For this edition of the Whāingaroa Youthwork Collective – Ngā Whakaruruhau Māhuri Rangatahi Page, Matua Joe chats to Alani Morse.
Tell me about life?
I am 13 years old and was brought up in Auckland and I skated and did heaps of athletics and did lots of sports and became super competitive. First of all I was a skater and did heaps of skate competitions and then I went out surfing with my dad. It was so much fun. I also had a good connection with the ocean better than any sport I had done, there were so many things to learn, you can only get better, it’s a full way of living!
Tell me more about the connection with the water?
I was talking to my coach Daniel Kereopa (DK) and he has been teaching me about being mentally one with the ocean knowing exactly whats happening. He always takes me to the ocean at low tide and shows me the things that are going to happen when the tide comes in, where the rips are going to be, where the best bank will be and its so interesting. People think the ocean is going to do something random but you can know what’s going to happen.
What made your whanau come to Whaingaroa?
My dad got offered to start up a plumbing company. We were thinking about coming anyway and it all rolled out perfectly and we knew Raglan would be our spot for our whanau.WSe learnt our family connection Our great great grandfather was the first mp of Raglan, His ashes ire in the harbour. Raglan was definitely our home. The community was super welcoming. Everyone thought they wouldn’t be welcoming to the Aucklanders but everyone was so nice, everyone was like a family.
Recently you left Whaingaroa and did something amazing. Tell me about it?
Recently I went to El Salvador for the World Junior Surfing Championships. It was a long journey, we had to get picked to represent NZ which was a success in itself. Representing your country was so amazing. The culture was so cool, it was a big community. It was incredible to see how different countries prepare for the competition. We were in the same hotel as the Japanese team and they were so organized and their rooms were so tidy and clean. We all love one thing which is surfing.
How did you go at the Junior World Surfing Champs?
I placed overall 17th in the World for under 16s. Everyone from other teams would give you tips and help you set goals etc. I remembered what DK had taught me to feel the waves and ocean. It was epic to learn new waves.
What advice would you give to a young person who wanted to get good at a sport?
Just get a buddy or a sibling to share the experience. One of the reasons I surf is to get barrelled with my brother. Its not about the competition its about having fun and the community around you. Community is so important in a sport and makes it fun! One of the reasons I surf is not to win but to have a full connection with the community.
What advice would you give to adults in the community on how to support youth?
I would say believe in them, tell them they can do it.
You have spoken about a community who have supported you. Who are they?
DK he has helped me with both my mental and physical aspects.
Johnny Rickard has been helping me at the Refinery
Matua Larry and Matua Dean from the Raglan Area School Surf Academy
My mum and Dad and my brother for getting barrelled with me and of course all my sponsors.
