My Road with Nic von Rupp

When the waves roll big and hollow, and most surfers retreat to the beach, Nic von Rupp, one of Europe’s best tube riders, keeps on paddling against the flow. The 25-year old pro-surfer loves the thrill of bigger waves and tries to constantly test 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 fulfilment.

Oliver Nermerich from Freunde von Freunden catches up with Nic von Rupp…

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 and reach international recognition. Aside from free-surfing and riding gigantic waves, Nic is also pursuing other exciting challenges in his aqua-centric life. 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.

Nic, how did a pro surfer with German roots grow up in Lisbon?

It’s common in Europe that people from the colder, Northern countries tend to migrate to the South in search for sun and beautiful beaches. My dad is German and my mum is Swiss, so no exception here. They also had plans to move to a sunny place, and in their eyes, the coast of Lisbon was the perfect place to bring up a family.

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.

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 surf beaches. 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 west or north-west swell of at least 2,5 metres, and wind blowing from the north. If this comes together – there is no reason to cross the Atlantic Ocean in search of perfect waves.

What’s your personal favorite wave in Lisbon?

It’s hard to pick! But in terms of consistency and different moods, I’d have to go with a local one named Coxos. The wave is a rock bottom righthander 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 in 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.

Some years ago the World Surfing League (WSL) wanted to establish Coxos as an official tour stop of the World Championship Tour. The locals in Ericeira rejected the request. Even the local surf club is not allowed to host a surfing competition at Coxos.