Earning a wildcard for the World Surf League Championship Tour in Raglan is a dream come true about 10 years earlier than expected for 15-year-old Alani Morse.
The Raglan Area School Surf Academy student secured her spot on home turf, winning Queen of the Point on her final wave to make the draw.
“One of my goals was to compete on the CT, and to do it so early in my career is really cool. I didn’t think it would happen until I was in my 20s, so this is kind of crazy,” Alani says.
Despite the milestone, Alani has her feet firmly planted on her board. Life will continue as usual – alongside surfing, she trains at The Refinery two days a week under Johnny Rickard and two days with Raglan Surfing Academy, while keeping on top of schoolwork.
Those who know Alani weren’t surprised by her win, including her surf academy teacher Larry Fisher.
“Alani had it in her for sure,” he says. “She’s got the belief that she could win it, and everyone who’s been supporting and watching her the last few last years knows she’s good enough.”
Fellow wildcard Billy Stairmand is also a surf academy alumnus. Founded in 1998 by Dean Hishon, the academy supports students to excel in both school and competitive surfing.
“We look at the whole package. It’s not just surfing that it’s going to win it,” Larry says. “Alani needed a lot of physical fitness to get her through all those heats along with smart decision-making – where to sit, staying calm under pressure, and choosing the right manoeuvres. On that final wave, she picked the right turn on the right section to get the points.”
Originally from Auckland, Alani moved to Raglan with her family five years ago. She first jumped on a board as a three-year-old, inspired by her dad.
“My dad surfed and I grew up in a large family of surfers. I’d say, ‘Dad, take me on your board’. I just loved the water.”
That early start saw Alani competing in the surf for the first time when she was six at the NZ Primary School Champs in Gisborne and she’s always strived to be the best in her chosen sports.
“I was always highly competitive with surfing, athletics, netball and skating. I was a top New Zealand skater when I was 10, so I thought I was going to be a pro skater.”
Alani says female surfers have come a long way and she’s stoked to be part of that progression.
“Men are naturally more powerful, but our women’s power surfing is becoming more and more advanced through training hard. I think women also bring a kind of flow – almost like dancing – that’s still powerful and strong,” she says.
Taking things one step at a time, Alani is focused on refining the small details in her surfing as she prepares for the Tour.
“One of my favorite mottos is if you can improve 10 percent in 10 different areas, then you’re a 100 percent better surfer.”
Securing the wildcard has meant putting another comp on the back burner. An invitation to compete at aerial surf competition Stab High at Virginia Beach clashes with the Championship Tour.
“I had to let Stab High go, which was quite a hard thing to do, because I’ve been wanting to do it so long,” she says.” But competing here in my hometown is priceless and I am so grateful for the privilege and opportunity.
Looking ahead, Alani has her sights set on the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. “I’m aiming for 2028 and will give it a crack but I don’t want to rush things. I want to enjoy everything – and there’s always 2030 in Brisbane.”
