THE NOMB SURFCOACHING SEASON 2018/2019 ON BEAUTIFUL FUERTEVENTURA HAS OFFICIALLY STARTED!
That´s right, great news!! From now until the end of April next year NOMB Surfs headcoach Angie will be hanging around the surfing headquarters on our favorite island in the Atlantic. And making sure that YOU boost your surfing, gain confidence and surf waves you didn´t even know you could!
So what´s all this individual coaching about?? What makes NOMB Surfcoachings so different to a normal surfschool??
The answer is simple: it´s just you and your own surfcoach. The focus is on you, noone else. There are no random groups, no 8:1 student-instructor ratio, no rushing around. We generally only accept one coaching per day, giving us all the freedom to choose just the right time and spot for our coaching session.
But there are even more reasons that make NOMB Surf so unique:
NOMB Surfcoaching is not only about direct coaching in the water, commenting every single of your waves. Here at NOMB Surf we work with a lot of different coaching techniques, direct and indirect. Photo & Video analysis are a big part of what we do for example. You will be surprised how much you improve your surfing if you see yourself recorded. Sure, it´s a bit of a reality check first but wait until you see your improvements in the water.
We also back up the practical coaching part on the beach with surftheory sessions. Totally individual, tailored for you. Like every wave, every surfer is different. Our headcoach Angie is an expert in analyzing your surfskill level, tickling out those hidden fears & worries and guiding you on the way to progress your surfing.
As we only have one coaching session a day there is no need for rushing around. You are on holidays still. Our coaching sessions have no set time limit. Your physical abilities and the local conditions will determine the actual time on the beach. But hey, no worries, so far none of our students has felt undercoached 😉 Often we split the session into two parts, the beach and the theory part. But again, it´s all individual here at NOMB Surf.
German, English or Spanish, you can choose the language you prefer. We understand how important it is to express yourself , your doubts and even fears when learning how to surf. Headcoach Angie is fluent in all three languages and used to coach three-lingual. Like on our surfcoaching trips our clients are international, however the German surfercommunity prevails.
A female surfcoach! With years of coaching experience! ISA Level 2 qualified! That´s rather hard to find as not too many females coaches stand out in a still male dominated sport. However, with equal prize money on the WSL competions starting next year the sport of surfing will see more and more females following the surfing career path. Either as a professional surfer, or even coach. Back to our female coach Angie. Many female surfers, especially beginner surfer, feel more at ease with a female coach. Angie is very emphatic with the concerns of female surfers. On the other hand though, she has a fierce reputation, some do even call her drillseargent 🙂
We here at NOMB Surf understand that every surfer, first day beginner to advanced, has different needs and expectations. Some prefer to surf as part of a group, some only want to give surfing a shot to see if they like it, some are looking for a mix of party and surfing.. That´s cool, too. There are loooads of surfschools and surfcamps here on Fuerteventura who offer exactly this kind of environments.
At NOMB Surf we have a slightly different but clear focus: individual, professional, efficient and fun surfcoaching!
Sounds good to you? We are stoked to get you into the water and onto the surfboard!
Ps: check out this little video about our last family surfcoaching day. First day surfing (well, sort of) for all three cousins. And yeaaaah, at the end of the day they all surfed whitewater waves all the way down to the beach!!! Clap your hands for our Kamikaze Family!!
´The ocean provides the natural stage for surfing performance where your mind coordinates body and equipment to achieve speed, grace and harmony with the moving energy and power of the waves.
The ocean is a dynamic force of mother nature that draws you in time and again for a thrashing, a lesson and some of the most intense, exhilarating rides of your life´ (Richard Bennett – surf psychologist)
So surfing is all about being in the ocean you think? Well, times change and with the first ever WSL championship stop at Kelly Slater´s Surf Ranch next weekend the artificial wave topic is on fire. There are waves in inland California, in a crazy waterpark in Texas, in rivers all over Europe and even on lakes (!).
