Zoë Hauser

Introduce yourself briefly – who is Zoe outside of surfing?

My name is Zoë Hauser, I’m in the second year of secondary school at Gymi Freudenberg, and I have a little sister, Jana (10 years old).

How old are you and where do you live?

I am 13 years old and will be 14 this Thursday (March 19, 2026). I live in Zurich Wollishofen.

How and when did you start surfing?

I started surfing at age 10 with my parents in Portugal 🇵🇹.

What do you love most about surfing?

What I love about surfing is the action and being in nature. When I’m surfing, I’m in the flow and forget everything around me. Every session is different – that’s exactly what makes it so exciting. I prefer surfing in remote places.

Surf LifeYour favorite surf spot so far?

Ponta Ruiva in the Algarve, Tiger Stripes in the Maldives

Which surf trip will you never forget?

I don't forget any of them 😊. Portugal is always beautiful – I surf there often. The Mentawais and the Maldives have been my two most distant trips so far. In the Mentawais, the waves were big and challenging, and in the Maldives, we had perfect waves every day.

Waves: prefer them small and playful or big and powerful?

Powerful and playful, preferably with lots of "critical sections" for maneuvers.

Your favorite maneuver in the water?

Frontside and Backside Vertical Top-Turns.

Getting up early for a dawn patrol or prefer a sunset session?

Even though I like sleeping in, I get up early for good waves. No wind and being alone – I like being the first in the water 🤩.

What was your funniest surf session so far?During training with my surf club last summer in the Algarve, we surfed blindfolded and without fins. That was funny.

Your favorite meal after a surf session?PastaIf you could only take three things on a surf trip – what would they be?

Surfboard, wetsuit or bikini (depending on the place), and something delicious to eat 

Favorite music or song before surfing?

Numb by Linkin Park

When you're not surfing – what do you like doing most?

Riding horses and surf skating

Biggest wipeout so far?

Praia do Amado (Portugal), really big, leash snapped and board gone.

This or That

Warm water or wetsuit sessions? Depends more on the waves

Summer waves or winter swell? Winter swell

Surf trip with friends or family? Difficult choice, both are great (everyone in my family surfs).

Your dream surf spot you absolutely want to surf? Blue Balls in the Maldives, there are big barrels there

Your tip for young surfers who want to start? I recommend not starting on a board that is too big and learning the basics properly with a coach.