Team rider Zoë Hauser

Introduce yourself briefly – who is Zoe away from surfing?My name is Zoë Hauser, I attend the second year 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 turn 14 this Thursday (March 19, 2026). I live in Zürich 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 the nature. When I surf, I am 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 locations.
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 were my two most distant trips so far. The waves in the Mentawais were big and challenging, and in the Maldives, we had perfect waves every day.Do you prefer waves 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.Early wake-up for Dawn Patrol or rather a sunset session?Even though I like to sleep in, I get up early for good waves. No wind and being alone – I love being the first one in the water 🤩.What was your funniest surf session so far?
In training with my surf club last summer in the Algarve, we surfed blindfolded and without fins. That was funny .Your favorite food after a surf session?PastaIf you could only take three things on a surf trip – what would they be?Surfboard, wetsuit or bikini (depending), and something delicious to eat Favorite music or song before surfing?Numb by Linkin ParkWhen you're not surfing – what do you like to do most?Horseback riding and surfskatingBiggest wipeout so far?Praia do Amado (Portugal), really big, snapped my leash and lost my board.This or ThatWarm water or wetsuit sessions?It depends more on the wavesSummer waves or winter swell?Winter swellSurf trip with friends or family?Difficult decision, both are great (everyone in my family surfs ).
Finally
Your dream surf spot that you absolutely want to surf?Blue Balls in the Maldives, they have fat barrels there
Your tip for young surfers who want to start?I recommend not starting with too big a board and learning the basics properly with a coach.