Big wave surfer, WSL commentator, two-time World Junior Champ and Championship Tour veteran Laura Enever is about to pull the jersey on for the first time in four years.
The former CT competitor secured the local wildcard spot for the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic presented by Corona and can't wait to compete once again on the world stage.
"I'm super stoked to have the opportunity, especially at home," Enever told the WSL. "All the best results I've ever had have been around home. I won the World Junior title here and I do love competing here, so I'm super, super excited."
The 29-year-old hasn't slipped quietly into retirement either. The past four years have seen Enever evolve into one of the best female big-wave surfers in the world.
Check out her home office and very pink photo studio, learn her morning coffee and juice routine, browse her quiver packed with DHD's, and more.
Transitioning from the CT to navigating the unpredictable, male-dominated world of big-wave surfing and chasing some of the most remote and challenging waves on the planet was documented in her 2020 film "Undone."
A year spent chasing cavernous tubes was a galvanising experience says Enever.
"It taught me about persevering and never giving up and learning what I am capable of doing and mentally how far I can push myself," she explains.
Despite ruling out a comeback on the CT just yet, Enever admits she wishes she had the mental fortitude she has now looking back at her CT career.
Laura Enever getting her feet back in the wax during the Aussie QS series earlier this year. - WSL / Ethan Smith
"I'd heavily crumble under pressure when I was on Tour. I think I just wasn't dealing with stressful situations or losing well. What I feel that I learned doing "Undone," if I could take it back to competing, I would be a completely different competitor."
Most recently, after arriving home from Newcastle after commentating for the WSL, Enever is ready to see the world's best take apart her home break.
"It's completely insane. Everyone is so excited for the contest to come, it's awesome for local business and just for the groms who get to see all their favourite surfers," she says.
Ask Enever who she believes might have the edge at her local and she's quick to tip her hat to last week's winner, defending World Champion and current world Number One, Italo Ferreira, who has been ruling the freesurfing sessions.
"Italo has been looking strong the past few days. It did get quite big and he was out there just getting bombs," Enever describes. "There was a bit of backwash too, it was high tide and he was just taking on every section and looking pretty on. He got this one incredible barrel that must have gone for forty meters. So, I think he's looking really good."
Despite a forecast that might not deliver the classic conditions Narrabeen is known for, Enever believes that being the swell magnet that it is it will still deliver a memorable stop on the Australian leg for the world's best men and women on Tour.
"The banks are really fun at the moment, so even if it's a south swell there it's such a good contestable spot for a contest. It's one of the most consistent breaks, I think, on the east coast, especially in Sydney."
Undone premieres at United Cinemas at Collary this Saturday 17th April at 7:00pm
Narrabeen Wildcard Laura Enever Makes Her CT Return
Alex Workman
Big wave surfer, WSL commentator, two-time World Junior Champ and Championship Tour veteran Laura Enever is about to pull the jersey on for the first time in four years.
The former CT competitor secured the local wildcard spot for the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic presented by Corona and can't wait to compete once again on the world stage.
"I'm super stoked to have the opportunity, especially at home," Enever told the WSL. "All the best results I've ever had have been around home. I won the World Junior title here and I do love competing here, so I'm super, super excited."
The 29-year-old hasn't slipped quietly into retirement either. The past four years have seen Enever evolve into one of the best female big-wave surfers in the world.
Transitioning from the CT to navigating the unpredictable, male-dominated world of big-wave surfing and chasing some of the most remote and challenging waves on the planet was documented in her 2020 film "Undone."
A year spent chasing cavernous tubes was a galvanising experience says Enever.
"It taught me about persevering and never giving up and learning what I am capable of doing and mentally how far I can push myself," she explains.
Despite ruling out a comeback on the CT just yet, Enever admits she wishes she had the mental fortitude she has now looking back at her CT career.
"I'd heavily crumble under pressure when I was on Tour. I think I just wasn't dealing with stressful situations or losing well. What I feel that I learned doing "Undone," if I could take it back to competing, I would be a completely different competitor."
Most recently, after arriving home from Newcastle after commentating for the WSL, Enever is ready to see the world's best take apart her home break.
"It's completely insane. Everyone is so excited for the contest to come, it's awesome for local business and just for the groms who get to see all their favourite surfers," she says.
Ask Enever who she believes might have the edge at her local and she's quick to tip her hat to last week's winner, defending World Champion and current world Number One, Italo Ferreira, who has been ruling the freesurfing sessions.
"Italo has been looking strong the past few days. It did get quite big and he was out there just getting bombs," Enever describes. "There was a bit of backwash too, it was high tide and he was just taking on every section and looking pretty on. He got this one incredible barrel that must have gone for forty meters. So, I think he's looking really good."
Despite a forecast that might not deliver the classic conditions Narrabeen is known for, Enever believes that being the swell magnet that it is it will still deliver a memorable stop on the Australian leg for the world's best men and women on Tour.
"The banks are really fun at the moment, so even if it's a south swell there it's such a good contestable spot for a contest. It's one of the most consistent breaks, I think, on the east coast, especially in Sydney."
Undone premieres at United Cinemas at Collary this Saturday 17th April at 7:00pm
Laura Enever
Enever's Record-Setting Ride Measured at 43.6 Feet (13.3 Meters)
Enever's Record-Setting Ride Measured at 43.6 Feet (13.3 Meters)
Former CT surfer and big-wave charger Laura Enever proves it's not always about making it out - it's what you see inside that counts.
Episode 6
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Episode 5
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Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic presented by Corona
The WSL Photo Dept. offers up some candid moments picked from their thousands of images shot during the four-stop Australian leg of the CT.
Gabriel Medina grabbed the yellow leader's jersey at Narrabeen, while Marks flew up the ratings as the race for the Rip Curl WSL Finals is
Season 2, Episode 3
Joe and Stace reflect on upsets, fantasy, and finals day action from Narrabeen, plus a full preview of the Boost Mobile Margaret River Pro.
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Eight minutes of the all the best highlights from the Rip Curl Narrabeen Classic presented by Corona.