Girlfriend Role Model: Rosa Thompson (surfer)

GF: What do you love most about surfing?
Rosa: Being in the water with all my friends and the awesome feeling you get when you catch a good wave. When you roll up to the beach to pumping waves and you just want to get out there.

What are your greatest achievements so far?
First in the Billabong Gromsearch Series 2007 U16, first in Raglan Surfing Academy Secondary Schools U18 comp '07, first in the U14 and U16 at the Ripcurl Gromsearch in Wellington '07.

What are your long-term goals?
Make the Junior Worlds Surfing Team, represent New Zealand and to still surf when I'm 80!

What advice do you have for girls wanting to take up surfing?
It's always much more fun being out in the water surfing than on the beach watching. It's a great sport because it keeps you fit and healthy. No matter how frustrating it is at first, just keep trying because once you get a good wave you will be hooked!!

How do you feel about peer pressure?
It can be good or bad. It got me into surfing as all my friends were doing it. Just be careful who you allow yourself to be influenced by!

Have you faced any challenges in your life?
Yes, mostly all related to surfing. Having to overcome my fear of bigger waves and injuries that have kept me from the water have been very difficult. I have also faced personal challenges which my friends and family have helped me overcome.