Athlete History

Sam was born in a little country town called Kempsey in 1980. She grew up on a farm at Crescent Head where she attended primary and High School.

Sam began surfing at 5 years of age in the creek mouth at Crescent Head aided by her father, legendary surfer / shaper Peter Cornish. Peter grew up in Dee Why where he competed in events for a short time that included a finals berth in Hawaii before turning his talents to the non-competitive arena of extensively travelling to and surfing exotic locations around the globe

Samantha inherited Peters affinity with the ocean and it quickly became apparent that she had also inherited his “famous” fluid and relaxed style that was to become a trademark of Samantha’s surfing in years to come.

Peter and Samantha spent years together enjoying the often secluded breaks around Crescent Head. It was during these years that Samantha developed outstanding skills and courage that would eventually take her to the top of women’s world surfing.

Peter lovingly hand shaped Sam's boards which were traditionally red representing her favourite colour and co-incidentally her “fiery” approach to her surfing.

Eventually Samantha tied up with Kath Anderson (who was to become her step – mother), a former age group Austalian champion and professional surfer. Samantha’s first contest was at a local board riders contest at South West Rocks in which she competed against her male peers. She won and was awarded a chocolate paddle pop as first price at 13 years of age.

Samantha’s competitive career had begun! At this stage she began competing locally and gaining exposure to the competitive situation which she quickly adapted to and begun thriving upon.

At 15 and competing in the local area titles Sam was asked a very important question as to whether she wished to register in the 16 years or 18 years competition. When she heard if you did well at the Aussie titles in the 18 years competition then you could get a birth to Bali for the World Grommet Titles, Sam was sold! From that moment she became obsessed with the idea. At 15, she went through every single heat at Local, State, National and World level undefeated. Samantha was crowned World Junior Champion in Bali in 1996 at 16 years of age and from that point on her career path became evident. Surfing which had always been her passion and way of life was to become even more of an obsession with visions of a career as a professional.

Video footage of Lisa Anderson was played over and over until the tape broke. Samantha was determined to understand what it was going to take to become a world beater. Tom Curren was another surfing favourite along with then stable mate and peer Joel Parkinson.

Samantha always drew great inspiration from the performance of others of top class Australian athletes amongst them Cathy Freeman and Ian Thorpe. She was always curious as to the means and ways of achievement or sporting greatness.

In 1998 a more mature and precise Cornish repeated her 1996 performance and went from Mid North Coast champion to World Grommet champion. Totally on the rampage and during 1999 Samantha focused on another goal that meant a break from many competitions. She studied for and achieved the NSW Department of Education Higher School Certificate. But the surfing world was calling. In 2000 Samantha competed in selective WQS events and narrowly missed qualification for the 2001 WCT. 2001 saw solid WQS performances in France, America, Australia and Hawaii which saw Sam gain qualification for the 2002 WCT. During her first year on the WCT Sam was narrowly defeated in her first final. (Figieura de foz Pro, Portugal.) She re-qualified finishing in the top 10 for the 2002 WCT and 4th on the WQS. Her performances throughout 2002 turned many heads and tagged her as “one to watch” for the future.

2003 was highlighted by outstanding performances in both the WCT and WQS especially in “solid” waves. The year was capped off with a brilliant performance at the Billabong Pro Maui where as the world title show down was unfolding, Sam went on the rampage knocking out contender after contender (eventually defeating newly crowned World Champion, Layne Beachley), for a stunning and dramatic victory in perfect 6 foot barrels.

2004 saw mixed fortunes. Plagued by a shoulder injury sustained whilst free surfing the Indonesian Islands. It was obvious by season’s end that the injury woes were well and truly over when she finished the season with a WQS win in England and a finals berth again at the Billabong Pro in Maui.

Samantha re-qualified for the 2005 WCT series through both tours of the WQS and WCT of 2004. Her 2005 season has begun with a finals berth resulting in an extremely close 2nd placing in the first event of the year, the ROXY Pro WQS, Phillip Island.

Personal Particulars

• Name: Samantha Cornish
• D.O.B: October 27, 1980
• Place of Birth: Australia
• Address: 27 Neville Morton Drive, Crescent Head, NSW, 2440
• Sponsors: Roxy Clothing, Sunglasses and Wetsuits.
• Nickname: Corndog
• Height: 5’0
• Weight: 47 Kilos
• Stance: Natural
• Married: No
• Main Shaper: Nev Hyman
• Travelling Quiver: Nine boards ranging from 5’6 to 7’0
• Favourite Waves: Crescent Head (Aus)
• Favourite Manoeuvres: Barrels and cutbacks
• Favourite Surfer: My dad
• Other Interests: Fishing
• Prior Ratings: ’03-5, 13 (WQS), ’02-10, 4 (WQS), ’01-6 (WQS), ’00-12 (WQS), ’99-63, ’98-63
• Years Rated: 6
• Highest Rating: 5 WCT (2003)
• 2003 Victories: 1 (WCT) 0 (WQS)
• Career Victories: 1 (WCT) 1 (WQS)
  

Goals

1. To become ASP women’s world champion in 2005
2. To promote women’s surfing as much as possible for future generations.
3. Support Charities world wide especially those relating to children in need.
4. To be one of the most publicised female surfers in the world.
5. To put Crescent Head on the map.

Career Highlights

• 1st Santa Cruiz, USA, Cold Water Classic O’Neill Pro WQS. 2004.
• 1st Billabong Pro , Maui, Hawaii, WCT. 2003.
• 2nd Rip Curl Pro, Newquay, England, WQ