Meet: Tessa Abraham from Climax Surf Wax

Now, Tessa is one of a kind, not only does she 'enjoy' triathlons, she also loves to cook, travel, surf. She's an absolute wizard. Oh, and you may have heard of Climax Surf Wax, yeah she owns that too.

We asked Tessa a few questions to get to know her a bit better and we thought we would share the juicy information with you too... So, let’s dive straight in shall we? Tell us a brief overview of who YOU are...

Well, straight out of high school I did a diploma in commercial skydiving so I worked as a professional skydiver for a few years before I went into Climax full time. Surfing and the ocean are a big part of my life but so is fitness. Last year I completed my first Ironman, with my second happening this December. I've done many marathons around the world and it's something that I do with my mum all year round, We enter runs and other adventures. I have the best group of babes that I get to see several times a week at netball and movie nights, they are my soul sisters. Joey has been my partner for 7 years now. He's the absolute light of my life and almost everyone assumes he owns Climax. I think it's because he is in all the photos haha i can't help that he is just the perfect model, but i also think people assume he is the owner because surf businesses are predominantly male owned, surfing is a male dominated sport but in the last few years i've noticed a huge influx of women taking over and it's just the best thing to see! Art and design is definitely something I've always been into but I didn't ever really think it would be a part of what career I would go into. I always used to paint/draw with my nana and she was super into pottery, so she was a huge part in creating creativity when I was growing up and it feels like such a homage to her now making things for Climax.

You make a huge impact both in and out of the water, where did the concept of Climax Surf Wax come from? And do you have a vision for the future?

Climax actually started on a flight home from Bali a few years ago now, I can't even remember why I started doing it but i was coming up with surf wax company names with joe and when I wrote down Climax Surf Wax I just thought dam I should really just give this a go. I wanted to create an ocean friendly wax that doesn't compromise the quality. It took me several months to work out a formula and it's a constant work in progress but a pretty exciting journey! I have big goals for Climax, like The New Zealand Surf Festival next year! lots of big collabs/products coming this year! I really want Climax to be as involved in the surfing community as possible, being part and sponsoring events is something I really want to push in the future and hopefully a Climax store awaits one day too!

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

Oh my gosh tough question. 3 people I would have dinner with, one would have to be Kelly could not pass up the opportunity to have dinner with the legend himself, Biggie would probably be my 2nd I listen to him daily. My third would be Brooke Farris, last year she became the first female CEO of Ripcurl. I would love to meet her one day.

What’s your favourite thing you own and why?

Well I guess I don't really own him because he doesn't listen to me at all and he's definitely a free range bean but my dog Odie is 1000% the best purchase i've ever made. He is one of my favourite things on this planet and I'll never not be obsessed with him.

Top song/artist at the moment?

Anything Biggie or old school rap really depends on the mood and what i'm doing

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

Women in the NZ surfing scene have really started our take over and I love it. So many more girls are getting out there! I think that in some areas of New Zealand people still aren't used to seeing a girl out in the line up and it can be super intimidating but I think that it is changing quickly and so it should. Supporting women and recognising women doing things in the surfing community is what has created such a growth for female surfing in NZ, girls who maybe didn't feel confident enough to get out in the water can find other girls who are also in that same stage of surfing and support each other with groups being formed in every area of NZ. We have female surf business owners right here in New Zealand, female shapers like Lou Aitken taking charge in the shaping world which is such a male dominated industry, salty susan also making things easier for girls out in the water protecting our hair, Bettyzine creating a female community zine and facebook group, Atmosea is a aussie brand creating some wicked female tailored wetsuits that we all need! We even have female surf groups putting on surf comps for women! The Gurfers in Wellington have just recently had a female surf comp that Climax was lucky enough to support, they have competitions and get togethers several times a year and Lotus she just is such an amazing part of the female surf scene down there! Girl groups and Businesses are popping up everywhere and we are all about it!

Last question is would you rather: would you rather go without exercise or go without cooking?

I would go without cooking I hands down could not live without exercise but I can definitely live with going to restaurants and getting takeaways try new restaurants is a passion of mine haha @climaxsurfwax www.climaxsurfwax.com