5 minutes with Alexis

By OBHS | Posted: Tuesday January 28, 2025

Alexis Owen has returned to school a national surfing champion following his win of the New Zealand Open Men’s Title at the NZ Nationals!

How long have you been surfing?

I have been surfing since I was 6, so 10 years now.

What got you interested in surfing?

My parents were learning when I was young, and I've grown up spending most of my time at the beach so it just kind of became something I wanted to do. My first surf was when I was about 3 or 4 on a boogie board but I didn't really enjoy it at first. It took until I was about 6 or 7 to really get the hang of it and start to surf regularly.

Where is your favourite surfing spot?

Blackhead Beach.

Who is your role model/idol?

Italo Ferriera, a pro surfer from Brazil.

What is your training schedule?

I surf every day at least once a day. If there is a good swell in summer, then I'll have a surf before school and then two after school. It just depends on whether the surf is good or not, though I'll definitely have at least one surf every day.

Where to from here?

I’m still not entirely sure, but the Olympics 2028 is the main goal right now and the qualifications for it start next year. This year I will do more pro junior events.

Tell us a little bit about the Nationals you have just won.

The NZ Nationals have been going since 1963 and they happen every year, with each year hosted by a different region. Due to its prestige, the competition attracts many - if not all - of NZ’s top surfers as well as top Australian surfers with a link to NZ. This year it was held in Taranaki at the iconic surf break Stent Road. The even took place over seven days.

What advice would you give someone who wants to get into surfing?

Just go out and have fun because that is what it's all about!