Full name: Ariana Shewry
Nickname: Ari
Date of birth: 17th of June 2003
Hometown: Oakura, Taranaki
Ethnicity: Kiwi
Height: 5’5 ish haha
Stance: Goofy!!
How many boards do you own: I have 8 boards, one for small waves, 4 everyday boards and some step ups. Dad has a really nice single fin and twinnie that I like to steal too.
Length range: 5’5-6’4
Shaper: Paul Wynter @ Eavor Surfboards
Sponsors: Oneill, Sticky Johnson, Eavor surfboards, Vertigo surf shop.
Surfing since: I was about 9 years old.
How did you start surfing: When my family moved from Queenstown to Taranaki lots of my new friends were surfing and I started going to the beach surfing with them, I’ve been hooked from then!
Surfing competitively since: I was 11. My first comps were the microgroms, run throughout Taranaki over the summer. Was pretty good times, extra points for shakas and claims!
Competition strategy: My competition strategy is something that I’m always trying to improve. But the base strategy is always to put a few good scores on the board early in the heat and then try to build on my scores from there.
New Zealand teams: ISA world junior surf team 2018 and Oceania cup team 2019
Career highlight: It is hard to pick just one, so many amazing things come from surfing. Travel, making friends, learning new things. Winning always feels good though! So probably taking the win in the open women at the Oceania cup.
Ambitions: To keep doing what I love and being the best, I can be at it.
Main surf breaks you surf: Rocky Lefts, Stent Rd, Oakura and Back beach.
Favourite surf break you surf: Rockies!!
People you surf with the most: I am usually by myself. But when the waves are good there is always all the Taranaki rippers out there. The local guys are some of my biggest supporters/inspiration and mentors, being in the water with them ripping has helped me improve so much.
Occupation: Student. Hospo worker
Other interests: Skating with my siblings, snowboarding, travelling. Also listening to and trying to make music.
Surfing hero’s: Steph, Carissa, Occy, Andy. Noa Deane, Chippa Wilson, Mikey February.
Life hero’s: My parents <33.
Favourite food: Sushi. Coffee (I know it is not a food, but I love it)
Favourite moves: Anything with lots of spray
Favourite surf video: I have been watching the new SURFING clip heaps, love the style of it and the fact that it is all girls ripping!!