Riversurfing is a sport for it´s own. The Eisbach in Munich, Germany, for example has a vibrant and established surf community of riversurfers. To name only one of Germany´s many river surfspots. Rumors are that a riverwave is being planned in Switzerland as well. A treat for the landlocked Swiss surfers. NOMB Surf´s campchef (and professional physiotherapist) Julez is a motivated riversurfer in Munich and always has great stories to tell. Like the one where she installed flashlights on the bridge across the river, in the middle of the night, in winter, with 2 degrees outside temperature. How is that for dedication?? Check out Julez ripping the river..
Surfing on a lake isn´t new either. The Great Lakes, sandwiched between the USA and Canada, produce decent swells and a thriving lakesurf community can be found up there. Check out our recent surfblog about the waves on the great lakes.
What´s new is that there is an artificial wave in a lake. Earlier this year the world´s first man-made lake wave opened it´s doors in Langenfeld, Germany. Our NOMB Surfteam was curious and headcoach Angie and NOMB Surfer Kiki spend a really fun day surfing. They even brought their little fan club, NOMB Surfer Jan was cheering from the outside and taking pics and videos.
This is Angie on her first ever try on a standing wave.. A little bit shaky still..
´It´s crazy, the dynamic of the wave is totally different. The water is flowing into the other direction and instead of going up and down the face of the wave you first have to learn to sort of slide sideways along the moving water´ said Angie after her first session.
The first few waves of the ladies were a bit bumpy, trying to adjust to the wave. But really quickly it clicked and our NOMB ladies were traveling along the wave. Kiki and Angie were so confident that they directly booked themselves onto the following session: the big wave session! They simply pump more water through the same system, creating a steeper wave with more face. Using a smaller board and having more face proved to be a lot easier. And both surfergirls were flying along the wave, doing turns and having a hell of a time. Thanks to the great staff at Surf Langenfeld for the intro and the good vibes.
Surfing in any kind of wave is fun, doesn´t matter if you are surfing an ocean wave, a man-made wave or one made by mother nature outside the ocean. This weekend at Kelly´s Surf Ranch in California we will see some extraordinary technical surfing, in a wave that´s totally predictable.
And that´s exactly the difference. Ocean waves can never be predicted. Surfing in the ocean means fine tuning your body and mind to all the constant changes around you. In the ocean we as surfers are really little, surrendered to the power of mother nature, thankful for every wave produced. Some say this is the essence of surfing, others say it´s all about surfing as a sport. It´s a never ending discussion and we believe that there is no right or wrong. Everyone surfs for their own desire and reasons.
Still, however fun it was to surf in a lake, we here at NOMB Surf prefer surfing ocean waves, and that´s where you can find us 😉
And are there actual surfers out there lakesurfing? Might there even be a lakesurf-community?? Loads of questions pop into the head thinking about surfing on a lake. The answer is yes,yes and yes! Innovative surfers have been shredding lake waves for more than 60 years by now.
Thinking about it, it makes sense. Waves are created through friction of the wind on the water surface. All you need for a decent enough ground swell is enough distance from the center of the storm to the shore. So what if the lake is so big that if it blows at one end clean waves pop out the other end?
Guess what, it works!!! Welcome to the Great Lakes!! Sandwiched in between the USA and Canada the Great Lakes consists of 5 interconnected freshwater lakes: Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Look at the shear size of those lakes. Impressive, no?
So now we know there are waves. But are there surfers out there surfing them?? You will be surprised to find out that there is a vibrant community of lakesurfers.
There are surfshops in prime locations along the shores of the lakes offering surfing lessons, rental equipment, clothes and (most important!) swell information. Third Coast Surfshop in St. Joseph for example is a cool shop on the towns mainroad. The staff are super happy to provide travelling surfers with their local knowledge and even take their time to explain you the swell forecast model found on their website. Legends!
The Great Lakes surfing community even has their own surfmag. It´s called Great Lakes Surfer´s Journal!! You will never imagine the waves you find inside. Check them out on Facebook or Instagram and get your own copy of this great surfmag. Totally loving their Facebook profile pic.
Would you have guessed that a lake can produce waves like this??
(pic: Great Lakes Surfers Journal)
So who are those girls and guys who brave freezing cold water and sometimes hailing winds to catch some waves?? Meet Lake Surfistas for example. A group of active female lake surfers. Their slogan is ´Embracing the Sisterhood of Great Lake Surfers. From 32F to 32C since 2006´. Judging from their Instagram account they really go out and shred. You go ladies!! Check them out on Instagram and follow their surf adventures.
