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Editor’s Note: This interview was first published on Freundevonfreunden.com, and was republished here with permission.
When the waves get so big and hollow that most surfers are retreating to the beach, Nic von Rupp, one of Europe’s best tube riders, keeps on paddling. The 25-year old surfer loves the thrill of bigger waves and constantly tests his limits. For some, it’s an incomprehensible addiction, but for Nic this urge has taken him around the globe in search of perfect tubes and personal fulfillment.
Undoubtedly, Nic has a tenacious grip on his goals. In Hawaii, the surfing world’s ultimate proving ground for aspiring professionals, Nic spent a whole decade trying to score the perfect Pipeline wave. One of his main focuses is competitive surfing and his dream to qualify for the World Championship Tour. There’s no denying it’s a tough road, and one of his biggest challenges yet, but that’s the sort of pace he thrives on. Now get to know the man inside all those barrels:
You hold German, American, Swiss and Portuguese passports. What nationality shaped your character the most?
I definitely had a rigid German education at home and at school. It’s something that sticks with you for a long time. But you can also say that Germans and Portuguese contrast each other. They are two complete opposite cultures. Germans are workhorses, no such thing as being delayed or late, and the Portuguese work at their own rhythm. They have this laid-back, Latin style. I grew up in between these two cultural frameworks and I’m just a mix of both. When it comes down to surfing – my German roots helped me become dedicated and willing to succeed, and it was my Portuguese background that predestined my deep love for the sport and my lifestyle.
![He's a man with a diverse background...and a lot of time logged inside these things. Photo: Lars Jacobsen](http://www.theinertia.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/lars-jacobsen-670x388.jpg?x28523)
He’s a man with a diverse background…and a lot of time logged inside these things. Photo: Lars Jacobsen
You grew up close to Lisbon and you are still living there today. What makes this city special for you?
I love Lisbon. The more I travel the more I appreciate my roots. I live 30 minutes outside of Lisbon in a precious coast and nature park called Sintra. For me, it’s the perfect balance between the intense capital city life of Lisbon and the laid-back beach vibe. I often compare Lisbon and the area around it to cities and places in California. You have the best of both worlds – the urban city life with the typical hectic rush of the people and industry, but just five minutes away, you can retreat to the beaches. That’s just like people who have jobs in the city but they live in places like Laguna Beach. They drive everyday to Los Angeles, have their jobs, then retreat to their little bubble. That’s the same in Lisbon.
But when it comes to surfing, Lisbon stands alone, right?
Lisbon is the European surf hot spot. The city is virtually surrounded by world class waves. Some of the biggest waves in the world can be found in Nazaré, which is only an hour drive to the north. Then there is Ericeira, where some of Europe’s best and most consistent waves are located – ranging from beach breaks to powerful reef breaks. It’s just a 40-minute drive along the coast to Ericeira from Lisbon city center. Plus, seven different surf spots around the Ericeira surf zone have collectively been appointed a World Surfing Reserve, the only one in Europe so far. Finally, the most popular and consistent waves in Portugal is Supertubes, located in Peniche, Baleal. That’s where you will find world class waves. All you need is a modest west or north-west swell and wind blowing from the north. When it comes together there’s no reason to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
What’s your personal favorite wave in Lisbon?
It’s hard to pick. In terms of consistency and different moods I’d have to go with a local one named Coxos. The wave is a rock bottom righth that is really fun when it has three to four feet swell. But it can quickly change its happy face into a barreling monster when the ten to twelve feet swells and clean offshore winds start hitting the coast. I also enjoy surfing spots closer to the city. In Costa da Caparica, the waves are not as strong as Coxos. There you find fun ripple sand bottom peaks surrounded by protective piers. It’s a great place for me to train for upcoming competitions and only a ten minute drive from the centre of Lisbon.
How would you describe the Lisbon surf scene?
Surfing is sophisticated around here. It’s no longer considered a sport for beach bums. It has penetrated the mainstream. European surfing is still very young, maybe just one generation old. When I started surfing at nine the sport didn’t have an identity. I finished school claiming I wanted to proceed with my surfing career, but all my peers and family always tore that dream down saying “There is no way to making a living on surfing.” Surfing wasn’t recognized as a credible sport in Portugal around this time, unlike Hawaii or California. There it was a tradition passed down through generations all brought up in the beach lifestyle.
The North Shore is known as the focal point of surf localism and rivalry. Did you experience that in Hawaii?
I remember a situation at the North Shore when I was 16 years old. I was really frustrated since I couldn’t catch a single good wave because of all the locals. So I just paddled a bit deeper into the waves than all the others, and caught a wave that came through. And that’s something you don’t do, especially not at the North Shore. A local started screaming at me and telling me to get out of the line-up immediately. It sounds crazy, but they didn’t forget about this for a while and that made life difficult for me in Hawaii. The North Shore is a really small place, it’s like a surfing stadium. All the houses where the locals live are right in front of the break. So if you don’t behave, the residents will see it and they won’t forget your face.
For Hawaiians, respect is an important concept. When you respect, you’re welcome. If you don’t respect, then you have a serious problem.
You are considered as one of the best tube-riders in Europe, but lately you have been focusing on international competitions. You’ve said your main goal is to get into the World Tour – why haven’t you accomplished this yet?
Well, it’s a long process of qualifying. There are so many good surfers out there and the level on the World Qualifying Series (WQS) is extremely high. It takes years to make it to the Dream Tour. Andy Irons was a three-time World Champion, but it took him four years to qualify. The WQS is a highly competitive tour, and the hardest part for me is that you don’t surf in quality waves like the ones in the World Surfing League (WSL). I can’t fully apply my strengths in those waves.
Do you have plans for when you end your surfing career?
I am far from retiring right now, but I do think about my future career a lot. I really want to be involved with surfing and the ocean for the rest of my life. I had the chance to attend a lot of meetings through my sponsors and I try to learn as much as possible and gather contacts. My family doesn’t have a sports background, they are all business people, so that influences me a lot as well – makes me want to work on the business side of surfing.