This is Lars Musschoot, a local shredder from this awesome city. He has been all over the world to surf because he used to be a pro surfer a few years ago. He is my friend now, he is such a humble down-to-earth person. He was the first person I contacted when I moved to Belgium and he responded to me right away... he's such an awesome human being. Photo: Damian Davila
I shot this one the first day I went to check out this spot. It was really glassy and sunny, lighting was awesome! This is one of Ostend's main breaks. This day was small as you can see, but still it was really amazing for me just being there. I saw this thing in the water with a sign that said "Enjoy the Ride." It made me realize that no mater what you ride, the size of waves or conditions... just ENJOY THE RIDE. Photo: Damian Davila
There’s swell sometimes when a storm comes up from the north, and I was there when it was pumping! It was so cold! Photo: Damian Davila
Hitler knew the allied invasion on the Atlantic coast would come eventually, so all along the western edge of Europe — from Spain to Scandanavia — he built a series of fortifications called the Atlantic Wall. In addition to minefields, workers were ordered to build a series of massive concrete bunkers designed to house troops and guns. Decades later, a group of those structures still exist like this one in front of the break in Ostend. Photo: Damian Davila
Now, Lars dedicates his time to his family and coaching new talents to become better surfers. He puts together coaching weeks in places like France, Canary Islands, Morocco, and of course, Belgium. Photo: Damian Davila
Photo: Damian Davila
This is Mathias Vanoverbeke, a local shredder from Ostend. He was destroying these waves one after the other. He is one of the gnarliest surfers I’ve seen here. Photo: Damian Davila
And Yes, after a fun long session in freezing cold water, you must enjoy of a real Belgian beer with your friends!
This is the beautiful city of Ostend in the country of Belgium. It’s the town with the largest surf scene. You can see part of it in the background while surfer Hannes Hamelton is paddling right by me focusing on his next wave to catch. Photo: Damian Davila
The Germans built bunkers along the length of the entire Belgian coastline to prevent the allies from landing on the beach, and to protect the ports of Zeebrugge and Ostend (where the German U-boats were stationed). Photo: Damian Davila
Bjorn Haeckjis is a very talented and creative dude. He has many aspirations for his life. He loves to bodysurf, ride waves with his short board and of course his peculiar custom made longboards as you can see. Photo: Damian Davila
There’s a huge scene with many female surfers and they surf really well. I’ve seen more surfer girls in this small country than in mine! Photo: Damian Davila
Michiel Van Acker is also a really good surfer on any kind of board. He has been representing his country in world championships next to other surfers of his age. Photo: Damian Davila
No matter how the conditions are, these local surfers don’t care! I learned as long as there are any waves at all, they will surf and have a great time. Photo: Damian Davila
And of course there's a huge scene of groms! These little dudes don’t care about the cold water, they are out there having fun and aspiring to some day be on the WCT. Photo: Damian Davila
