new places and countries that I wouldn’t normally go to being a surfer. The highlight competition-wise would have to be the Nias Pro, a contest that I won in Indonesia in June. Travel-wise, I would have to say going to different and unique countries like the Faroe Islands and Iceland.
You just missed out on qualifying for the Tokyo Olympics. Do you have hopes of qualifying for the next Games?
Yeah, that sucked! Then I had to fly home and sit in a hotel room for two weeks of quarantine, which also sucked. But I had a very good partner, friends, family and people from the New Zealand surf scene, who sent me care packages and got me through those bad times. Yes, I do hope to qualify for the next Olympic Games. My first chance to qualify will be in El Salvador in June.
What is it about surfing that gets you out in the ocean day after day?
It really is a lifestyle. I’ve been surfing since I was five years old, so I don’t really know anything different. I did a lot of different sports growing up and surfing is definitely the one that I never get bored of because every single wave is different, every surf session is different. Just being out in nature, in the ocean, is pretty amazing and energising. Over the last 27 years I’ve surfed, there would only be a handful of times that I’ve regretted surfing, and even then, I didn’t really regret it.
Her winning moves at the National NZ Surfing Champs in 2022.
How much time do you spend away from your home in Taranaki?
For about 10 years in a row, I’d spend on average 10 months a year travelling from competition to competition. Last year was similar with six months travelling full-time without any pit stops at home, mainly because I wanted to make the most of the world opening up again.
What do you owe your parents?
The number of hours and money spent on travelling to competitions when I was young, and didn’t have sponsors or enough money to fund my own way. If they didn’t sacrifice their time for me, I wouldn’t be where I am today. They were always dedicated to helping me succeed in any sport or anything I did. I remember my mum always saying, “Girls can do anything. You can do anything.”
What is the best thing about your life at the moment?
Being able to do what I love – surfing and travelling.
What single thing would improve the quality of your life?
This year it definitely would have to be a better exchange rate – that US dollar has been hard on the Kiwi dollar! Obviously if the dollar was better, I would have been able to afford accommodation everywhere I went instead of sleeping in the car sometimes.
What’s the nicest thing you’ve bought or done for yourself?
I never really want or need anything, but I have always loved massages, so I will treat myself to one every now and then.
When things get tough, how do you keep yourself centred?
It really depends on the situation, so it can range from just breathing deeply, Netflix and not overthinking it, or talking to friends, family and my sports psychologist.
Getting her vitamin sea! Paige credits the ocean for keeping her energised.
What advice would you give 15-year-old you?
Push your limits even more, focus, consistency and fun is key!
What qualities does a good friend need for you?
Good banter and a good listener.
What books are on your bedside table?
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins; The Barefoot Investor by Scott Pape and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fck* by Mark Manson.
Have you got any streaming recommendations?
Pepsi, Where’s My Jet?; Love on the Spectrum and The Playbook: A Coach’s Rules for Life.
You’re cooking for friends – what is your signature dish?
I don’t rate myself in the kitchen at all, but my dad’s family has a Lebanese background, so I love things like tabbouleh and dolmades, but I’d prefer to cook Mexican because it’s a favourite cuisine of mine and I think it’s easier to cook than Lebanese!
Tell us something we don’t know about you.
I have had a big scar on my tummy since I was nine months old from a twisted bowel. I’ve also had 10 broken bones and key-hole surgery in my 20s on my right kidney, which now only works at 30 percent.
