I moved to New Zealand from Canada 7 years ago in search of a more laidback lifestyle and the ocean. I’ve been surfing for nearly 5 years solid and am loving the journey. It’s been one of my biggest challenges to date as I am not a natural athlete!

As a born and bred Canadian from the heart of the Rocky Mountains and old cowboy country (Calgary), I grew up in traditional upbringings in an immigrant household. I pursued a Business Degree and later went on to do my CMA/CPA accounting qualifications. My experience has been in financial analytics and helping to educate managers to understand their financial areas of responsibility. I am currently the financial controller for Asaleo Care in Kawerau.

There is a lot of change happening in the world and it’s a perfect time to have an organization like AWSA to help support females for equity and participation in surfing and building community.

An American turned Kiwi, based in Mangawhai with roots in Raglan, I started surfing over 10 years ago when I came to Aotearoa and have never looked back. I've traveled the world surfing and am an absolute frother who loves the adrenaline hit of dropping into a wave on a big day. There's nothing better than watching the sunrise in the water with my surf bestie and feeling on top of the world.

My background is in Finance, previously working for an international tax, audit, and consulting practice.  Since moving to Northland and becoming a mum, I now focus on Business Advisory and contract as a Virtual CFO for several not-for-profits in Aotearoa which has always been my focus and is a passion of mine.

Surfing is such a masculine environment and I want to bring more women together to enjoy surf culture and create more equality in the water. 

Ko Mātaatua te waka.
Ko Putauaki te maunga.
Ko Ngāti Awa te iwi.
Ko Ngāti Pūkeko te hapū.
Ko Adriana ahau.

Born and raised in Tauranga, the moana has always been a place of belonging, retreat, and happiness to me. I started out surf lifesaving in Mount Maunganui at 4 years old, kicking off my obsession with the surf and its community. 

My university years took me up to Tāmaki Makaurau where that obsession grew. Whether it was cruising on a log at Orewa, battling double-overheads and stage fright in the line-up out West, or hitting the road at 4am for a dawny up North, I was rarely seen outside the drink.  

Fast forward to today, I’m now a proud Wellingtonian and an even more obsessed surfer (with a much thicker wetsuit). I’ve experienced the massive boost in confidence that comes from finding fellow Gurfers (girl surfers) to infiltrate line-ups with, and have loved seeing this community grow.

I’m lucky to be in a generation of wāhine who have grown up with access to typically male-dominated spaces because of the relentless advocacy from the women who came before us. Supporting AWSA is my way of carrying the torch and continuing to build on this culture of inclusivity.

Giving surfing a nudge since 2010, I love my mid-length fun board with lots of volume he’s super floaty and all kinds of responsive. Like all the awesome wāhine in this rōpū, I've found surfing to be therapeutic, connective, humbling and healing. I get the obsession.

I met a boy (who later became my husband) with the patience of a saint who taught me to surf and is still my staunchest supporter. Originally from Ngāruawāhia, I now reside on Te Wai Pounamu. Surfing has taken me to some incredible places around the world just because we were curious to surf there. One thing I have learnt – generally surf people are good people and regardless of your background everyone feels stoke for someone who nails a wave whether it’s 2ft or 10ft. Come back to the line up smiling and you’re winning.

Supporting AWSA is my small contribution to support pathways and look for opportunities for our wāhine of all ages to get out there and join us.

Even now my pop-up is rubbish and I’m still nervous out in the moana (see pict). But I understand this is about the journey, not necessarily the destination so I’ve got time. If you do see me paddle over and say “Kia ora or Mōrena”.