Q&A With: Paige Hareb
Posted on September 25 2018
We chat with Paige Hareb, the super accomplished Kiwi Pro-Surfer and Kaiser Baas ambassador who just took out silver at the ISA World Games in Japan last week!
How old were you when you started surfing?
I was about 6 years old when my Dad first got me into it and never stopped!
What’s been your absolute career highlight to date?
I will always have good memories of first qualifying for the World Tour and getting 3rd in my first ever World Tour event at Snapper Rocks, Gold Coast, Australia. But the longer I do it, the better the girls get and the harder the competition becomes so the more recent results probably feel the best, like just getting a silver medal at the ISA World Games in Japan :)
What’s your top tip for keeping disciplined in your training?
It definitely gets hard on the road to keep a good routine. I honestly think surfing is the best training for surfing so I try and surf at least once a day. I like to try and keep my legs pretty strong for good solid power surfing so a lot of squats!
What’s one goal you’re working towards, that you haven’t achieved (yet!)?
To win a World championship tour event and to qualify for the Tokyo2020 Olympics!
What is a common misconception about living the Pro-surfer lifestyle? (Or is it really as awesome as it looks!)
It’s good once you get to the spots but no one sees how many planes and airports I deal with. Right now I’m in LA in a hotel room by myself waiting to catch a flight to France. It can get lonely and if you get charged for your big surfboard bag, that sucks! I don’t think flying is the best for your body but the destination still makes it all worth it!
It’s good once you get to the spots but no one sees how many planes and airports I deal with. Right now I’m in LA in a hotel room by myself waiting to catch a flight to France. It can get lonely and if you get charged for your big surfboard bag, that sucks! I don’t think flying is the best for your body but the destination still makes it all worth it!
What has been the most challenging moment in your career?
I think getting knocked off the World tour (top 17 women in the world) after being on it for six consecutive years and then the next two years narrowly missing out of getting back on it but of course trying to get back on costs a lot of money for hotels, rental cars and flights so having a couple of years of gunning for a goal but not achieving it straight away and seeing my funds get sucked away quick definitely made it hard and made me re-think what I was doing a few times.
What is your favourite thing about surfing?
One wave or even smaller; one turn or move can make your whole day, sometimes even your whole week! I’ve done and played a lot of sports in my life but surfing definitely takes the cake for the best feelings!
Where is your favourite place in the world to surf?
For the best waves, I would have to say a boat trip in the Mentawais. You’re just on a boat with mates in the middle of nowhere, in paradise going from perfect surf spot to perfect surf spot.
Do you have a piece of advice for someone looking to get into pro surfing?
You have to be persistent. It’s not easy but you still have to be having fun. If you’re not having fun then it’s not worth it!
Finally, what’s your favourite Kaiser Baas product to use?
I love the KB X400 its super small and compact and easy for me to travel, surf or ski with and has amazing quality!
To read more about Paiges' experience in Japan, click here.
Shop the Kaiser Baas range right here.