When I was 4 my mom bought me a bodyboard, at the age of 6 she swapped it for a proper surfboard and she took me out into the ocean. Even though she had never surfed, she pushed me into every wave and helped me to understand and learn the basics.

At the age of 8, I entered my first surf competition. From there on my dad - who has been surfing over 30 years now - showed me around and taught me everything he knows.

Surfing makes me feel connected to the ocean and totally exposed to its power. I love the feeling of being in the water by myself or goofing around with friends, but especially when the adrenaline kicks in on those bigger and barreling days, that’s when I thrive...

My alarm goes off at 7. Early enough for a morning surf and some yoga afterwards. Normally I do a study or homework session before I go to school. When I get back from school I'm usually drained. In between all of these activities, I eat huge amounts of food haha.

Kelly Slater inspires me as a surfer because he changed the sport and managed to be the best for decades. Apart from him, I admire every person, sportsman or not, who comes back stronger after an injury or disease.

To relax I go free-surfing, do yoga or grab my bike and sprint some kilometers.

Eating, studying for exams or hanging out with friends. Pretty much the usual stuff.

Empathy.

The Mentawai Islands. There’s big barrels, warm water, coconuts and super friendly and funny local people. What do you want more?

Surf’s Up, those penguins are sick! Nah, just kidding. I really like ‘View from a blue moon’ from John John Florence, and ‘Flow State’ from Russell Bierke, he really takes big wave surfing and slab hunting to a new level.

Right now my favourite board is a Pukas Tasty Treat 6’2”. I have had it since October and I only use it for competitions because I need to spare it. It’s just magic. I have two other identical boards, but they don’t feel like this one.

@theinspiredunemployed is the funniest account on Instagram without a doubt.

Sleeping, push-ups and gardening.

Definitely night vision. My paddle power is on its A-game already. 

Follow your dreams and work hard for them.