He knows that to surf big waves you need to be prepared not just physically, but mentally as well (perhaps even more so). In this interview he tells us about his training routine and what the ocean and surfing mean to him.
You'd describe him as a good person, in love with life, eager to do what he can to care for our planet and full of passion for living.
And you, would you like to meet Nagai?
Yumping.- At 25 you've become a great surfer both in our country and internationally. Who got you hooked on surfing?
Nagai Puntiverio.- First I started with a boogie board going to the beach with my mum when I was very little. But then I began surfing with my brother and Fernando Riego, catching bigger waves in Somo, Cantabria.
Y.- How do you remember your first time on a board?
N.P.- It was an incredible experience, mind-blowing: I felt the speed, the power of the waves and just knew I wanted to do it again and again. That's why I'm still doing it.
Y.- When did you know you wanted to make surfing your lifestyle?
N.P.- Honestly I never thought about it, I just do it because I like it. There's nothing more to it, I do it because it makes me feel good, that's all.
Y.- We imagine you must remember the first time you properly rode a wave. What sensations do you remember from those seconds?
N.P.- I remember the wave, it was at Santa Marina and I was 15. I was using my mate "Carlitos'" 6'1 board, which was really too small for me. I was at the peak, paddled and for the first time rode the whole wave to the end - it wasn't big but it felt enormous to me.
I felt speed, connection with the sea, mind and body connection... it was a moment of ecstasy.
Y.- In Spain we're lucky to have waves like Santa Marina or Mundaka, which you've surfed many times. Which is your favourite spot?
N.P.- They're different, I like them both. When I'm at home I go to Mundaka, but truthfully I prefer Santa Marina's wave because that's where I had my first experience, we've grown together, the wave and I... Also I feel more connected to Cantabria in that sense... my true family is there.
Y.- Nagai, you're an expert in big wave surfing. You've been to Morocco, Mexico and surfed California's Mavericks. As you know you need to be extremely prepared, both physically and mentally. Have you never felt fear out there?
N.P.- Yes, yes, I'm always scared, I'm even a scaredy-cat behind the wheel (laughs)! In the end it's about controlling your fears, your body and mind, finding that connection... That little fear is what keeps you alive and hooked on these situations... If you don't feel it, then you should worry.
Y.- What training do you need to face waves up to 7 metres?
N.P.- Up to 7, 10 or 12 metres... Ultimately what you need to do is stay active, avoid injuries, feel good in body and mind. I live an active life, I cycle when I can, swim when I have time... and above all it's lots of mental preparation. I visualise my session a lot, my surfing, imagine what I'll do if a wave crashes on me... like when you're studying for an exam and visualise possible questions and answers.
Y.- Some of those waves must have "swallowed" you at times. What does it feel like when you're underwater for several minutes?
N.P.- You feel loads of energy, fear first and then a proper shaking... Imagine being in a giant washing machine as a lost sock.
Y.- Where do you find your perfect surf destination?
N.P.- Mexico. Without a doubt. It's geographically perfect. It gets swell from north and south. It's far from both poles where storms originate, the waves come to die there hitting the Pacific coast. You can always surf there, 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 surfing there (laughs).
But yes, Puerto Escondido is a magical beach and I get on brilliantly with the locals there.
Y.- Which wave do you remember most fondly?
N.P.- Pascuales, in Mexico. I went there with a great friend of mine, Ale Morales, currently nominated for the XXL Big Wave Awards.
Y.- What's the most difficult moment you've experienced?
N.P.- Returning from Mexico. I came back mentally exhausted and was out of action for a year, it took me a while to recover... It was really tough with the stress, low mood, I lost lots of energy... "I died a little". But the body is amazing and I recovered... so back in the water I went!
Y.- Have you ever thought about competing?
N.P.- I don't usually compete but I just did in Garcey, Fuerteventura. It's the only championship I've entered and I must say the vibe was incredible, I had a great time, there were big waves... what more could you ask for? I enjoyed myself immensely, truthfully.
Y.- We've seen you free diving. Is mastering this technique necessary for big wave surfing?
N.P.- I think it's my little ace card. I can focus and reach moments of relaxation, concentration... as if I had a whole bottle of oxygen. With free diving you know how much air you have, how much is left and how to regulate yourself.
In big waves positioning is what matters most, knowing where to place yourself. Sometimes these are the most critical waves, a huge one can come and if you're too far down...
It's incredible training that I learned thanks to Teresa García from KOA Surf School in Somo. I'm very grateful to her.
Y.- You also work as an instructor at some surf schools. What do you most enjoy about sharing your knowledge, experience and skills on the board?
N.P.- I'm not a competitive or particularly good surfer, I believe surfing can't be taught, everyone enjoys the water in their own way. What I most like teaching 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 pick up rubbish... I take my students to see the tide lines because it's shocking how much rubbish collects there, so much plastic. It's depressing.
I'm lucky to collaborate with Latas Surf House in Somo and Lanzasurf in Lanzarote, who've given me complete freedom in how I teach and share all this.
I'm also constantly looking for sustainable materials for surfing. I work closely with Kun_tiqi, who've been making eco-friendly balsa wood surfboards for 25 years, and with Richpeoplethings, who make surfboards from wine bottle corks.
Y.- In your free time, do you do other adventure sports?
N.P.- Yes, I've done lots of windsurfing, kitesurfing, MTB, I go running, spear fishing and sport fishing (I've often gone bass fishing with my dad), I do yoga, pilates, meditation, jiu-jitsu... I never stop really, I love all sports.
Y.- You've just founded the surfers' association "Las Bajas". How did the idea come about? What's the foundation's aim?
N.P.- The idea came one night talking with a great friend in Australia (Skeet Berham), and chatting we had this utopian idea of connecting surfers worldwide and travelling from home to home, without sponsors, without pressure... The idea is we're all family on each trip. It's something I've actually been doing a long time. I created a personal blog and thought of creating this association.
I'm very creative and love drawing, so I started designing the logo, stickers, clothing... I've been working on creating the project all summer, spoke with the lads and they thought it was a great idea. We have fun, share our photos...
It's a small project, a non-profit association about getting together to enjoy ourselves. Our motto is "You're going to cry" (laughs). When you surf big waves there's always drama: broken boards, suffering, battling the sea... saying that phrase helps break the ice.
Y.- You're preparing a trip to Todos Santos and Mavericks, how are the preparations going?
N.P.- Really well, all we need now are the waves (laughs). Everything's ready, I don't mind buying tickets last minute like I did last year.
Plus I've got great support from Las Bajas. Thanks to this association, we're connecting everyone I've met over the years from around the world who share my passion for big waves. And Michael Joshua is already there waiting for me.
Y.- When are you planning to go?
N.P.- As soon as the swell comes I'll buy the tickets.
Y.- What is Nagai Puntiverio's most precious dream?
N.P.- My dream is having been born because I believe life is a gift. I have many dreams and I like catching them little by little. My family, my people, life... It's all magical and I'm in a great place right now.
