He knows that to surf big waves he has to be prepared not only in his physical condition, but even (and perhaps with much more effort) on a mental level. In this interview he tells us what training he does and, in addition, he talks to us about what surfing and the sea mean to him.
I would describe him as a good person, in love with life, wanting to do everything possible to take care of our planet and with a great desire to live.
And you, do you want to meet Nagai?
Yumping.- At 25 you have become a great surfer both in our country and internationally. Who put the surfing bug in your veins?
Nagai Puntiverio.- I first started with a boogie board going with my mother to the beach when I was very little. But then I started surfing with my brother and Fernando Riego, catching bigger waves in Somo, Cantabria.
And.- How do you remember the first time you got on a board?
N.P.-It was an incredible experience, I was amazed: I felt the speed, the strength of the waves and I only knew that I wanted to repeat the whole time. That's why I keep doing it.
And.- When did you know that you wanted to make surfing your lifestyle?
N.P.-The truth is that I never thought about it, I simply do it because I like it. There is nothing else behind it, I do it because it makes me feel good, there is nothing else.
Y.- We assume that you will have in mind the moment when you rode down a proper wave for the first time. What sensations do you remember from those seconds?
N.P.- I remember the wave, it was in Santa Marina and I was 15 years old. I was carrying my friend "Carlitos’" 6.1 board, which was a very small board for me. I was at the peak, I paddled out and did the entire wave to the end for the first time, which was not big but seemed huge to me.
I felt speed, connection with the sea, mind and body connection... it was a moment of ecstasy.
Y.- In Spain we have the opportunity to have waves like Santa Marina or Mundaka, which you have had the pleasure of surfing repeatedly. What is your favorite spot?
N.P.- They are different, I like them both. When I'm at home I go to Mundaka, but the truth is that I like the Santa Marina wave because I had my first experience there, we've seen each other grow, she me and I her... Plus I see myself closer to Cantabria in that aspect... that's where my real family is.
Y.- Nagai, you are an expert in surfing big waves. You've been to Morocco, Mexico and surfed the California Mavericks wave. As you well know, you have to be very prepared, both physically and mentally. Have you never felt afraid in there?
N.P.- Yes, yes, I'm always scared, I'm scared even while driving (laughs)! In the end it is a way to control your fears, your body and your mind, to look for the connection... That little fear is what keeps you alive and hooked on these situations... If you don't have it, you can worry now.
And.- What is the training you must follow to be able to face waves of up to 7 meters?
N.P.- Up to 7, 10 or 12 meters... In the end what you have to do is stay active, not be injured, and feel good in body and mind. I live an active life, I go by bike when I can, I go swimming when I have time... and above all it is a lot of mental preparation. I visualize my session a lot, my surfing, I imagine what I'm going to do if the wave falls on me... like when you're studying because you have an exam and you visualize questions and answers that may fall on you.
Y.- Some of those waves will have "engulfed" you at some point. What does it feel like when you can stay underwater for several minutes?
N.P.- You feel a lot of energy, you feel fear first and then a good shake... Imagine being in a giant washing machine and being a lost sock.
And.- Where do you find your perfect surf destination?
N.P.- Mexico. Without a doubt. It is located in a geographically perfect way. Receives swell from the north and south. It is far from both poles, which is where storms originate, the waves die there and hit the Pacific coast. You can always surf, so when I'm there I go every morning... Maybe I shouldn't tell you this because if I reveal my secret I won't be the only one who surfs there (laughs).
But yes, Puerto Escondido is a magical beach and I get along great with the locals there.
And.- Which wave do you remember most fondly?
N.P.- Easter, in Mexico. I went there with a great friend of mine, Ale Morales, currently nominated for the XXL big wave awards.
And.- What is the most difficult moment you have had to live through?
N.P.- Return from Mexico. I came back mentally very tired and I was out of the game for a year, it was difficult for me to recover…. It was quite hard because of the stress, the mood, I lost a lot of energy… "I died a little." But the body is incredible and I recovered… so I went back in the water!
And.- Have you ever thought about competing?
N.P.- I don't usually compete but now I just did it inGarcey, Fuerteventura. It was the only championship I've ever been to and I can say that there was an incredible good vibe, I had a great time, there were big waves... what more could you ask for? I enjoyed it like a dwarf, really.
Y.- We have seen you diving in apnea mode. It is necessary to master this technique to be able to surf big waves, right?
N.P.- I think he's my little wild card. I can focus and reach moments of relaxation, concentration... as if I had a whole bottle of oxygen. With apnea you know how much air you have, how much you have left and how to regulate yourself.
In big waves what counts most is positioning and knowing where to position yourself. Sometimes these are the most critical waves, a very big one can come and if you are lower…
It is an incredible training that I learned thanks to Teresa García, from the KOA Surf School, in Somo. I am very grateful to you.
Y.- You also work as a monitor in some surf schools. What do you like most about transmitting your knowledge, experiences and skills on the board?
N.P.- I am not a competitive or good surfer, I believe that surfing is not taught, that everyone enjoys the water in their own way. What I like to teach the most is respect for the ocean, safety, love for the sea... We receive so much from this environment that I like to give something back.
I always talk to people about how to treat the sea, how to collect waste... I take my students to see the tide lines because the large amount of garbage found there is incredible, there is a large percentage of plastics. It's depressing.
I am lucky to collaboratewith the /> And.- Which wave do you remember most fondly?
N.P.- Easter, in Mexico. I went there with a great friend of mine, Ale Morales, currently nominated for the XXL big wave awards.
And.- What is the most difficult moment you have had to live through?
N.P.- Return from Mexico. I came back mentally very tired and I was out of the game for a year, it was difficult for me to recover…. It was quite hard because of the stress, the mood, I lost a lot of energy… "I died a little." But the body is incredible and I recovered… so I went back in the water!
And.- Have you ever thought about competing?
N.P.- I don't usually compete but now I just did it inGarcey, Fuerteventura. It was the only championship I've ever been to and I can say that there was an incredible good vibe, I had a great time, there were big waves... what more could you ask for? I enjoyed it like a dwarf, really.
Y.- We have seen you diving in apnea mode. It is necessary to master this technique to be able to surf big waves, right?
N.P.- I think he's my little wild card. I can focus and reach moments of relaxation, concentration... as if I had a whole bottle of oxygen. With apnea you know how much air you have, how much you have left and how to regulate yourself.
In big waves what counts most is positioning and knowing where to position yourself. Sometimes these are the most critical waves, a very big one can come and if you are lower…
It is an incredible training that I learned thanks to Teresa García, from the KOA Surf School, in Somo. I am very grateful to you.
Y.- You also work as a monitor in some surf schools. What do you like most about transmitting your knowledge, experiences and skills on the board?
N.P.- I am not a competitive or good surfer, I believe that surfing is not taught, that everyone enjoys the water in their own way. What I like to teach the most is respect for the ocean, safety, love for the sea... We receive so much from this environment that I like to give something back.
I always talk to people about how to treat the sea, how to collect waste... I take my students to see the tide lines because the large amount of garbage found there is incredible, there is a large percentage of plastics. It's depressing.
I am lucky to collaboratewith the