It´s amazing to see how girls are really pushing the sport of surfing these days. From Big Wave Surfing (just look at the recent Puerto Escondido Challenge) to freezing Lake Surfing!! Here you see the Lake Surfistas ladies frothing on an epic lakesurf day!
(pic: Lake Surfistas)
So when is the best time to go? Get your thick wetsuits, booties and gloves ready, it´s definitely the winter months that are pumping most. Makes sense, more storms, more waves. There are some smaller swells even in summer, great for those who want to learn surfing. But the real action is in the winter.
Summer on the Great Lakes might look like this. That´s NOMB Surf´s headcoach Angie ´wave hunting´ on Lake Michigan yesterday. No luck this time but she will be back, that´s for sure!!
And you never know, there might even be a NOMB Surfcoaching Trip to the Great Lakes on the horizon. Because that´s what we do best: take you to off the beaten track surfing destinations and boost your surflevel through the roof!!
Sign up for our Surfnewsletter to stay up to date with what´s happening at NOMB Surf. Wishing you all great waves, especially you, the Great Lakes Surf Community!
Floating in the open ocean, watching the sun slowly set right next to you, touching the surface of the water. Listening to the breaking waves and feeling the energy of this magical hour. Who doesn´t love this feeling?? Moments like these make you feel that there is no evil in the world, noone or nothing can be harmed, you feel in peace with yourself and mother nature around you.
Look at this magical sunset we experienced on the westcoast of Galicia. Breathtaking, right?
We as surfers spend a large amount of our lives in the ocean. The rest of our time is probably divided by our job (maybe even outdoors) and spending time with our family and loved ones. Most of you know how easily surfing becomes a way of life, and how lucky those of us can be who live a life filled with loads of surftime. Being in touch with nature is a great thing. Nature in general teaches us a lot: it makes us more aware of smells, colours and changes. Being aware is the keyword.
So what responsibilities do we as surfers have towards mother nature?? Only loving and appreciating her? Protecting her? Or even fighting for her?? We here at NOMB Surf have spend many, many hours talking, discussing and crying about the environmental problems of our planet. And we all agree that it is up to all of us to help our planet and oceans. At NOMB Surf we do our little bit by making our surfcoaching trips as sustainable as possible. This includes educating on both ends, helping the local communities, only working with partners who share our believes, cleaning beaches, supporting environmental NGOs and generally being aware of what is going on around us.
That´s the NOMB Surfcrew on our first surftrip to Chile helping clean the beautiful beach of Buchupureo, an incredible pointbreak in the south of the country. The local environmental group ´TODOS SOMOS COBQUECURA´ is trying to defend their coastline against the pollution and installation of a salmon factory. It´s a long battle against the regional and national governments but the local chilean community is tough and stands up for their ocean. Heroes!
So what else can we do?? Again, awareness seems to be a good starting point. How can I minimize my environmental footprint? And can we, as individual surfers, really make a difference? The answer is YES! Here are a few ideas on how to help mother nature:
Reduce your plastic consumption in everyday life and start looking for alternatives
Pick up trash, wherever you go!
Recycle & reuse! Even your old wetsuit or surfboard might be of use for someone else. Check charities like POSITIVE VIBE WARRIORS
Get involved! Local beach, park or river clean-ups. Check with your local government for events close to you
Keep up with the surfindusty news about alternative and more sustainable products
Small example, have you ever thought about the fact that the sunscreen you use while surfing will eventually end up in the ocean and pollute?? There are sooo many great environmental friendly options out there, find one that fits your needs. We here at NOMB Surf have teamed up with the great crew from SUNTRIBE SUNSCREEN. A bunch of young Swedish surfers who were looking for an environmental friendly zinc sunscreen. We have tested Suntribes Eco Sportsface Zink in the sunny Canary Island conditions, our verdict: EXCELLENT!
You still think that being ecological is a bit odd and a hippy thing?? Come on, wake up! We don´t need to tell you that climate change is happening, our planet shows us by screaming out every single day. Even though governments want to ignore it (for whatever reasons that might be) we should not close our eyes and keep ignoring the fact that it is up to every single one of us to make a positive change.
