Lovers of adventure sports are in luck, because during the summer championships and competitions are held everywhere. Many water sports come into play, such as surfing, which these days is the protagonist on the beaches of Pantín, Galicia.
We have spoken with Garazi Sánchez, a surfer who will have a lot to talk about, because at only 18 years old she is making a name for herself in the surfing scene, not only at a national level but also at a European level. How far will it go?
Yumping.- You are one of the youngest riders in our country. Tell us, when did you feel the "call of the waves"?
G.S.- Before surfing I spent a lot of time on the beach and I started to stand up with the cork. I also skated and in the end I decided to start surfing copying a little from my older brother. At that time I was 7 years old and until now.
Y.- You have been extremely lucky to grow up next to beaches where the sea is ideal to learn to surf. What do you owe to the Cantabrian Sea?
G.S.- Although we often complain, we live in an incredible place and many times we do not value it. So I guess we owe him a lot: the opportunity to grow up in a place with different types of waves and surfable waves all year round.
Y.- We assume that you are becoming a surf star thanks to those around you. From whom have you learned everything you know?
G.S.- I don't consider myself a surf star at all, but rather a girl who enjoys this sport and who tries to improve every day. I try to learn from all the people around me, even if they have nothing to do with surfing. My father teaches a lot to all my brothers and me, each of my friends and people who love me and also all the people you meet on your trips make you learn a lot.
Y.- You are the first Spanish woman to participate in the WQS World Tour, how do you feel in such a situation?
G.S.- This year I am slowly getting into the circuit doing all the tests I can. In Spain there is still no one who has done the entire circuit and I would like to complete it next year or in the short term, I suppose being the first makes you feel responsibility. I am aware that finding a place up there is very complicated, so today I am working to gain experience and improve my results.
Y.- What is day-to-day life like in sports like this where there is an abundance of male presence? Did it cost you a lot to make your way in this world?
G.S.- It's getting used to it, all our lives we are surrounded by boys in the water and eventually they see you as one of them.
And.- What do you have to do to become a champion like you are?
G.S.- Above all, doing what you like, having discipline and order, which is something that I have been improving over time and knowing how to surround yourself with good people. But above all, never stop enjoying what you do, whatever it may be.
Y.- Surfing for you is more than just a sport, because you would like to make a living doing what you like most. Why were you attracted to this practice?
G.S.- I would love to, I think that people who work in something they are passionate about are very lucky. What attracted me was mainly the feeling you get when you take a good swim, catch a good wave, learn a new maneuver... but also the places I have known, the people and the type of life I lead I love.
And.- If you had to choose an idol, who would you choose?
G.S.- I saw a speech by Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple and I thought it was worthy of admiration. It has nothing to do with sport but its values can be applied to all areas of life. Bethany Hamilton also seems amazing to me, after a shark attack she has managed to overcome all her fears and compete again and be at the top, incredible!
And.- When you are training and you go from championship to championship, what do you miss most about being at home?
G.S.- Spending an afternoon with your friends, a swim in Sopelana, a meal with the family... but it's good to go away for a while to really appreciate what we have at home.
And.- Where are the best waves?
G.S.- Ugh... difficult, there are many places, but of the last places I have been to, I loved Mexico!
Y.- How would you define yourself in and out of the water?
G.S.- That is difficult but I think I am calm and happy although also when I get angry I can stop being calm, but it's hard for me to get angry.
And.- What is your next goal?
G.S.- Next year my goal will be to improve and start gaining experience in WQS and continue in the juniors as the main objective.
And.- How do you see yourself in a few years?
G.S.- I don't know, sometimes I ask myself that question and it overwhelms me, at the moment I don't close doors to anything and I think about the near future, which is what I have to work on now.
And.- Any recommendations for those who want to start surfing?
G.S.- Patience above all.
