Behind the Mic with Rosy Hodge

You were recently in Palm Springs for a wave pool event. What was that, and how did it go?

It was Stab’s EAST Fest. I just recently started riding XOCOCO boards with Coco, Matt Parker, and Avalon Starick, who head up the design team. Matt invited me to come along for that. It was really cool – one of the first times I’d surfed in that pool – and just such a good vibe. There were maybe a dozen shapers there, the public was invited, and people could surf with pros, try out boards, and check out all the shapes. It ended up being such a fun day.

Those XOCOCO boards look really good under your feet. When did you switch to them, and how are you feeling about them?

I’ve found so much joy in my surfing since switching to XOCOCO boards. Matt hit me up a few years ago to try some, but at the time, I was transitioning from one shaper to another, so I told him I couldn’t right then, maybe in the future. Eventually, I DM’d him and said, “Okay, I’ll try one.” I went to the shop in San Clemente and grabbed a couple of stock boards. Honestly, I kind of didn’t want to like them because it would make things complicated [laughs]. I figured I’d get it out of my system, but on my first wave, I had the biggest smile on my face. I absolutely loved the boards.

I actually saw Matt on the beach that day and said, “Oh no, I’m in trouble.” He’s been shaping me boards and flowing me new ones for a couple of months now, and I’m blown away by how good they are. To have a company that’s specifically designed for women is amazing. Everyone I tell to try one gives me the same feedback: they’re so fast, paddle so well, and just bring so much joy to surfing. It’s been getting me really stoked lately.

Which models have you been riding?

There’s the Bliss model, which I absolutely love. It’s a pulled-in swallowtail, almost like a performance fish, and it absolutely flies. Then there’s a board Matt and I have been working on – it’s a 5’1”, kind of a mini-Simmons-type setup with a rounded nose, crescent tail, and quad fin. It’s the fastest board I’ve ever ridden; I can’t stop talking about it.

And there’s the Halcyon, which is a mid-length twin fin with a round tail. It’s such a good entry-level board that everyone can ride. My husband’s 6’4” and he rode it, I’ve shared it with friends, and everyone who gets on it says it just flies.

You’ve got so many hats right now—mom, commentator, surfer, traveler. What does a “normal” day even look like for you these days?

These days, it’s been pretty great. My son just started TK – he’s four and a half – and our little school is literally right down the street. I drop him off around 8, then pretty much get on my bike and go surf since we live near Lowers. I’ve been trying to get in the water as much as possible during that window while Hayes is at school.

I’ve definitely been neglecting housework [laughs] – I’m looking around right now like, Oh my gosh. But my priorities are straight: I need to get in the water and be active. Hayes is really active, so we’re always out—surfing, going to the beach with a boogie board, or heading to the park. Then my husband gets home from work. It’s a pretty mundane, domestic life [laughs], which is funny because I’ve been traveling since I was a teenager. To actually be home, have a routine, and watch my son grow up has been a really refreshing change.

Do you think it’s important to schedule time to surf when you’ve got a busy parent schedule, rather than just go with the flow of the forecast?

Yeah, 1000%. When you’re a mom, the task of motherhood can feel overwhelming. It’s so important to say, “Okay, I need this time to surf, be active, and get that reset.” It just makes you a better mom and a better person. Getting your head above water, taking a breath, and then diving back in – it makes all the difference.

When your tour career ended, did you ever think you’d find yourself behind the mic as a commentator and interviewer?

Um, no actually [laughs]. It was such a funny role for me to step into because I’m introverted and shy. I found it really intimidating to put myself out there. It’s a vulnerable position – live broadcasting, so many moving parts. You just want the surfing to be the standout.

But the opportunity came my way, and I didn’t have a reason to say no, so I took a deep breath, jumped in, and went for it. It’s been a fun journey.

Did you have to learn those commentating skills, or did it come naturally?

I think because I’ve been around it for so long and already had relationships with a lot of the surfers, it came somewhat naturally. When I first started commentating, I was sponsored by Roxy, and the brands were so competitive on the webcast which was great - they’d give you tips, mentor you, and really invest in making a quality broadcast. I learned a lot during that time. Obviously, there were some bare-bones events where you were running and gunning, but it was a super fun era.

