Meet Callie Cruickshank

Meet Junior Surfing Champion Callie Cruickshank

Hi my name is Callie Cruickshank I’m 14yrs old. I am currently the reigning U14 Scottish Junior Surfing Champion and a member of the Scottish National Surfing Team. I compete in UK, European and World Surfing events and had numerous event successes to date.

What inspired you to take up your sport?

My dad was a keen surfer and brought me into the sport.

Which club did you start your sporting journey with?

Broch Surf Club (in Fraserburgh).

What has been your biggest challenge in your sporting journey, and how did you overcome this?

Wintertime is challenging as a young female surfer in Scotland. The weather is harsh, cold and can be isolated.

Sourcing the best fitting wetsuits and finding like minded surfers to share the experiences with has made things easier on those harsh winter days.

My parents are also really supportive and help wherever they can to make surfing enjoyable even on the harshest winter days.

What are your goals for the coming year?

To continue to develop my surfing skills and compete steadily against older competitors.

What does your training programme involve, and does this impact on other areas of your life?

Unfortunately surfing is weather dependent and I can’t always train in the sea. I need to try and balance my strength and conditioning training out with the sea on times where the weather is unfavourable and surfing in the sea is not possible.

What skills do you have that have helped you succeed in your sport?

Mental strength, self belief and hard work.

How many competitions do you plan to compete in?

I annually compete in around 10 events / year.

How do you deal with setbacks in your sport, whilst training or competing?

I have learned that you learn more from defeats and mistakes than I would by winning all the time. I must take positives from all events and use this to continue to keep learning and improving.

Who is your biggest inspiration from the world of sport?

Erin Brooke’s, she is a young female athlete surfer who is currently raising the levels of female surfing at a young age.

What is your greatest achievement in your sport?

Boardmasters and Ripcurl Gromsearch podium placing in the UK and winning a women’s event Gathering of the Clans in Scotland at 14 years old. I’m also really proud to represent Scotland at European and World level events.

What helps you to stay motivated and focused during your training?

I just enjoy surfing so much and this alone motivates me to improve.

What advice would you give to others just starting out in any sport?

Get involved and approach your local sports clubs for advice - they will point you in the right direction.

How will your Talented Athlete Pass help you develop and hone your skills as an athlete?

During periods where there are no waves or times when the surf conditions are poor, the Talented Athlete Pass will allow me to train on my strength, cardio fitness and body conditioning which will all improve my performance levels as a surfer.

Is there anywhere people could find more information about your upcoming sporting activity? (Facebook, Website / Twitter)

BrochSurfClub and Scottish Surfing Federation.