Hannah Jensen - Wāhine Rider

Tell us a little about yourself: 
I'm a full-time paint-carver living in the South Island and love adventuring outdoors when I'm not in the studio.

Tell us about your boardsports journey:
I was a late bloomer when it came to boardsports. I grew up learning to waterski with family friends and boogie boarding a few waves, however, it wasn't until my twenties I got to the snow for the first time to snowboard and then in my late twenties, took myself for some surf lessons on a holiday in Noosa. My step-dad had a huge influence from then and I really got into SUP surfing which is still my fave way to be on the ocean. I've been Sup-surfing now for over a  decade and since moving to Chch, downsized to an epic board for me.
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Reason you love board sports: 
Boardsports get you moving! I love walking, biking and swimming using your body to move, but a board takes it to the next level. To be able to glide and flow with nature is the best feeling.
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Your favourite boardsports memory:
Heading out for a paddle while staying at Langs and being met by an animated pod of bottlenose dolphins. This happened many times on holiday trips to this beautiful part of the country, it never gets old, that feeling of interacting with incredible mammals in their habitat is mindblowing. 

What other ways do you cherish (manaaki) yourself? 
When I am not out in nature I absolutely cherish being in my studio listening to beautiful books and carving artworks. I have carved over 60 skateboards in the last 3 years thanks to collaborating with an incredible local company, Paper Rain, which handcraft the decks I paint and then carve back into. I love carving nature and so what I see on my adventures is hugely influential in my work. 

What advice would you give to other wahine wanting to pursue a boardsports lifestyle?
If it makes you feel good, go for it! Don't be afraid to fall, that will definitely happen, just know it's worth it!

If you loved hearing Hannah's story please leave a comment below and check out her stunning art on the following sites:
Website - hannahjensen.co.nz
Facebook - @HannahJensenArtist 
Instagram - @hannahjensenart