Ellie Hickie: A Three-Time English Junior National Champion Surfer

Now a SportsAid-supported athlete, Ellie is not only focused on her own development but also hopes her journey will encourage more young people to get involved in surfing. 

She said: "I'd always skated and loved being in the water.

"I think I got to a point with skating where I was too scared to take it to the next level because of falling on concrete. Surfing gave me that same feeling, but in the ocean." 

Since then, Ellie has gone from strength to strength, developing into one of the country's most exciting young surfing talents.  

After beginning to compete at the age of 11, she claimed back-to-back English National Under-12 titles in 2023 and 2024 before stepping up an age group and winning the Under-14 national title in 2025.  

She also captured the 2024 Rip Curl Under-12 crown and earned selection to the Surfing England Junior Squad at just 12 years old, underlining her status as one of the country's most promising young surfers. 

Along the way, she has enjoyed some memorable moments, but one achievement stands out above all others. 

"My highlight so far,I'd probably say winning the English Nationals for the third time in a row," she says. 

Alongside her success in competition, Ellie is passionate about showing other young people what surfing can offer and hopes her experiences will inspire others to give the sport a try. 

Ellie remains focused on the bigger picture. Rather than setting distant targets, her priority is simply becoming the best surfer she can be. 

"I really want to focus on being an all-round surfer and getting my technique as good as I can. Then I'll see where that takes me." 

That attitude is reflected in her training. Life as a competitive surfer often revolves around the conditions, meaning no two weeks look exactly the same. 

"It definitely depends on the swell, but if the waves are good, I'll surf as much as I can after school and sometimes before school.

"I also do fitness training to help with paddle strength and core strength." 

On a typical day, she can spend around two hours in the water, although when the conditions are right, she admits she could happily surf all day. 

For young athletes like Ellie, SportsAid's backing provides more than just financial assistance. It gives them confidence that people believe in their potential and are invested in their journey. 

Ellie explained: "The support from SportsAid means a lot," 

"Surfing can be expensive, especially with travelling to competitions and replacing equipment. Having that support helps take some of the pressure off and allows me to focus on training and doing what I love." 

"Knowing that SportsAid believes in me is really motivating.

"It makes me want to keep working hard and improving." 

Away from competition, she hopes her journey can encourage other young people to give surfing, or any sport they are passionate about, a go. 

Ellie’s advice for other athletes is simple: "Definitely just go for it." 

It's a mindset that has already taken her a long way. And whilst Ellie is keeping her long-term ambitions open, she is determined to keep working hard, keep improving and keep enjoying every moment on the water.