Liam Whaley
/
Spain
FOLLOW ME
www.myfavouritespot.wordpress.com/
Date of birth:
1992.07.20
Hometown:
Athens, Greece
Hobbies:
Running, Cooking, Snowboarding
Favourite athletes:
Stephanie Gilmore, Carissa Moore, Laura Enever
BIO
My name is Effie Karin Vrakas, and I was born in Athens Greece, on July 20, 1992. I’m half French from my mother’s side and half Greek from my father’s side. I’m a Greek surfing ambassador in international championships and a world surf traveler. I also work as a fashion director and model. My passion besides surfing is running, dancing, cooking, and dreaming.
INTERVIEW
What are you looking for to accomplish?
My goal is to one day qualify for the World Qualifying Series’ women’s division.
What would be your greatest achievement?
So far, my greatest achievement is having been 7th at the Asian Surfing Championship for the year 2013.
What kind of difficulties does your sport’s performance involve?
Being a Greek surfer, one of the biggest challenges I face is the inconsistent nature of the swells. As a result, surfers in Greece have to travel a lot in order to find somewhere to train.
Also funding for professional athletes is not available to surfers in Greece, and so the other main challenge that I face is finding a way to finance my surfing.
What makes you feel satisfied when performing your sport?
For me, the best feeling ever is when I catch a good wave and make good turns on it.
Where do you practice your techniques when being alone?
I try to follow the swells as much as I can (by following weather maps to find the best locations), so when I’m in Greece I travel to Peloponnese, the Greek islands, and to the east coast. When there are no waves I usually do pilates and jogging.
What do you do during your training which is key to your success?
I would say that the key for me is being able to train in as many different places as possible, so that I can gain more experience. The more I travel, the better I surf.
What are you most nervous about when competing?
I always feel constrained while competing by the time limit for the heat.
Who would you say is your biggest fan and why?
My biggest fan is my boyfriend, because he is always there supporting me and helping me train.
What is the best piece of advice you have been ever given?
Someone once told me that if you don’t chase the wave, the wave won’t chase you.
What are your future plans?
I’m working on a surfing project, the details of which will be posted on my blog soon.
What are your tips for those who begin now?
Don’t be afraid to try. If you are afraid, you will hurt yourself.
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