Full Name: Spencer Rowson
Nickname: Spence
Date of birth: 22.11.06
Hometown: New Plymouth, Taranaki
Ethnicity: New Zealand European
Height: 5’9
Stance: Natural
How many boards do you own: 6 boards plus foils
Length range: 5’6 to 5’9
Shaper: Timmy Patterson Surfboards
Sponsors: Crystal Cylinder, TPatterson Surfboards, Critical Slide, Sun Bum, Nixon, Sticky Johnson Surf Wax, Smoothstar, CMK Chartered Accountants, Bay Shapers NZ
Favourite board: TPatterson 5’9 A5, Poolparty epoxy
What are your other surf essential? My Nixon Base Tide Pro watch, Sun Bum SPF50 Zinc and my Mega Johnson surf wax from Sticky Johnson.
Surfing Since: I started surfing at the age of 3 being pushed into waves. I got my own surfboard at the age of 6.
How did you start surfing: With my dad at Fitzroy Beach.
Surfing competitively Since: I started surfing competitively at the local Micro Grom Comps at about the age of 7.
Competition strategy: Staying calm in stressful situations and believing in my surfing ability.
New Zealand teams: 2022 NZ Junior Surf Team – travelled to El Salvador for the ISA Junior World Championships
Career highlight: Representing NZ in 2022 and also winning the Billabong national circuit title this year.
Ambitions: I want to improve on my current world ranking. Compete more internationally.
Main surf breaks you surf: Fitzroy Beach, The Groyne, Stent Road and Graveyards.
Favourite surf break: The Groyne (if you know you know)
People you surf with the most: Søren, Kane (aka dad/Rows), the NPBHS Surf Team, Skylar, Pauly, Hemi, Lee.
Occupation: Currently Year 12 at NPBHS
Other interests: Fly fishing
Surfing heroes: Ethan Ewing
Life heroes: Cory Scott (NZ Fly Fishing champion)
Favourite food: Nana’s chocolate cake
Favourite moves: Air reverse, down carve, getting barrelled
Favourite surf video: Noah Deane (Noz vid)
What is your favourite event to compete at in the New Zealand junior Series? I really enjoyed event 3 of the Billabong Series at Mt Maunganui where I felt in rhythm with the ocean.
Have you been to Brazil before? No
What are you looking forward to most about the trip? I am looking forward to surfing in a new part of the world and experiencing Brazilian culture.
What boards will you be taking? I will take four Timmy Patterson boards including three PU’s and one epoxy.
Is there anyone you would like to thank? I would like to thank my family, friends and my product and financial sponsors. The Taranaki community has been so awesome and supportive of my aspirations.
What are you doing training wise on the lead up to the ISA World Junior Games? I am doing a mix of weight training, ice baths, saunas, mobility work and surfing at least four times a week.
