Though her sport takes her on a never-ending world round-trip, this 22-year old surfer is proud to call ‘Slummies’ her home. But slumming is not how she racked up a silver medal at the International Surfing Association’s 2009 World Games, nor how she’s remained one of an exclusive 20-odd of the world’s best women surfers all contesting the world’s most prestigious tournament, spanning the hottest surf spots around the globe, for four years running!

This pro surfer takes her own advice, which unsurprisingly is “Live your life with passion!” Starting early is a personal circumstance which helped to gain her international rating, but being a tomboy probably just made sure she had as many goes at the skater park’s rail as the boys beside her.

Beating many boys to claim fourth spot in her first competition, aged 9 in the Boys U10 junior champs didn’t earn her all-round love either, but that didn’t hold her back. And she’s savvy. It’s not just what’s happening in the water that counts, this nine-times SA champion knows that a really strong online presence is what keeps the brand strong, and the sponsors happy.

We’re delighted to present, the first gStar for the 2010 calendar year: premier women’s surf heroine, Rosy Hodge!

Hi Rosy, thank for talking to gsport! Where were you born, and where do you live now?

So happy to be apart of gsport in 2010! I was born in East London and I’m proud to say I still call Slummies home.

What makes you a proud South African?

I love home! The more I travel the more I appreciate South Africa. There is no-where else I can compare it to. I always look forward to landing in Johannesburg after a long trip, and having the feeling of being home.

What nickname do your friends know you by?

Rose, Rosebud and Roro.

When did you first become interested in surfing?

I’ve always been a water baby, and I used to be a tomboy who skated, so I guess it was a natural progression to start surfing. I started when I was about 8 years old.

How old were you when you started surfing competitions?

I started competing at about age 9. I was in the Boys U10 division at SA Junior Champs, and I made the final and came 4th! After that I was hooked on competing.

When were you first selected to represent SA? What does it feel like to represent your country?

I first represented South Africa in 1998 when I was 11 years old. I went to Bali and competed in the ISA World Juniors in the Girls U19 division, and came 9th.

You’ve qualified for your fourth consecutive season on the most prestigious women’s surfing tour in the world, what are your aims for this year?

I’m really looking forward to this year, and I’m setting my sights on a top-5 finish.

You’re practically a veteran on the circuit, tell us a little about what it’s like to be one of the chosen few …

Woman’s surfing is blowing up at the moment, and its weird to be a vet at 22, but the younger girls are really ripping. I love being apart of this group of woman’s surfing. It’s exciting.

How long do you intend to remain a WWT competitor, and what plans have you made for your future after that ?

I want to carry on doing this for as long as I can. You can’t really put a number on it. I think when I’m finished, I would love to study something, and maybe teach at a school near where I live.

You’ve got a brilliant website with lots of photos – Why have you put so much into establishing such a slick online presence?

I think its really important to be active online. It helps to grow your profile as an athlete, and it helps to share what you are up to. I know my mom is always telling me to update it so that she can see what I have been up to.

When you’re far away from home, family and friends, what is your favourite way of keeping in touch?

Now days its really easy to keep in touch. I mainly use Facebook and Skype. I remember when I first went overseas in 1998 and I was sending faxes home. I came home with a wad of faxes from home stuffed in my diary.

Apart from all the surfing you do, do you do any other exercises to keep fighting fit?

I love swimming and running, and I do Pilates.

Who are your professional sponsors? How have they helped you make it in the big time?

I am currently sponsored by Oakley and Roxy. I’ve been sponsored by Roxy since I was 8 years old. They have been there from the beginning. I’ve just signed with Oakley and I’m really excited about it. Greg Emslie is my team manger, and he is someone I really respect and his advice is always welcome. You can check my profile here at the Oakley website.

What is the state of women’s surfing in South Africa’s?

Well a good friend of mine Nikita Robb has just qualified and I think it is the first time in history that two South African females have been on the tour. There are also some really talented young surfers, like Sara Baum and Bianca Buitendag.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

Don’t waste your time worrying about the things that are out of your control, and enjoy surfing and make the most of the opportunity!

What is a sport you’d most like to participate in, other than surfing?

I would love to be able to dance, but I don’t think that is ever going to happen (laughs).

Who would you like to acknowledge for having had faith in you, and having supported your career choices?

My parents who drove me up and down the South African coast to take me to contests, my boyfriend who takes awesome photos and caddies for me at big Sunset. Lots of people from East London have also supported me and got me into surfing in the first place, Spider Murphy has been shaping my boards since I was nine, and of course my sponsors.

Who are your favourite sports stars?

Wendy Botha, Shaun Tomson, Greg Emslie, Ryk Neethling, Natalie du Toit.

gsport strives to celebrate femininity. How would you define femininity, and what role does it play in your life?

I think femininity is celebrating being a woman. I’m proud to be a woman and I love combining my surfing lifestyle and my femininity and enjoying being myself.

What inspires you?

People who are creative and motivated.

What is your greatest ambition?

My greatest ambition is to do everything to my full potential.

Comments

Add New

Spex   |2010-01-27 01:07:13 Nice stuff Rose. 2010, U gona Smash it! Reply 1   0

Shane Rielly   |2010-01-27 12:39:22 Good stuff Rosy!! Lindsay and I are amped to see you rip up the tour this year!! Reply 1   0

Braz   |2010-01-27 14:59:27 Rosy you are fantastic. you will be world champ for sure one day. Reply 1   0

wendy  - mrs   |2010-01-28 09:27:07 WELL DONE ROSA WE PROUD OF YOU. HOPE 2010 IS A CRACKER Reply 1   0

Chudleigh Family  - WELL DONE ROSY!!!   |2010-01-28 16:59:12 You are such an excellent role model for young girls keep up the good stuff!!!! Reply 1   0

Lynne   |2010-02-03 19:02:56 U amaze us and I see u going big one day ...like Charlize Theron......doing a movie or something:) Reply 1   0

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