Someone Should Really Put A Sticker On Her Nose

I know I know I know. It’s covid times, competitive surfing’s on hold, surf brands are strapped for cash. Who’s gonna shell out skrilla for a relatively unknown Aussie with a limited competitive track record?

All reasonable points, until you see Vittoria Farmer surf. The 22-year-old Noosa local has a refined approach, gorgeous style, and power that surpasses most women on Tour. Her forehand wrap is particularly lethal. 

Surprisingly, Vittoria has never had a major sponsor. She’s won a few QS events over the years, but due to lack of funding (and perhaps self-confidence), she’s never made a legitimate push toward the big leagues.

It’s clear that Vittoria has the talent to make it—maybe she just needs a psychological boost from Gold Coast talent-tender and Stab CUSP co-host Stace Galbraith. 

Anyway, you can watch Vittoria dismantle waves above, then read below for a little more about her.  

Stab: Hey Vittoria! You don’t have a sponsor currently, so what do you do for a living? Or are you in school or whatever? 
Vittoria Farmer: I work as a lifeguard at Noosa during the day and at a restaurant & bar during the night. 

I see on your WSL profile that in 2018 you won 3 QS events in a row. Can you tell me about that? 
Yeah, 2018 was a good year for me! Prior to the start of the season, I took an 18-month break from competition. I saw this Indo leg on the WSL website a week or two beforehand. My mind was blown that they were holding quey events at these locations, so I booked a ticket straight away. 

It definitely makes a difference competing in good waves, wow! I didn’t have a heap of confidence in my competitive surfing and had only ever won one comp prior to those events. Having quality waves for an event made me feel like a rockstar. Big perfect Indo canvases with plenty of opportunity to move some water—no need to grind out scores! It was a trip of a lifetime for me. 

Do you aspire to be a professional competitive surfer (CT)? Or what do you want to do in the future? 
I’m at the crossroads about whether to pull the trigger and really give it a crack to qualify. I always had the mindset of wanting to surf good (not necessarily in a comp rashie) and I feel like I have a fair way to go. The CT has been my goal the last few years, however, I’ve taken a step back and am just enjoying what’s in front of me right now—while the world is on hold!