I grew up on a farm in Northland, New Zealand. I started surfing when I was 16 and like to think I will never ever stop. I've surfed on my birthday every year for the last 20 years. My nicknames include H, Feather & MacGyver. My favourite song is "Even Flow" by Pearl Jam. Here's a joke.... Why do divers fall backwards out of the boat? Because if they fell forwards they would still be in the boat. Gracias 😁🤙🏼

Reuben Woods - Raised in Gisborne on one of the best coastlines in New Zealand, grew up in the ocean and riding the Gizzy waves. Travelled the world surfing and is a father to four surf-loving groms. Surfed competitively in New Zealand during his youth with a brief (20yr) pause while focusing on his family and his career. Successfully established his own award winning Creative Agency, Woods Agency, based in Mount Maunganui, another one of NZ's best beach breaks, keeping the balance between work and play. He re-entered the competitive surf scene in NZ 6 years ago when his kids were competing and has since won x3 NZ Senior Nationail titles, made the NZ Open final at the age of 44, and is the current Over 40's NZ National Champ at the age of 47. He's stoked to represent Aotearoa this year in the World Masters.

A internal grommet who still loves that first duck dive and saltwater flush. Surfings been my passion and stoke throughout my life. My family lives in Dunedin, which is down the bottom of the South Island in NZ. The waves are really consistant and there's heaps of variety. It’s just the water is super cold. Some say it's like Bali in a wetsuit. But we like it that way as it keeps the crowds at bay. We’ve got one of the best boardriders clubrooms in the world. It’s beachfront and looks out over our local waves. South Coast Board Riders all the way! I also love taking any chance to surf near the equator and get into boardshorts. Pumped for this event and let’s go team Kiwi!

Has been competing since 1985. Top 10 in NZ Open national circuit for 12 years from 1988 to 1999. Best year 1992 finished 2nd. Won 12 age group titles over various divisions over the years.

Owner of Backdoor Surf stores a chain of  25 surf shops in NZ since 1988.