Appreciate You
Oliver would like to thank his whānau and local community for their support in helping make his dream of competing at the World Championships in El Salvador a reality.
Oliver Janes
Born on 15 July 2005, Oliver Janes is a rising talent in the world of competitive longboarding, recently selected to represent Aotearoa New Zealand at the International Surfing Association World Championships in El Salvador.
Oliver’s surfing journey began in 2020 at a school shortboard trial, where he entered with little experience but a lot of heart. In just a few short years, his dedication and natural ability have propelled him onto the world stage. He has spent the last two years competing in the Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS) under the World Surf League, with a vision to qualify as a professional longboarder.
Before surfing took centre stage, Oliver spent years immersed in equestrian sports. Starting at age nine with his first horse, Captain Jack Sparrow, he went on to compete in eventing and found his true stride in dressage, training and excelling with his horse “Pure Joy.” An all-round athlete, Oliver also grew up skiing from the age of three and competed in interclub events with Rangatira Alpine Ski Club, later representing Ponsonby Intermediate School on the slopes.
Well-known and respected in the Mangawhai/Te Arai community, Oliver has coached with Aotearoa Surf School and worked as a popular barman at Wood Street Pizzeria in Mangawhai Heads. More recently, he’s spent time living in Noosa, Australia, where he continued to hone his people skills behind the bar and in nightclub management—all while keeping close to the ocean.
Whether he’s on a board, behind a bar, or bringing community together, Oliver brings passion, humility, and a grounded energy that reflects the Aotearoa spirit.