You still think that being ecological means being odd, alternative and annoying? Well, there might be a bit of a trendy movement going on right now, with a few people exaggerating but the essence is the same. For example, have you thought about what you wear? Where your clothes are coming from? What they are made off? Once you have a look around you will be surprise how many locally produced products are available. Take the CLEAN OCEAN PROJECT for example. A small company located on Fuerteventura, one of the Canary Islands. Not only do they fight ocean pollution and raise awareness, they offer really cool clothes made in Spain. Check out their webite www.cleanoceanproject.org!
Taking about using alternative and organic materials. How about hemp for example? Take a loot at HEMP AGE, a German fair trade company which is using hemp and organic cotton to create comfortable and stylish clothing.
Still not convinced that ecological clothing can look great?? Than check out our Lovely Linda wearing a JOSEA Bikini made out of recycled fishing nets, produced locally in Germany. Would you have guessed?? On their website www.josea-surfwear.com you can find a wide range of bikini styles and even yoga gear.
These are only a few examples on how to help our environment, and our oceans. Every single one of us, especially us surfers, decides to which extend he/she likes to get involved. The options are endless.
Ever heard of SAVE THE WAVES, SURFRIDER FOUNDATION or SURFERS AGAINST SEWAGE?? Just to name a few great organizations who fight for our oceans. Even if it might seem like the most boring option of getting involved, donating to the right charity will make a difference.
Or maybe even support individual campaigns. On Kickstarter or Crowdfunding you can find very cool projects and help them become reality. Let us introduce you to one that we here at NOMB Surf back, and hope that it will become alive: 100 DAYS OF OCEAN – Heroes of the sea! ´A documentary project about the problems of our oceans and the positive impact of those people who could be our guiding lights on our way to solve them.´ We are stoked to see people getting involved and would love to follow their stories. The Kickstarter campaign for 100 DAYS OF OCEAN will only run until the end of February 2018, please donate if you too want to learn more about the heroes of the sea!
NOMB Surf represents NATURE – OCEAN – MIND – BODY. We believe that in order to live (and surf) happily & healthy these four pillars have to be in balance. While our minds and bodies are our personal treasures, nature and the oceans need our help and are part of our responsibilities as surfers.
We would be stoked if this blog makes some of you think about your own awareness and engagement, and gives you positive ideas about how to get more involved in the conservation of mother nature. We are looking forward to your feedback and ideas, please get in touch.
Ever wondered what happens on a typical NOMB Surftrip day? Apart from surfing and laughing, let us tell you, there is loooods of other stuff going on, too.
We have put together a little trip ´diary´, a mix of past trips, to give you an idea of what´s going on. You like what you read? We would be happy to have you on board a NOMB Surfcoaching Trip!
Let´s start the day. First off all, its breakfast time. The most important meal of the day. We always start with a power brekkie, full of oats, dried fruits, fresh fruits and a fresh juice or smoothy. That´s the basic. In addition we are spoiled every day with another second course. Maybe pancakes, maybe eggs, maybe a crazy cake, our chef keeps surprising us. This is what a breakfast looks like on our surfholiday trip to Ireland:
After breakfast we check the surf & weather forecasts and head surfcoach Angie briefes the NOMB Surfers on the actions of the day. When conditions allow we head straight to the beach, meeting up with our local surfcoach and enjoying the first waves of the day. Surfcoach Angie likes to use photo&video analysis, to improve everyones surflevel right from the start. There is another surfcoach in the water, for safety and to direct the students right to the peak.
At the beginning of each trip Angie sits down with each participant, one by one, and outlines some reachable goals for the time of the trip. NOMB Surfcoaching trips are designed to surf of course but more important to improve your level of surfing and your understanding for the ocean. Our perceptions in the water are always different from reality. If you see what you are actually doing, you will improve a lot quicker. Photo analysis is a great tool, don´t you think??
