Ella Sutton.
Surf Life Saving is a mentally and physically challenging sport. It requires dedication, determination and a lot of love for the sport, to make it to the top. All attributes that 14-year-old Ella Sutton from Gisborne, New Zealand, clearly has. Ella has big goals to race internationally and to represent NZ in SLS. We set out an interview with her to understand how she got to where she is and how she plans on turning those incredible dreams into reality.
Get to know Ella.
What is it like living in Gisborne?
I love living in Gisborne. It's super relaxed and takes about 5 minutes max to get anywhere. From my house to the beach is probably 4-5 so a super quick drive or a bike ride if Mum and Dad say they aren’t driving me there for the 3rd time today.
What’s something that is inspiring you right now?
Right now it has to be Olivia Corrin, she just won the open female Australian and New Zealand board race title which is one of my big goals for when I'm her age. It's super cool to be able to look up to her because I grew up with Liv as my older sister almost. Dad coached her right up until she went to Australia and we still talk to her frequently.
At what age did you start Surf Life Saving?
I have always been around surf lifesaving since the moment I was born because my dad was still racing then. But the funny thing is that I really didn't like nippers. I hated going down there and being TOLD what to do, all I wanted to do at that age was surf and play. But around 9 (when I met my best friend at Midway) I decided I really wanted to do this and go to training just like my dad.
Can you tell us your earliest memory of SLS?
I don't think I started competing yet but I remember being down at the beach with my dad when he was coaching, Olivia and Cory were still living at home then, surfing next to them and watching everything Olivia would do. My dad thinks that that is how I got better on a board, from just watching. I loved to say ‘Ready, set, go’ when they would do some starts.
If you could train/race anywhere, where would it be?
I recently just got back from the Gold Coast training with Northcliffe for 2 weeks which was absolutely amazing, the athletes over there are next level! So the Goldie would have to be my place to train, but anywhere in the world, I would get the opportunity to race, sign me up!
What are your preferred race routines?
I don't necessarily have a ‘routine’ per se but I really just like to keep it chill under the tent and just have fun with my friends. I do best when I'm relaxed and having fun because that's how it all started and if it's not fun anymore something is not right. After racing I like to rest, eat some good food and drink lots of water. A good ice bath always makes me feel better the next day too.
What is your favourite SLS race?
My favourite races are the board race and the diamond. I love my board so much. It's just like riding a bike y'know? I love the diamond because I am more of a long distance racer than sprinter so getting to do an extra leg is always fun. I'm excited for this next season because we start Irons.
Describe your major highlights and achievements in sports in the past.
I'm only 14, so I know there are still a lot more bigger things I want to achieve but I think the major one has come from this season and that's winning the board race down in Christchurch. Going into nationals I was feeling amazing but with the surf being so big (4-6ft) it was really anyone's race if they were lucky. But long story short I somehow managed to pull down a wave by myself and that feeling is one I had never felt before, it was the ‘I did it’ feeling which feels so so good after pushing myself all season. A really cool thing was that just moments before my cousin (we are really close) won the u17 male board race so we were super stoked to have won that together and shared that feeling.
Describe your worst sports performance. What did you learn from this experience?
It was last year, I can't remember the competition, but it was the final for the board relay and I went off first. I just had a bit of a shocker and nearly lost my board, I was all over the show. We were definitely up to win it so I felt really disappointed that I had let my friends down when they tried as hard as they could to catch us back up. They were so amazing about it though, saying it happens to everyone and it's not gonna be the last time. I always feel worse if I have a bad race in a team event but my teammates are always so understanding.
How do you maintain a positive mindset when things get hard?
With sport, especially SLS, you're gonna have more bad races than good, it's just how the sport goes, so when I personally go through those bad patches I just make sure I slow down and reassess what's happening. My Mum and Dad are the best at bringing me back down when training gets crazy, just reminding me that as much as surf is a major part of my life it's not the be-all and end-all. I have such amazing friends and family that always remind me why I do surf and why I love it.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
‘Nobody remembers who won the u14 surf race, they remember who was always nice to everyone’ I think this was ONE of the best pieces of advice I was given because it is so true. At the end of the day, it’s better to be a good person than to win 1 race.
Any advice for people just getting into SLS?
Find. Some. Mates! Surf is so much better and more fun when you have great teammates to share it with. I'm lucky to have a whole squad of amazing people and that's what keeps me in the sport and enjoying it every day.
How did your SLS Nationals ‘23 go?
To say I was pretty stoked is a major understatement. Before this year I had never felt so confident and ready going into my comps but at Nationals everything just kind of clicked. I had worked my butt off all season so I knew going in that I had done everything I could and now this was the fun part. Being with such amazing teammates and such an amazing coach and family made it all the more easier to just relax and do what I do best.
What do you tell yourself when a race doesn’t go to plan?
Normally when a race doesn't go to plan I will go off for a swim by myself and remind myself that there are more races and this is just one of many more bad races to come. Sometimes you get unlucky and sometimes you just haven't worked hard enough but that one result isn't your result forever. It’s OK to be disappointed but you just have to accept it and move on. Once again my teammates and coach are the best when this happens and most times this just makes me hungrier for the next race.
Do you have any goals for the next 5 years?
I think my biggest goal at the moment looking into the next 5 years is to make some NZ teams. To go away internationally would be insane and something I have always wanted to do. Also to race a lot more over in Aussie is a big thing I want to do.
What do you believe it takes to be a great athlete?
Determination, because if you don't want it then you're not going to get anything out of what you're doing. You need to love what you're doing, not your parents, friends or anyone else.
Is there anyone you look up to as a role model?
Oh my goodness the list could go on. But I do have a few. As I said before Olivia is definitely my biggest role model. Cory Hutchings has helped me so much and he was such an amazing athlete so it’s cool to soak up everything he says. Of course, Jack Gavin has been so good to work with this past season he has brought the best team culture to our squad. The list could go on but my biggest one would have to be my Dad. He just pulled away from the head coaching role at the club but he will always be involved. I won't list every reason he’s my role model but I'm very grateful for him.