Wolf, a senior customer who started surfing much later in life. Initially believing surfing was a young man's sport, however a couple of years ago he decided to test the theory and has since made surfing part of his weekly routine. We were so stoked to hear Wolfs journey and thought it only appropriate to share his inspirational approach with you. Wolf kindly completed a Q+A for us to share. (Read more below).
How long have you been surfing, and what got you into it?
I have been river surfing for two years and am trying to learn surfing in the ocean during my vacations. When I was a student, studying in a city near the ocean, I envied my local friends who always surfed at dawn before university started. However, they told me, if you haven’t leant surfing by the age of twelve you won’t learn it anymore. Also, I was eager to finish my studies quickly. So, I never learnt to surf. But I always chose the ocean with waves for holidays, went body surfing and admired the proper surfers.
Recently a river wave was built in our city. I gave a surfing session as a present to my son in law and my son, watched them and decided to give it a try. I could only stand for a few seconds after the third session but kept on going. These days, I go surfing once or twice a week, as often as possible, since there is a limited quota for each of the 500 members of the river surfing club. Especially in winter the line up queue is usually short, and I get a lot of runs during a session.
What do you love most about surfing at your age?
A member of the club has a T-shirt saying, “Age does not count”. I agree with him. I am very glad to be healthy and fit for surfing. It is a very exciting and elating sport, like skiing, giving you a lot of adrenaline. I feel very privileged to be able to participate in this sport. Another great thing is the kindness, respectfulness, and politeness between surfers, independent of their work or profession.
What’s special about surfing river waves compared to ocean waves?
River surfing is a lot easier than ocean surfing. You don’t need paddle behind the waves and pop up to your board. It is also less dangerous and frightening. We have trained lifeguards during each session and can stop the wave immediately if somebody has a problem. During a session you get a lot of practice in balancing and doing turns since the runs are longer than in the ocean. If nobody else is in the lineup you can keep going for 5 minutes. The normal time for a run should be limited to 30 secs, however.
How has your wetsuit performed for you in different conditions?
I have been wearing my new 6/4 hooded Simpel wetsuit for a month during winter now in freezing temperatures, often below 0°C and water temperature at about 4 °C and It keeps me warm, also the gloves are fantastic, since they are soft, grippy and warm. I haven’t had a cold yet; in fact, the nose stops running after a session at these temperatures. I think the excitement of surfing lets you forget the cold, just like when you are skiing. Compared to my previous wetsuit, the Simpel wetsuit fits me better, is warmer and easier to get on and off due to its unsymmetrical front zip.
What keeps you motivated to keep surfing?
The joy of surfing is my motivation.
Do you have any advice for people who think they’re too old to start surfing?
Firstly, there are some physical prerequisites: You should be a good swimmer and be able to front crawl. Your knees and back must be healthy and you should be able to squat down.
If you like doing something new and you have the courage, give it a try. But be aware, it takes much longer than when you are young!
Simpel Words.
Thank you for your time and inspiring words, Wolf, we love your approach and look forward to more updates in the future!
Simpel.
