Sjors van de Kerkhof
/
Netherlands
FOLLOW ME
Date of birth:
1982.03.29
Hometown:
Bude, United Kingdom
Sponsors:
Cskins,
CC surfboards,
Lunasurf,
Hobbies:
Tennis, music, skateboarding, reading, everything really
Favourite athletes:
Kelly Slater, the late Andy Irons and Roger Federer
BIO
I’ve been surfing since I can remember. I won over 40 competitions and have placed No.1 in my country. My training ground is Indonesia which I have visited 14 times, 3 months stay on some trips. I’m currently a model in my spare time for one of the world’s top agencies Storm models.
INTERVIEW
What are you looking for to accomplish?
I started surfing because it was fun and creative. My main goal is to try surf waves perfectly which is an ongoing mission.
What would be your greatest achievement?
For me it’s the reality that I can make a living out of doing something I love. I’ve been English open champion and currently the English senior champion.
What kind of difficulties does your sport’s performance involve?
It’s an ever changing platform, you can never master the sport as you’re always presented with new obstacles. Competition surfing is very difficult as you are dealing with conditions that don’t care how good you are or the time you put in. It can basically go flat for the entire heat.
What makes you feel satisfied when performing your sport?
It’s the feeling of overcoming fears in larger conditions, the joy of just finding great waves and surfing them with your friends and family. I like being in a sport that you can express yourself creatively.
Where do you practice your techniques when being alone?
I find even when I’m in bed I can feel what it’s like to do maneuvers. Visually I think up of new turns and feel them through my muscles as if I was performing them.
What do you do during your training which is key to your success?
I think a lot about the feeling of surfing, I‘ve spent my whole life in the sea surfing waves. I’m extremely passionate about my sport and this helps when it comes to studying it.
What are you most nervous about when competing?
Most of the time not wanting to look bad. Having the wrong equipment.
Who would you say is your biggest fan and why?
My family, they are just so supportive and only want the best for me.
What is the best piece of advice you have been ever given?
Enjoy it.
What are your future plans?
I want to keep traveling and making surf clips. Help my brother Reubyn achieve his goals in surfing.
What are your tips for those who begin now?
Have fun, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Find some buddies who want to go surfing all the time that will push and rival you to be better. Have respect for the ocean.
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