Meet Ciara Slater : Surfer and Surf Photographer

Ciara is one of those people that you meet and think "damn, her energy is just so comfy". She's like a hug but also incredibly fierce. Picking up surfing a couple of years ago, she's come to love every aspect of it. Even the huge swell that Piha can produce, which is where she learnt. Whilst she's handy with her board, she's also a wickedly talented photographer, capturing gorgeous moments for us to admire forever. We wanted to get to know her better so we asked her a few questions:

Tell us a bit about yourself? My name is Ciara Slater, I am young woman with a love for surfing, the ocean, anything outdoors really! I learnt to surf at Piha with no lessons or anything, just a cheap foamy and a whole lot of courage. I have never looked back since. I’m a social butterfly, always connecting with friends and adventuring.

You're an incredibly talented photographer, where did this passion come from?

I have always enjoyed surf photography, looking at the waves fold and crash is soooo therapeutic to me. One day i bought a camera and tried to get some shots, and they actually turned out alright!

If you could have dinner with 3 people dead or alive who would they be and why?

Hmmm that’s a tricky one. Maybe Johnny Depp because I love him so much, my grandparents who sadly passed away when I was a baby, and Elon Musk because I am so intrigued by his weirdness and mind.

When did you get into surfing and why do you love it so much?

Hmm maybe 3 years ago! Just being so completely one with the ocean, knowing the elements, the rips/currents, wave formation, swells etc. The feeling of gliding a face of a wave is something you cannot describe.

What’s your favourite thing you own?

My bedding lol, its 100% french linen and it is so incredibly comfortable and calming (i’m the biggest home body)

Top song/artist at the moment?

I loveeee electronic music, right now I'm into Detz which is a garage/house, it just makes me feel like I'm floating. I like anything really, I shuffle my music and all sorts come on.

Do you have any thoughts on surf culture in New Zealand and how women are shaping it to cater to them?

Over the last few years there has been such a shift in the female surf culture, with groups and movements such as Ultimate Surf Betties and more. It’s super important we hold space for women who want to surf, who are currently surfing or those who used to. In a predominantly male sport, females are underrepresented hugely and sometimes still very intimidating at localist beaches such as Piha. I have soooo much respect for men in the line up who see women as equals- no hand outs, no rudeness, just obey the normal lineup rules and have a laugh/encouragement together.