Introducing: Annika Hogguer Mearns - Surf Life Saver & Surf Boat Competitor

Welcome to our Ambassador blog series, where we celebrate the diverse passions and pursuits of ordinary Kiwi's achieving the extraordinary. From athletes to artists and everything in-between, they embody the spirit of New Zealand through their shared love for their respective sports, activities, passions and occupations.

Join us in discovering their inspiring stories.

10. Annika Hogguer Mearns, Surf Life Saver and Surf Boat Competitor

Brief outline on who you are, your background, occupation, where you are located etc.

My name is Annika Hogguer Mearns. I’m 16 years old and I live in Auckland. Currently, I’m in my final year of high school at Albany Senior High School, which is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking as I prepare to finish up and figure out what comes next. I’m passionate about surf life saving and swimming, and I’m lucky enough to have the opportunity to teach others and be involved in the sport in multiple ways. I work as a swimming instructor, which allows me to help people improve their swimming skills. Additionally, I’m a volunteer Nippers coach, where I teach younger kids the fundamentals of surf lifesaving, and I also volunteer as a lifeguard at Piha, keeping an eye on beachgoers and ensuring everyone stays safe in the water. These roles keep me busy, and I find them really rewarding.

Surf lifesaving has been my passion for many years, and I’ve been a part of the Piha Surf Life Saving Club for the last 10 years. A highlight of my journey was when I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Huntington Beach in California as part of a surf life saving exchange program. While I was there, I lived with a host family and took part in their Junior Lifeguard program, as well as lifeguarding on Huntington Beach itself. It was an unforgettable experience that strengthened my love for surf life saving. When I returned from the exchange, I wasn’t sure how I could stay active in the sport, but then one of the girls who I went on the exchange with approached me with a suggestion. She asked if I’d be interested in trying out surf boat rowing with her and 3 other girls. At first, I didn’t know much about it, but I was excited to give it a try. From the first training, I knew I had found something special. Surf boat rowing quickly became a passion of mine. Since then, my crew, who is still pretty new, the Piha Pipsqueaks, have competed in two competitions, and we even won a bronze medal at our very first competition.

There are definitely many pros and cons to surf lifesaving, as it requires a massive commitment. Most of my time after school is spent training, and I spend the majority of my weekends at the beach. But despite the time commitment, it’s all worth it! Not only do I get the opportunity to help save lives while on patrol, but I also get to educate future lifeguards about beach safety. Being a part of such an amazing community is one of the best things about it. The friendships I’ve made and the support we give one another are invaluable. But without a doubt, my biggest pro would have to be my rowing crew. They are absolutely the best! The friendship and teamwork we share is incredible, and I’m grateful for each and every one of them.

How does X-ZONE help you to achieve your goals?

As an athlete heavily involved in surf lifesaving, swimming, and surf boat rowing, I know how important it is to stay in peak physical condition. X-ZONE Muscle Rub is an awesome tool in helping myself and my crew recover. Whether I’m training after school, competing at events, or spending long hours on patrol, recovery is essential to ensure I don’t get worn out or injured.

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