Sponsored by iON
Philippa grew up together with her older brother Craig Anderson on the beautiful South African coastline of Port Elizabeth.
Having a father that surfed and living across from the beach, it was inevitable that both kids would end up loving the ocean.
Craig and Philippa spent every day before and after school running down to the beach to spend hours in the water. As Philippa says, “I am so blessed to have grown up the way I did.”
After coming so close to a win, I knew this is what I wanted to do…
Philippa started surfing at the age of 10. Her dad played a big role in teaching her how to surf. After the family emigrated to Australia, she surfed in her first Under 12 Girls Division in the RipCurl Grom Search.
It was the girls competing that pushed her to surf better and become the competitive woman she is today.
Philippa knew she wanted to be a professional surfer after finishing 2nd in the World Pro Junior for two years in row. “After coming so close to a win, I knew this is what I wanted to do,” Philippa tells us.
Philippa, you were recently named “the best female surfer not on the world tour.” What kind of motivation does this statement give to you?
There are so many amazing female surfers right now that are not on tour, to have that title aimed at me, I feel really honoured.
Seeing girls like Courtney Conlogue and Sally Fitzgibbons who train, surf and are mentally strong, it pushes me to want to be the best I can be.
It motivates me not only to show everyone that I can make the tour, but also to prove to myself that I can do it.
You’ve now started a journey to compete and qualify for the World Championship Tour. How do you feel about it?
I used to be pretty intimidated but now I look back and wonder why I was. I’ve started to focus purely on myself and goals and this year it has really shown in my results.
I’m really excited about what lies ahead, and at the moment I’m really enjoying my fitness training, surfing and the support I have had from my family, friends, the Newcastle community and others from around the world with my Indiegogo Crowdfunding Campaign.
It has been amazing and I’m so blessed to be where I am today.
Get Philippa Anderson on the World Championship Tour / Indiegogo from La Lune Cinema on Vimeo.
Join my journey - http://igg.me/at/go-philz
If you could do anything you wanted right now, what would it be?
Be on a tropical island with my partner and friends surfing epic waves.
Where do you most want to travel, but have never been?
Egypt.
What is your favourite memory?
Camping with friends and family in South Africa.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Losing my major financial sponsor and the loss of confidence that came with it.
What is your biggest success up until now?
There are a few that to me highlight my career. One would be winning the Australasian Pro Junior Tour and placing 2nd in the World Pro Junior Championship.
What is the one thing that should be taught in school that isn’t already?
Explain everything to do with banking, taxes and the process of how to buy a house.
If you were to create a piece of art, what would the subject be?
Countryside
How would your friends describe you?
Probably a bit crazy and funny when I want to be.
Would you rather…
Wear jeans or chinos?
Jeans
Have a Margarita or Pina Colada?
I dont like either, haha
Crash with friends or stay in a hotel?
Friends
Enjoy a houseboat or speed boat?
Speed boat
Go to a comedy club or dance club?
Dance club
Choose a free trip or money?
Free trip!