MR. WOLTERS
In the world of surfing, the connection with the waves goes beyond a simple sport, often becoming a family heritage.
We spoke with Mr. Wolters, a surfer influenced from an early age by the legacy of his father, one of the pioneers of surfing in Brazil and Denmark.
Photography and interview by Felipe Silva "Aquachara"
Highlights:
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Family Heritage and Influences: The passion for surfing has been passed down from generation to generation, with Mr. Wolters' father playing a fundamental role in his introduction to the sport. This family connection not only sparked his interest but also shaped his surfing path.
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Versatility in the Waves: Mr. Wolters emphasizes the importance of adapting to different types of waves and, consequently, to different types of boards. His flexible and versatile approach reflects his ability to explore the maximum potential of each surfing session.
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Impact of Personal Experiences: An injury during childhood could have kept Mr. Wolters away from the boards, but a remarkable experience surfing with his father's longboard reconnected him with the sea. This highlights the influence of personal experiences on a surfer's relationship with their boards.
Evolution of Surfboard Design: Mr. Wolters observes the constant evolution in the design and materials of surfboards, recognizing their impact on surfers' performance. This evolution is seen as a source of inspiration and possibilities, both for high-performance athletes and longboard enthusiasts.
Board Selection for Different Conditions: Choosing a surfboard is a strategic decision that takes into account not only the characteristics of the waves but also the surfer's state of mind. Flexibility and adaptability are key to ensuring the best experience at each surf spot around the world.
"I think each type of sea requires different equipment. Moreover, each type of board provides a different feeling. That's why, for me, it doesn't make sense to always surf with the same type of board."
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Mr. Wolters
His earliest memories are intertwined with the beach and the waves, shaping his destiny towards the waters. In this interview, Mr. Wolters shares his journey from his first steps on a board to the challenges and joys of mastering different styles and sizes of surfboards, highlighting memorable moments that defined his relationship with surfing.
Interview:
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Aquachara: How did you start in the world of surfing and what made you want to develop in the sport?
Mr. Wolters: I started surfing influenced by my father, who was one of the pioneers of surfing in Brazil and later in Denmark. My earliest memories are the holidays and family moments we always had at the beach. I guess I didn't have much choice… I was born into a surfing family and naturally got involved with surfing.
Aquachara: What are your three favorite surf spots?
Mr. Wolters: Maresias, Nias, and a wave in French Polynesia.
Aquachara: Who are your references in surfing?
Mr. Wolters: My father and my mother.
Aquachara: What are the main benefits and challenges of mastering different styles and sizes of surfboards?
Mr. Wolters: I think each type of sea requires different equipment. Moreover, each type of board provides a different feeling. That's why, for me, it doesn't make sense to always surf with the same type of board.
Aquachara: What are your favorite boards and why?
Mr. Wolters: I don't have a strong preference among the different boards I have. But, given the way I surf and my body type, I tend to prefer bigger and wider boards. The sea and my mood will define my board choice.
Aquachara: Who are your favorite freesurfers?
Mr. Wolters: Harrison Roach, Bryce Young, Andrew Serrano, and Vinicius Parra.
Aquachara: How do you adapt your surfing technique when using various boards, from longboards to shortboards and even experimental boards?
Mr. Wolters: Influenced by my father, I always had contact with various types of boards, from fishes to heavier shortboards. So I think I learned early to adapt to different types of equipment. I believe every board has its magic point.
Aquachara: Could you share a memorable experience where your choice of board made a big difference in your surfing session?
Mr. Wolters: When I was a child, I spent about two years surfing with a bodyboard because of an injury I had with a surfboard. I wanted to stay in touch with the sea but was too traumatized to surf with fiberglass boards. After a session with my father at Tenório beach in Ubatuba, he turned to me and said: "Go catch a couple of waves with my longboard." I went in and quickly caught a wave all the way to the shore. I still remember the light and pleasurable feeling of inertia I had on that wave. I went back outside and stayed until it got dark. That session made me return to surfing with boards.
Aquachara: How do you see the evolution of surfboard design over the years and its impact on surfers' performance?
Mr. Wolters: I think in the world of high-performance boards, the evolution of design and materials has indeed contributed to the technical evolution and performance of surfers. In the world of logs, it seems we're in a phase where evolution happens by looking to the past. I believe we are in a very interesting phase where we can choose from the most diverse equipment and materials. There are many cool toys.
Aquachara: What are your considerations when selecting a board for different surf spots around the world?
Mr. Wolters: As I mentioned, I think the wave decides the board I'm going to use. Besides that, I also try to see how I'm feeling; or rather, what I want to feel. For me, it doesn't make sense to take a heavy log to a spot with barrels. But it might make sense to take a fish to alternate with a log at a point break.