Tell us something about yourself
I was born with a physical disability in my left hand. My “fingers” aren’t developed, but my wrist is still there and works. It’s hard to explain in a few words because it’s something that doesn’t normally exist, and people have a hard time imagining it normally. For me, it’s an everyday thing, and I don’t usually notice it because I’ve never had a life with two hands. I even think I’d be a bit lost if someone could give me their hand today; I’ve gotten so used to it.
I don’t know if it’s because of my handicap, my family, or just a coincidence that I’ve always loved balance sports. Whether it’s horseback riding, unicycling, or snowboarding, they’re my passion. It gave me a heart attack when I was a child, and it still does today. I’ve been a snowboarding instructor for three years. I mostly practice in winter, in Switzerland, with the high mountains. I think that’s why surfing wasn’t something very complicated or exotic for me, especially the technical aspect of understanding the movement, since it’s similar to snowboarding. That said, I love the philosophy of the surfers that I have found on my travels and the sea.
When did you start surfing?
I tried to balance on a board for the first time in the West of England. The sea was cold and I was freezing… but I loved it! My host sister showed me more or less how to stand up on the board if I caught a wave and couldn’t believe it when I stood up with the first wave I caught.
Three years passed from my first time on a surfboard in England until I signed up for my first surf camp with friends. It was “La Ola Surfcamp” in Fuerteventura. I loved the scenery, the people, and especially the sea and the beautiful surf spots, and I would love to go back. The following year, along with one of my best friends, I stumbled across the “Bio Surfcamp” in Suances, near Santander, on the internet. I didn’t have to think long before I decided to go with her.
How was your experience at Biosurfcamp?
The day we arrived, it felt like we were entering a little forgotten paradise, far from anything that could cause stress and full of wonderful people of various nationalities. Despite being a small town, without many places to go out, we never had a dull moment. The first night we went to “Vegano Azul” with the Spaniards from the camp, an exquisite vegan restaurant. The second day we visited the small village next door, and other days we cooked at the camp itself.
The camp is divine, and the tents are hidden in the trees, giving them a unique charm. Surfing schedules depend on the sea conditions, the wind, and you… you grab your board and wetsuit, after a delicious breakfast, and you jump into the water with a group of people you’ve never met before, but who seem like you’ve known them forever. Sometimes the warm-up is just as fun as the lessons, because the waves can take a while. Of course, I also like the quiet moments, waiting for the perfect wave. With luck (or with the help of the instructor) you catch it and get up, and you feel simply amazing.
Then, back at the campsite, you can chat with interesting people about whatever you fancy (someone told me about the movie “Soul Surfer,” which I obviously have to see), or you can try your hand at slacklining. Or, like us, you can just grab a bike and a picnic and head back to the beach to enjoy the rest of the day..
What would you recommend to someone who wants to surf for the first time?
I think if you want to learn to surf and don’t have anyone who can teach you privately, a surf camp is ideal. Especially with people you like, but also only if you choose a camp that offers a campus with a lively surfing atmosphere.
The only thing that scared me were the “giant slugs” that also live peacefully there. What could you expect from “Bio Surf Camp”? I think sometimes the world should be a little more like the “Bio Surf Camp” in Suances, or at least embrace the philosophy of living with nature and in peace. Increase the positive impact with a little, but be efficient.
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