Apart from surfing we do heaps of other cool stuff. Yoga for example. It´s great for stretching our tired muscles. And also helps us getting our breathing right. Did you know that most people breath way too shallow in their normal lifes?? Yoga teaches you how to provide your body with oxygen, and how to find your own balance. And I am not only talking about the standing-on-one-food-yogatree-balance 🙂 It strenghens your muscles and improves your flexibility, too. All this, and heaps of other reasons, for us to always have yoga lessons on offer on our surftrips. Hands up who hasn´t dreamed of a yoga session on the beach, listening to the breaking waves..
What else do we do all day long?? Well, sometimes we surf more, and more, and a little bit more.. Or we go out discovering the region where we are staying.. Or we chill in the backyard.. Or we watch waves and wish our muscles wouldn´t hurt so much.. Every day we have a surftheory session going, depending on the interest of the group, and on what our surfcoaches think would be great knowledge for the group.. Sometimes we have BBQs on the beach.. Sometimes we drink red wine under the stars in the desert… A lot of times we go out of our comfortzone, and our surfing abilities grow, and we personally… At the end of the day we are always worn out but with a smile on our faces.. Every night we go to sleep excited about what might happen the next day…
But every, really every day, we laugh so much that it hurts sometimes, and we appreciate the great company, the place where we are and how lucky we are to be surfing every day!! That´s why we can proudly say that with NOMB Surf, every trip is a trip!! The smiles speak for themselves..
After sooo many great adventures during the day, there is not much more for us to do than relax and enjoy a great dinner. And maybe a sneaky beer or two. We here at NOMB Surf always make sure that you refuel your body with tasty powerfood. And we might even teach a bit about surfers nutrition, giving you great examples and recipes to try at home.
We generally end the day sitting together, sharing stories and great moments. It´s incredible to see how strangers become friends in a very short time. Surfing brings people from all different parts of life and the world together. The passion for the ocean is what they share. This is the NOMB Surfteam from the surftrip to Galicia in 2017, a great bunch of people, still being in touch and surfing together..
So now you are saying to yourself, wow, so that´s what makes NOMB Surftrips so special?? We guess it´s a little bit of everything: amazing people, stunning locations, great organization, professional surfcoaching, perfect surfconditions.. We could keep writing for another page or two.. We reallly hope that you like what we do, and become part of our NOMB Surfcrew.
There are trips for every level, and for every type of surftrip you might be looking for. If you can´t find a trip that fits you, no worries, all you need to do is get in touch and let us know. We are more than happy to tailermake one for you!
To a lot of surfers the idea of cold water surfing is still a litte bit odd. Why spend your well deserved holidays in cold water, and take the chance that it might even rain?? Well, let us give you a few reasons for why to forget about warm water surfing and try something new:
1. If you don´t feel like surfing in cold water, imagine how many others do. Problably not many. Results??? Yeeeeeah, empty line-ups and heaps off waves for you!!
2. If you know that your session probably won´t be longer than 1 1/2hrs due to the colder temperatures, your motivation changes! And this generally resutls in a pretty high wavecount and loads of waves to improve!!
3.Extreme conditions make you bond a lot more with the other surfers in the water. Good chance that there´ll be only a couple of guys more out there. Sharing a sesssion with strangers (who quickly become friends) is one of the most rewarding things in surfing!
4. Cold water feels harder! Ok, ok, your wipeout might be a little bit more bumpy but imagine the waves energy, and the speed your board can generate!! Hence more powerful waves, turns and maneuvers for you!!!
5.Step outside your comfortzone! Surfing is about reaching and overcoming your limits!
6. The beginnings of NOMB Surf go back to the cold chilean pacific waters! Braving the freezing ocean, close to 0 degrees outside temperatures, hailing winds and rain turned headcoach Angie into the waveloving person she is today. If Angie can brave all this, you surely can, too!!
Changed your mind about surfing in colder temperatures?? Why not step outside your comfortzone and join us on our next NOMB Surfcoaching Trip to Ireland??
Apart from improving your surfing, riding unforgettable waves, eating like kings&queens, relaxing with some yoga, learning a lot about surfing theory, sleeping in a great irish house, apart from all this, we even throw in some ´craic´ and good times in one of Ireland´s most beautiful (and unknown) parts!
Book your space directly through the website or get in touch by email, [email protected]. Cu in the waater soon, your NOMB Surf Team!
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