She’s Electric, a groundbreaking initiative from Hyundai and Surfing Australia, is a first-of-its-kind leaderboard shining a light on talented female athletes at the grassroots level and elevating their profiles on a national stage.
The leaderboard is based on performance, with eight state rounds leading to the creation of Team Electric, consisting of the top five ranking women who represent the future of women’s surfing in Australia. Fourteen-year-old Mornington surfer Ava Holland, from the Peninsula Boardriders Club, is one of these breakout stars, ranked fourth in the country. Here she gives us an insight into what it’s like to be part of the next wave of surfers breaking barriers and challenging perceptions in the sport.
What inspired you to start surfing, and when did you first get on a board?
I started surfing on family holidays. My dad has been a surfer all his life, and we always had surfboards with us when we went to the beach. At the age of 11 I started fully surfing and it just clicked, then surfing became my life.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a surfer, and how have you overcome them?
One of my challenges in my life is not living walking distance to the beach. That means I have to have all my chores done before Mum or Dad will agree to take me surfing. I’d surf all day if I was allowed.
How do you stay in shape and maintain your physical fitness for surfing?
Surfing is the best way to stay in shape for surfing specifically, but at the Hyundai She’s Electric camp which I went on late last year I learnt new training and stretching techniques that I’ll take with me for the rest of my life.
What do you think is the most important quality for a surfer to have?
Respect for fellow surfers in the water, respect for myself and respect for the environment.
Tell us about some of your proudest moments or biggest achievements in surfing so far.
After I flick off a really good wave, it’s just the best feeling and a really proud moment for me. As far as achievements, winning the Skullcandy contest at Lennox Head last year was amazing; placing in the top five girls in the Hyundai She’s Electric leaderboard was really exciting; and being invited to join the Rip Curl team as an athlete was awesome.
How do you balance your surfing goals with other aspects of your life, such as school?
I don’t have any certain goals, dreams and aspirations when it comes to surfing, but I know it’s important for me to do well in other parts of my life like school. When I’m at school, I try really hard to get all my work done so as soon as I get home I can gently place the board in the car and start hassling Mum and Dad to get to the beach. In my spare time I do enjoy art and I really like to paint on my surfboards, adding some colour to them.
What are some of your other interests or hobbies outside surfing, and how do they complement your surfing goals?
Some of my interests and hobbies outside surfing are drawing and painting, running and swimming. I’ve been enjoying skating lately, trying out new tricks to then take to the water.
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