It must have been 2019 when I did my first interview for SRFACE. A lot can happen in five years. So when Mr. SRFACE asked if he could dust off the old interview and share it on social media again, I thought, "why not a new interview?"

Some answers have changed; some haven't.

I started surfing in Cornwall when I was 13 or 14. I was into boogie boarding back then, and I remember my dad suggesting I try surfing at a beach near our campsite. There was something mysterious about it that drew me in. I was completely dedicated. I used to take an hour-long train ride to surf before school and still make it to my first class at 11:00. I’d surf any wave I could find in the Netherlands, with no real understanding of offshore winds or swell periods. When there was a wave, I’d go for it—the bigger, the better, right?

In the beginning, I loved the mystery; there was so much to explore, something new to collect—trinkets, oversized board shorts, caps, magazines, and eventually, boards.

Now, I surf because I love just going for it and being fully “in the now.” Surfing lets me be creative. When everything aligns - waves, friends, the right board, and hitting the wave in the most stylish way possible - I feel incredibly satisfied.

I work two days a week as a medical doctor with dementia patients. This work keeps me grounded and helps me stay in touch—literally—with what life is. On other days, I don’t have a fixed schedule. I work as a visual artist, exploring themes related to technology and philosophy.

Every Wednesday evening, I practice low-impact skateboarding on mini ramps or slappy curbs with my close friends
Tim, Justin, and Merijn. And whenever the surf is good, we are off to the beach.

My main spot is Hoek van Holland. There are a lot more people in the water now, especially since COVID. The increased crowds sometimes lead to accidents. But actually, I don’t mind the extra people. It’s still a beach where we can have fun, and vibes are generally good.

Surf culture is also picking up in Rotterdam. The city recently got a wave pool and has also become home to two
surfboard companies. I’m discussing a collaboration with a Rotterdam-based surf brand called “Good, Thanks” to develop a board that lets me surf a fast highline on my frontside and dig deep on my backside. I’m really excited to see where this journey takes us.

About five years ago, SRFACE wasn’t as big or widespread. Now, every other suit at the beach seems to be a SRFACE suit, and I totally get why—SRFACE delivers a great product for the price, and their customer service is excellent. They also offer a wider range of products now, including eco-friendly options, which is important to me.

• @goodthankssurf - if you would like to follow the journey of us designing a board
• @sadpads - funky grip pad placement is always inspiring to me
• cute animal meme accounts

My friends. Many of them are artists, designers, curators, or musicians, and I’m inspired by their dedication to realizing their vision and trusting in their unique processes.

Unlimited paddle power, definitely. I really value a good night’s sleep and would rather dream about surfing (not the kind of dreams where you forget your fins or find out your board is made of cardboard).

Accountability for government leaders responsible for crimes against humanity.

I’m heading to Japan in a few days for a surf trip, and it might just become my favorite. I like being close to sprawling urban environments and I am looking forward to good comfort food after a long session. Japan sounds like the perfect blend between all that.

Glass Love by Andrew Kidman. This movie explores whether surfing is an art or a sport. There’s a part where Steve Pezman talks about Timothy Leary’s idea of surfers as a tribe that designs their lives around being “in the moment as it unfolds.” That concept influenced me a lot as a kid in finding a path in life.

I would give up surfing for surfing.

I want to thank SRFACE for their support over the past five years. Sometimes I wonder why, since I’m quite the unprofessional surfer. I am more of a hermit, happy and comfortable in the (virtual) underground. Nevertheless, SRFACE has been keeping me warm in my pursuit of figuring out what this thing called surfing is, which I am very grateful for.