Raine Jackson is the new recruit to the O'Neill surf team. A dual-passport holder, Raine has just left Australia so she can hang out in Europe and do more competitions over here. Here's an insight into our new girl wonder....

What are your plans for the next 12 months?
This year I would like to travel as much as possible, recount my experiences and share them with anyone who is interested in the way a young female surfer lives. I want to become Britain’s number 1 surfer and gain as much exposure creating a strong profile in the UK and Europe. I truly want to be apart of the driving force developing girls surfing in the UK.

I plan to compete on the European Pro Junior Series that will take me to events in France and Spain, as well as all the events on the UK Pro Tour which covers the whole of the British Isles.

Tell us about yourself in two paragraphs
Growing up of the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia. I was always within close proximity to the water. The beach is the usual destination after school, holidays and even early morning swims and so it was inevitable that I was to grow a strong love for the sea. I was a keen body boarder until the age of 10, only because I had never been taught how to stand up. In 2000 I went to Waikiki, Hawaii and had private tuition for 3 weeks everyday. I then continued to do surf school every holiday period especially throughout the winter months just so I could use a wetsuit. After school became routine where I would run over the hill to Palm Beach with my foamy on my head, from that age I knew this sport was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I started competing in local and state competitions in 2003 and joined my local boardriders NASA (North Avalon Surfriders Assoc.) in hopes of improving against the best of the area. I continued to compete in Australia doing the Pro Junior series until I finished school in 2007. I then realised that with my British Passport I am able to have the best of both worlds and so tested the European waters in 2008 to compete on the European Pro Junior Series as well as the UK Pro Tour. In 2009 I unfortunately injured my ankle which held me back from returning to Europe however this year, 2010 I will be traveling to some of the most amazing locations representing my sponsors and becoming apart of the European surfing world.

Who do you like to ride with?
I prefer to surf with guys that are better than me as I’m always trying to push myself and surf like them. I do however love to surf alone, singing in the water, splashing around is good fun! Surfing with just girls is tops! It’s never serious, just laughing, ultimate mischief!!

Best thing about your job?
Exploring different parts of the world every week and meeting people who share the same love for surfing.

Who are your heros?
I don’t think he’s a quite a hero, he may have super natural powers when he puts his undies on his head though. Mr Warren Smith, ultra cool American dude, travels the world, sheds waves for a living and creates a beautiful chaotic scene everywhere he goes.

What do you do for fun when you’re not riding?
I write, anything that can be extracted from my chaotic mind, whether it be philosophical or mental blabbering. Otherwise I enjoy running and yoga.

Plans for the next 12 months?

This year I would like to travel as much as possible, recount my experiences and share them with anyone who is interested in the way a young female surfer lives. I want to become Britain’s number 1 surfer and gain as much exposure creating a strong profile in the UK and Europe. I truly want to be apart of the driving force developing girls surfing in the UK.

I plan to compete on the European Pro Junior Series that will take me to events in France and Spain, as well as all the events on the UK Pro Tour which covers the whole of the British Isles.