Chasing Waves with ZIGGY MACKENZIE

Seventeen-year-old Ziggy Aloha Mackenzie is already making serious waves. Raised in Uluwatu, Bali, she began surfing at Bingin Beach at age 12 and quickly found her stride. In just a few short years, she has claimed wins in the ISA U/16 World Championship 2024, the Traeger Grill Pro Junior Champion 2025, and the QS6000 Siargao International Cup Champion 2025, along with Australian under 16 National champion and main event appearances at the Rip Curl Padang Padang Cup invitational.

Image credit: Beatriz Ryder @be_ryder

When she’s not chasing waves and competing internationally, Ziggy balances training, travel, and school — and somehow makes it all look easy.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE SURFING, SCHOOL AND COMPETITIONS?

It can be tricky, but having a routine helps a lot. I go to Cooee Surf School, which is built around the ocean and surfing, so they’re flexible as long as I keep up with my schoolwork. When I’m home, I train, work, surf and go to school, and I always make time to hang out with friends and relax. Travelling for competitions feels natural to me now — I love experiencing new places, cultures and meeting new people.

YOUR MIDDLE NAME IS ALOHA — WAS SURFING ALWAYS PART OF YOUR FUTURE?

My middle name was inspired by Hawaii and its beautiful culture. Surfing was always around me — my whole family surfs and growing up in Bali we were surrounded by incredible waves. But I only started taking it seriously during COVID, when I surfed more with my sister and friends. Once I entered my first local competitions, I fell in love with the competitive side of it.

WHAT HAVE COMPETITIONS TAUGHT YOU ABOUT HANDLING PRESSURE?

They’ve taught me to enjoy high-pressure situations and to be comfortably uncomfortable. The ocean is always changing, so you have to stay flexible, patient and focused. Backing yourself — your surfing and your equipment — is really important.

DO YOU GET NERVOUS SURFING BIG WAVES LIKE PADANG PADANG?

Sometimes! Especially before my first wave or when big sets are rolling in. But for me it’s nervousness mixed with excitement. When that happens, I just breathe.

WHAT HAS THE COOEE PROGRAM GIVEN YOU OUTSIDE OF SURFING?

It’s taught me balance and independence. We surf early, study through the morning, and complete school-based traineeships. It feels like a real community, and I have so much respect for our teachers.

Padang Padang Cup 2025 - Image credit: @ripcurl_indo

WHO INSPIRES YOU MOST?

Surfers like Steph Gilmore, Brisa Hennessy and Bettylou Sakura Johnson — they’re amazing surfers and, most importantly, really kind humans.

WHAT EXCITES YOU ABOUT THE FUTURE?

Surfing and chasing better waves! I’m very grateful to do what I love every day and can’t wait to see where it takes me.

@ziggy_alohaa