Were there commentators you took notes from?

When we first started, there was Mark Warner – he helped me a lot. Then Kate Bain, who’s now our production manager with the WSL, was actually the one who offered me my first gig with Roxy and Quiksilver. As we transitioned into the WSL, I’ve found Joel Turpel and Ronnie Blakey to be the guys I really look up to. Their feedback and work ethic are incredibly motivating.

What’s your favorite part about commentating or doing post-heat interviews?

Definitely the post-heat interviews – you get that raw emotion from the athletes. Whether it’s someone who just won, lost, or clinched a world title, those moments are so monumental. Feeling that energy and emotion right then – it’s one of the best parts of the job.

And calling the action during an amazing heat is great, too. There are a lot of perks to the job.

Do you usually know when you’ve gotten a great quote during an interview?

Yeah, it sounds funny, but there’s an element of adrenaline to it. You’re live, you connect with the person for that brief moment, and you can just feel when there’s chemistry – it’s a really cool feeling.

What’s one thing about being at events that might surprise people watching at home?

Just how close everyone is. There’s such a sense of community and friendship. Even though these surfers are competing for their careers, at the end of the day, they’re all good friends – they travel together, hang out, and support each other.

Another thing is how much hard work goes into putting on a WSL event. People watching might take it for granted, but there are crews working their guts out behind the scenes – towing cables through soft sand for days [laughs]. There’s so much happening that people don’t see.

What’s something in surfing – on or off tour – that’s really exciting you right now?

This female movement happening right now – in free surfing, the groms, competitive surfing – all of it. Being at events and seeing women like Frankie Harrer and Jaleesa Vincent, who shapes her own boards and is so creative, just feels so fresh. It’s really motivating and makes me proud to see that evolution.

Does it feel different from when you were on tour?

Yeah, totally. When I was on tour, it felt like there were always roadblocks you’d hit. Now there’s just so much more freedom and opportunity. It’s amazing to see women and groms stepping into their potential, realizing their dreams, and building careers out of surfing.

What’s the hardest part of balancing motherhood with a career that takes you all over the world?

Being away from my family. Even just the few weeks I was gone this year for events was hard because I’m usually always here. I think it hits moms differently. I’ve traveled with dads on the job who are super involved with their families, but for me it felt really raw to be away that long. I love what I do and give it my all, but that part is still tough.

When Hayes was younger and nursing, was he traveling with you?

My first event back, Hayes was four months old, and it was at the Surf Ranch in Lemoore – it was like 100 degrees out. I’d commentate, pump right away, and then my husband would come pick up the milk to feed Hayes. I’d have to find ice for the cooler between breaks [laughs]. There were so many logistics while nursing – I was trying to discreetly pump in the corner on my breaks. My husband’s so supportive, though – we’re a really good team.

Are there any routines or practices that help you stay grounded while juggling it all?

Honestly, it’s about just doing it even when you don’t feel like it. There are so many times you’re tired or overwhelmed, but if you just go surf, you’ll feel so much better. I try not to get stuck scrolling when I could be outside or surfing. Downshifting is fine, but I always feel more balanced and proactive when I’m active and doing something.

Has your relationship with surfing shifted since becoming a mom?

Definitely. I appreciate my time in the water so much more, and I feel proud of my body. You change so much after having a kid. I think back to when I was younger and how critical I was of myself – it was such a waste of time and energy. Now when I surf, I’m just stoked to be out there, proud that I’m doing it, and not wasting energy being self-critical.

With Carissa, Joanne, Tati, and other women on tour starting families, is it cool to see them stepping into that next chapter?

Definitely. I’ve known Carissa since she was barely a teenager, so to see her now as a mom – I’m so blown away. She’s amazing.

Back when I was on tour, it felt like you had a baby but were expected to jump right back in, no grace period to rest, heal, or just be a mom. There wasn’t maternity leave. And postpartum is so intense. Seriously, for a year, I’d come in after every session crying. I just felt so disconnected from my body – it took me so long to feel like I’d found my equilibrium again. Hopefully now, with the WSL evolving, there’s a real place for women to take that time off, take care of themselves, and come back stronger when they’re ready.