The Surfing Life Of Tanika Hoffman

Tanika Hoffman, one of SA’s top surfers, was recently invited to compete in the inaugural Jeffreys Bay Open of Surfing. Only the ranked top 10 surfing girls in the country were invited to compete and Tanika made the final claiming the 3rd overall. With such a great result in hand, we put this interview together to ask Tanika about the event and her surfing lifestyle.

Full name: Tanika Hoffman

Nickname: Tank

Age: 20

Hometown: Cape Town

Stance: Goofy

Surfboard of Choice: Spider

Sponsors: Billabong, Island Tribe, Spider Boards, Von Zipper, Kustom Shoes, Skullcandy, Hurricane Surf, Renault Tygervally

For people that don’t know you, give us a quick rundown of who Tanika Hoffman is, how you got into surfing and how long you’ve been doing it for?
I am a 20 year old South African surfer. I love the simple life, good food, lots of ice cream, winter and summer. I love travelling. Seeing the world is more than just a great experience, it’s an education. Meeting people all over the world and understanding different cultures and seeing beautiful places are very high on my list. I live with my parents and my younger brother. I started surfing when I was 9 years old. I always loved the beach and the ocean, and just being in the water. When I saw surf lessons I just couldn’t resist. I had my first surf lesson at Muizenberg beach, I was actually with my mom and we were on our way to buy a body board when I saw a pamphlet advertising surf lessons, I immediately changed my mind and didn’t want a body board anymore. I have sponsors whom I’m very grateful for. It’s a good feeling to have a good support team.

Where does your passion for surfing stem from?
I think my passion for surfing derives from my love for the ocean. Spending time in the ocean is always such a peaceful and humbling experience and being out there on a surfboard just feels so natural for me. I am just really lucky that I get to call what I love doing, my job.

What is a day in the life of a surfing girl like?
The first thought that goes through my head every morning is “I wonder where the waves are today”. If I’m not doing fitness training I am probably surfing somewhere or searching for waves.

Which are your favourite breaks in SA and why?
Off the Wall in Moulli Point is one of my favourite breaks, it’s not very consistent but when it is good, it’s really good, and it is also generally quite un-crowded. When I feel like surfing a fun beach break, Long Beach is definitely on the top of my list. Since I am goofy, I obviously also love Elands Bay.

You competed in the Jeffreys Bay Open of Surfing and finished in 3rd place. What are your thoughts on this new event?
I was really looking forward to the JBay Open of Surfing and it definitely lived up to its expectation. Despite the waves not being perfect Supers, the Jefferys Bay Winter Fest as a whole was lots of fun. It is a great idea and way to bring together all different sports, like skateboarding, running, mountain biking and surfing, and since it was the inaugural of the event I am looking forward to seeing it grow in the future.

What was your mindset going into the competition?
It’s not every day you get to surf Supers with only a handful of girls in the water. Going into the event I just wanted to get the best waves and have fun. Obviously the aim is always to go for the win, so I always just try to ensure that I surf to the best of my ability. I always take just one heat at a time and avoid thinking of the end result.

As a whole, how did the event go?
I had some really good waves throughout the event. The competition was very tough, all the girls were surfing really well and I was obviously very happy to make the final. I got off to a good start in the final, but unfortunately the conditions were extremely inconsistent and I struggled to get all the good waves. Overall it was a good event and I was very grateful to be able to gain more experience competing at a world class point break like Supers.

“I like to focus on the present, taking it event by event. Next year I am hoping to compete fulltime on the WQS”

Who was your biggest competition and what do you think you could have done to beat them?
Only the top 10 girls in the country were invited to compete in this event, so the competition was tough, so everyone was competition. I take nothing and no one for granted. The conditions were very inconsistent, so whoever got the best running waves could advance to the next round.

What has been your highlight so far this year?
Other than being invited to compete in the JBay Open of Surfing, earlier this year I was privileged enough to be part of the South African National team who competed at the ISA Wold Surfing Games held in Panama. Team South Africa won the gold medal. Representing your country and coming home with a gold medal is not only one of the highlights of my year so far but also one of the best moments in my surfing career so far.

What other events are you amped to be competing in during 2013?
I am really looking forward to going over to Europe where I will be competing in two WQS (Wold Qualifying Series) events, one held in France and the other in Spain.

Where do you see surfing taking you in the future?
I see myself surfing for as long as I can walk. Competing wise, I like to focus on the present, taking it event by event. Next year I am hoping to compete fulltime on the WQS.

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not out surfing?
When I’m not surfing I still love spending time on the beach and I always enjoy having the extra time to spend with friends and family.

Any specific music you like listening to that gets you hyped to surf?
My favourite music is forever changing, it really depends on what mood I’m in. Before surfing I love just putting on a pair of my Skullcandy headphones, putting my iPod on shuffle and watching the waves.

What is one of the craziest things you have experienced backline?
Being in the surf while there is a shark backline definitely counts as one of the craziest things I’ve experienced.