You got a late call-up to Brazil ...
I was getting the shop ready for Christmas when we got an email saying a girl had pulled out because of injury. I was next on the Australasia ratings list. Australians need a visa for Brazil, which can take a month, but luckily we don't. I felt ready, mentally and physically. To finish the year like this is just fantastic.
What were the conditions like?
Beach breaks, which means it is not breaking in one spot all the time. It's what we surf here all the time so that made me feel confident. It was quite messy and I'm used to that.
What was the winning moment like?
I was paddling back in when they called out that I'd won. I was almost numb. I couldn't believe it, I'd dreamed of winning a world title my whole life.
Your whole life?
I started at the age of 4 at Raglan. Dad took me out on a long board - I had a big lifejacket on and he paddled into this wave. I was so scared but we rode it forever. I felt totally happy - the feeling of riding it for so long was such a special moment - the feeling of riding it for so long was such a special moment. I wanted to do it again and again.
You started young ...
I was competing at 6. It was very unusual then and some people were horrified. My dad pushed me into the waves and people would complain because you are supposed to paddle in yourself. I felt safe because I knew he was behind me.
You set your sights high ...
I wanted to be famous. I wanted to be a singer, surfer, dancer, actor, squash player. I loved doing them all. I just wanted to stand out. I wanted my name to be known, to be in magazines, do the interviews. I still do. I don't know why - it's just me. I wanted to put New Zealand on the map with surfing.
I've been told you train harder than any surfer in the country.
I'll surf seven or eight hours a day when the conditions are good then have the best sleep because I'm knackered. I am doing other stuff like running and using a medicine ball but I've got a lot to learn about that.
Where have you been in the past year?
Australia, Tahiti, Taranaki, Panama, Costa Rica, California, Nicaragua, France, Spain, Brazil, Piha, Raglan ... everywhere.
Sounds expensive.
It's crazy how much it all costs. I won US$7500 ($9002) in Brazil, which covered our costs with a bit left over this time. I work in the shop over summer and run surfing lessons. It's all about keeping everything ticking over.
Sponsorship?
Rip Curl has sponsored me since I was 12. They've always supported my dream and believed in me. I've started picking up some more ...
Any pet surfing hates?
Injuries. I broke my nose when a long board hit it. It's still crooked. I was lucky not to pass out because no one else was there.
Is there one thing in surfing you would like to change?
A more even playing field for women - more contests and at the best venues. It is starting to change around the world. The girls' surfing division in New Zealand is really growing. I hope this helps. Girls should be able to go in the boys' heats - that's what I've done for the past two summers but I'm not allowed to any more. I started beating the boys and someone complained. The girls can learn so much off the boys.
Your best wave?
Bells Beach, in Victoria, a right-hander - it was absolutely pumping when we were there.
Your favourite venue?
The Whanga Bar...it's a perfect left hander and right outside my back door step.
Your dream?
Winning more world titles, like my idols Kelly Slater and Stephanie Gilmore. Getting fun waves. Winning surf competitions. If you get on the world tour, you can make a good living. There is the other side - being marketable. I want to be visible.
