Summa Longbottom: Pushing the boundaries of women in slab surfing

Summa Longbottom takes on Shippies

Summa Longbottom was always going to be a surfer, and a good one at that. The daughter of legendary surfer and shaper, Dylan Longbottom, Summa is making a name for herself on the international stage as a women who charges. She is taking on some of the world’s most remote, dangerous and consequential waves with a colorful wetsuit and a giant smile.

I wanted to get a deeper insight into who Summa Longbottom was after her recent trip down to Victoria, Australia to chase a fickle, heavy slab wave. The locals who charge this wave have a special connection with the place and were there to help Summa, (potentially the first female stand up surfer EVER), to take on the beast.

Take it away Summa…..

Give us some insight into your surfing journey, from your very first wave until present time:

My surfing journey started pretty early as dad got me onto a board when I was young and ever since my first surf I’ve loved it, especially with my older brother and dad. I started getting into bigger waves a couple years ago with dad but didn’t think much of it. I just wanted to have a go here and there but never thought I’d see myself where I am today which is pretty cool. 

Was your love of surfing instant or was it just something you did cause your dad and brother were doing it?

Yes instantly I loved it and I’m so glad dad got me into it at such an early age because I couldn’t see myself doing any other sport and I made so many good friends from surfing.

You did compete when you were younger. Was/is competative surfing still a dream of yours?

Yeah so when I was younger I did competitions and wanted to get on the world tour but as I got a bit older I drifted away from the competitive side of it and just wanted to free surf. I then started chasing big waves with my dad and felt like this was better for me. Not only because I can free surf but I loved it more than competition.

Who was your biggest influence in big wave surfing & how old were you when you first started taking on big slabs?

My dad got me into big waves as I have watched him surf big waves my whole life, but it was only a couple years ago I started to have a go. I never would’ve thought when I was younger that I’d be doing what he’s doing but I’m so glad I’m following in his footsteps.

Can you share with us a moment when fear was overwhelming and you questioned if big wave/slab surfing was the right thing to do?

Yeah there’s definitely been times I’ve been scared and thought is this okay especially after my dads accident recently, but I always try be positive and motivated to keep doing it because I love it.

How do you overcome fear? Is it a mind set, are you born that way, is it preparedness/training?

I am scared most of the time surfing big waves but I guess sometimes you just have to try get through the fear to feel the excitement and joy at the end of it. 

Summa at a recent swell in Teahupoo

How do you feel as a young female in the surf industry? Have you experienced negativity from the industry, media or other surfers?

I’ve definitely had a lot of support from people especially being a girl as not many are doing it (big wave surfing) so everyone’s really happy for me! I’m just happy to be out there with everyone having a go. 

Tell me about the few days you spent at a remote Victorian Slab wave recently, what was your experience?

The place has got to be one of the craziest places I’ve surfed for sure. I remember getting pushed into that rock shelf and being so scared, I had no idea what to do but I just stayed calm and eventually got pushed along. I was pretty scared to get another one after that experience but so glad I did as my last one was bigger and better.

Summa at a remote Victorian Slab

Your favorite place to surf is…?

Favorite spot would have to be a little left down on the south coast called Aussie pipe, which is so good for everything. 

Who is your biggest influence/supporter in life & surfing?

Greatest influence would have to be my dad as he’s the one who started my surfing journey with me and the one who inspires me to surf to this day.

For all the little groms out there (especially little girls) what advice would you give them as aspiring big wave surfers?

My advice to the younger generation would be: if you want to have a go never push yourself too hard and if something doesn’t feel right don’t do it. At the end of the day, it’s all about having fun and doing it because you love it. That’s why I love big wave surfing because there’s so much support from everyone around you whether you’re catching one or even just sitting in the channel watching.

Story by: Kylie Palmer