SUP: You’re very accomplished in big waves not only as a SUP surfer, but as a windsurfer and surfer too. What are the challenges stand up paddling in big waves compared tothe other disciplines?
SE: I used to do some tow-in surfing but honestly since the last two years I prefer to go out there on my sup and try to catch big waves. First of all, I don´t need a partner and ski and stuff to go surf. Approaching the wave on a stand-up gives you a better view of the building set so you can better anticipate and move to position yourself on the right spot, or to escape! I´m catching waves on sup that I hardly could drop in on a normal surfboard but sometime the wipe-out are BAD with the sup.
SUP: What are the particular things you have to deal with SUP surfing in bigger waves in the Canary Islands?
I just don´t want to break my leash and lose or destroy my board on the lava reef. On the big days the current in the channels is really strong and could drag you far out and that´s a long swim back in, and usually on those days there are not many people cruising the North Shore, so like I used to say a friend: “you get your ass out there and you get your ass back…or you don´t go!”
SUP: Do you train for bigger waves?
Yes, for the last year my girlfriend Nicole and I have been training with a personal trainer at the Fuerte Pro Training Centre. We´re doing “functional training”, not specially for big waves but to be in top shape and prevent injuries . We really fee the difference; it makes me stronger physically and mentally. We also do some mountain biking and in summer time I swim a lot in the open ocean, body surfing and spear fishing. Anyway, we always try to care about diet and have a healthy life rhythm.
SUP: What have been your best and worst experiences on the island?
The best is simply all the good session in big waves; many times I’m alone out there, always with a big knot in my stomach for sure! But enjoying it all the time, so many visions and feelings. As for bad experiences in big waves? Not really any bad stories to tell, fortunately.
