Most 15-year-olds are focused on doing well at school and spending time with friends. Alani Morse, on the other hand, is gearing up to compete against the best surfers in the world - in her own backyard, no less.
By Jordan Smith, Local Democracy Reporter
The World Surf League is crashing in on Raglan next month, with local council and residents alike voicing opinions on the newfound spotlight on the town, both good and bad.
Whāingaroa General Ward councillor Lisa Thomson said it’s a “really proud moment” to have a local school product competing, adding the next generation of surfers are “amped” to watch the event.
For Morse, however, it’s an opportunity of a lifetime.
After earning a wildcard spot for the event by winning last Sunday’s King & Queen of the Point on the final wave, the Raglan Area School student said the emotions caused the tears to flow.
"Finishing that last turn on that wave, I just had the whole crowd blow up. That was real overwhelming [and] real emotional going from such a little kid having this big dream and then it's coming together ... it's just real special,“ she said.
"I just knew that I'll do whatever I can, and luckily it worked in my favour. The wave came, and I got the buzzer beater... it was just the most insane moment."
Growing up surrounded by the sport, Morse moved from Auckland to Raglan five years ago, partially to help her chase the professional surfer dream.
She said her parents have been her biggest motivators, and their unwavering support of her dreams has continued to drive her.
"I was bound to be a surfer at some point, whether it's just for fun or competitively. I find it a peaceful thing and something I can express myself.
“They’ve put in so much work, and they’ve sacrificed. It’s like we all won... it wasn’t just me, it was a team effort.”
A major factor behind Morse’s early success is the Raglan Area School’s Surf Academy, a NCEA subject in which kids from around the country enrol in the school to attend, extending the school day from 7.30am to 5pm.
Academy teacher Deane Hishon said even he was astonished by Alani's win, admitting he had her 8th on the list to take out the comp but was quick to highlight the magnitude of the victory.
"I'm very proud of what she achieved, and I'm grateful for the opportunity, really, that she's been given to do it,“ he added.
Hishon was a part of the Academy’s inauguration in 1998 and originally used the "carrot and a stick" model of making sure students performed in school.
Now, he said it’s turned what was traditionally the “troublemaker" set of kids at school into the leaders.
"We don't have that problem of kids bunking and swearing and scratching teachers' cars. They're the heroes of the school, and they're doing really well."
It’s a pedestal that’s only grown with success, as Morse said, groups of 15 young kids at a time come up asking for autographs at school.
While she embraces how the newfound spotlight gives her a chance to be an inspiration, staying level-headed ahead of the WSL is important.
"I think just trying to stay humble [and] training hard... It's just a big learning curve. I'm not perfect - I'm going to make mistakes, so I just want to really build myself through this.
“I'm surfing against the world's best females, who are all my heroes. I've looked up to them for so long and so just seeing them in action will be so cool. I’m just grateful to be there.”
Hishon added that while his “selfish surfing side” will take a hit with the publicity that’ll crash Raglan’s waves, the opportunities provided for young surfers like Morse are unwavering.
"I definitely think it bridges the gap.
"Competitively, I think it makes them better surfers just to watch and see what they're doing, but also the dreams become a little bit more real and obtainable."
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ on Air.
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