Charlotte McDiarmid

Charlotte McDiarmid is a Gisborne-based surfer known for graceful style and powerful cutbacks. She's been chasing waves since 8 and lives for the freedom and happiness she feels when surfing.

Why Surf Shell?

I love my SurfShell because it keeps me protected while still feeling lightweight and comfortable in the water. Whether I’m surfing messy conditions or spending hours at the beach, I can trust it to stay secure so I can focus fully on enjoying the surf. I also love how stylish it looks, making it easy to wear both in and out of the water.

What's your favourite local break and why? 

Creeks at Makorori is my favourite local surf break because it always has fun and consistent waves. The waves can be powerful on a good swell, but nice and relaxing on a regular basis. Every time I surf at creeks it reminds me why I love being in the ocean so much.

Biggest achievement so far?

Winning the Sequence Junior Pro was one of my favourite achievements in surfing because all of my hard work paid off. The competition had a strong group of surfers, so making through each heat felt rewarding and motivating. 

Who or what inspires your surfing journey?

I always feel so inspired seeing surfers like Molly Picklum because of her power and fearlessness. Cole Houshmand is another huge influence because of how effortlessly he surfs big waves. Lastly, meeting Carrissa Moore was so amazing. Her vibe, attitude, and the consistency of her surfing is a major inspiration to me. 

What advice would you give someone new to the lineup?

My advice to someone new to the lineup would be focus on having fun while respecting others around you. Surfing isn’t just catching the best waves, it's also about enjoying the ocean and creating a positive atmosphere in the water. 

What does safety in the surf mean to you?

Safety in the surf is very important to me. It's about making smart choices in the water so you can enjoy surfing while staying confident and prepared. After cutting my chin on my board during a surf, I realised how quickly accidents can happen. Wearing my SurfShell has become a part of how I stay protected and comfortable in the water. 

What are your goals and aspirations for the future?

My goals and aspirations for the future are to travel the world with my surfboard and experience different waves and surf communities. I also want to continue pushing myself competitively and make some more national finals as I improve my surfing.