Hannah Harding Interview - British Female Surfer
Today Urban Surfer got the awesome opportunity to interview the funny, talented and equally as gorgeous British Surfer Hannah Harding! She is just the National Surf Champ... no biggie...
US: Hey Hannah, it’s great to talk to you! How are you?
HH: Hi Hi.. Good to talk to you too! I'm grand thanks.
US: So you've had a pretty reasonable summer some might say… you've become national champion and got your first modelling contract! That must be pretty sweet right?
HH: Yeah it’s been a good summer. Becoming national champ is a great feeling and the rest of it was pretty rad too.
US: Obviously the Olympics has had a massive impact on the country as a whole, what did they mean to you and do you think that surfing could ever be an Olympic sport?
HH: I've always loved watching the Olympics and them being held in our motherland this year, the atmosphere has been mad. Team GB did us proud, feels good to be British! I think if Wave Pools continue to improve and develop in the way they are, I don't see any reason why surfing couldn't be an Olympic sport, I’d love to surf for Britain.
US: So let’s get back to the beginning… How did you first get into surfing?
HH: About 6 years ago. I was bored of watching my boyfriend have all the fun!
US: What is your first surfing memory?
HH: Not sure it’s my first surfing memory but it’s definitely a fond one. Surfing cold Paignton Pier, Devon on Christmas day.
US: Why do you love surfing?
HH: It's one of the best highs you can naturally get.
US: Who inspires you?
HH: All the athletes that competed in the paralympics. There’s never an excuse for being lazy and this just proves it. Get out there and do something!
US: So winning the Nationals must be a pretty big deal for you, is this something you've always dreamed of? How did it feel when you knew you had won?
HH: Yeah I guess it kinda is a big deal. If I'm totally honest its not something I've always dreamed of, no. But after coming second two years running I have to say it felt pretty damn good to win.
US: And you’re now an official model! Is that something you always wanted to do?
HH: Its not something I've always wanted to do and I am not sure about the 'official' but its something I certainly don't mind and definitely enjoy doing.
US: OK, so the sun’s down, the surf is done and you’re back in the bar, what are you drinking?
HH: Anyone who know's me, knows the answer to that is a pint! But that's not to say I don't love the odd glass of vino.
US: The ice-cream van has just rocked up, are you a flake 99 girl or a magnum kinda girl?
HH: I'd like to say 'Magnum' cause it sounds better, but I'm actually neither. Mint Choc Chip in a tub any day,everyday, All day!!
US: Have you done much travelling? Where have you been and where was your favourite?
HH: I've done quite a bit of travelling over the years. Aus, NZ, Indonesia, Maldives, Thailand, Denmark, France, Spain, Portugal and the Caribbean. But Indonesia has been like a second home to me, its definitely treated me well over the years and I love it dearly.
US: What hobbies do you have away from surfing?
HH: I have a few hobbies outside of surfing, but I recently found my love for skating again, I used to skate about 10 years ago. (Wow that makes me sound old! Mehhh....)
US: Who would you invite to a Hannah Harding dinner party? And more importantly… what would you cook?
HH: First of all it would be more of the latter rather than the Dinner! I would cook a big pot of my favourite Indonesian dish Beef Rendang and I would invite everyone that means something to me, oh and of course yourselves ;)
US: So what’s next for you then?
HH: Well I am looking forward to the UK Pro Surf Tour kicking off! And after all that I am preparing for my first Christmas here in a very long time. I must be crazy Ha!!
US: What’s the state of women’s surfing right now?
HH: The ladies are blowing up on tour at the moment and the standard is getting better and better. There always seems to be some young new talent pushing the limits and the other girls. But I still think there could be more exposure, sponsors and events in better waves, especially in this country.
US: If you could change anything about women’s surfing, what would it be?
HH: For women’s surfing to be taken more seriously in this country. I know performance wise we are way behind the rest, but to have the backing, support and to be able to train in decent waves that could all change.
US: Who else on the girls scene is ripping it up right now?
HH: God there's so many but I still just love Steph Gilmore's style and 5 world titles, gotta be happy with that!
US: Thanks Hannah, it’s been a pleasure!
HH: Pleasures all mine. Oh and big thanks and shout out to my sponsors Animal, JP surf boards, 69Slam, Astro decks, Inlayz, Future fins, Kool Rida Cycles and of course the gorgeous Disco Beads.
