Pāpāmoa-based surfer Levi Stewart, who is most grateful to have his health, back in action in the surf. Photo / Col / surf2surf.com
When Levi Stewart broke his back in two places at a surfing competition in 2013, doctors told him he may never walk again — let alone surf.
The news hit the Pāpāmoa-based surfer hard.
"At the start, I thought s*** happens, and then I got really bad depression and put on a lot of weight. It took me a long time to get back," Stewart said.
"I had to work my arse off and believe in myself.
"It was the hardest time I have ever gone through, but it's all right as everyone has a sad story."
For motivation, he tacked a piece of paper on his bedroom wall which said "I will make it into the New Zealand Surfing team". Today when Stewart reflects on having made that goal a reality earlier this year in Japan and finishing second in the 2018 New Zealand Surf Series, he does not rank these as his most significant achievements.
"I am just grateful to have my health back and be able to walk and to reach surfing at a high level again.
"I guess I just wanted to prove to myself that I could do it."
Professional surfing is his life, he says.
"I love it."
He is at home and most comfortable out on the water.
"I have the freedom to do whatever I want. On a bad day you go out there, and it all goes away."
But that is not what drives him.
For four years he has travelled to the United States and Australia to work as a volunteer for Heal Surf which teaches autistic children how to surf.
"Competition is my life but trying to give back to the sport is more important to me."
His role models are his former Raglan Surfing Academy coach Larry Fisher who was "crazy good to me" and the "closest thing to a father figure".
But the 23-year-old is a mother's boy at heart.
"My mum is the biggest inspiration in my life and getting to hang out with her is pretty special."
The Tauranga youngster has a sweet plan for his prize money.