If we had to choose a person who has stood out for his effort and growth in Longboard surfing in the last year, it would be Javiera Véliz.
Born in La Serena, Javiera discovered surfing at the age of 12 when she came to live in Pichilemu. He currently has an outstanding participation in national and international championships, highlighting his level of surfing in powerful waves. His perseverance and motivation have proven to be limitless, and we can't wait to see what's in store for him in his years to come.
Hello Javiera, how are you doing! First of all, we thank you for being part of the Patience Fins family!
As a Family we would like to know about you, what is your day to day life like, where do you live and what do you do?
A: My daily life is surfing, working, training, being with my family, pets and friends. I live in Punta de Lobos and I am a kinesiologist, part of the Kinesurf staff.
How did you become a surfer and why longboard?
A: My beginnings at age 12 were on a shortboard thanks to the Lobillos school and my father who together taught me how to surf. Then, after finishing university, I discovered the Longboard and I fell in love again with this new type of surfing for me.
Who has influenced you in the water as you have grown up? And outside of it, who has inspired you?
A: The person who has influenced me the most in and out of the water throughout my life is my Father who has always shown me surfing as a way of life and is the most motivated surfer I know.
How do you manage to integrate surfing or training into your daily routine? where do you usually surf?
A: I live in a very privileged place, where every day when I wake up I see the Punta de Lobos wave and I start to think about how to leave myself some free time to go to the water.
When you're not in the water, what do you do?
A: Besides working, my favorite hobbies now in the summer are sunbathing, reading and cooking.
In addition to surfing, we know that you are a kinesiologist. Tell us about that other side of Javi Véliz that goes beyond surfing!
A: As a health professional, what I like most about my job is encouraging people to learn about the benefits of playing sports and leading a healthy life in contact with nature.
Do you have a favorite spot or type of wave?
A: Punta de Lobos is my favorite place both in and out of the water and since I am goofy, long lefts are where I feel most comfortable.
What attracts you to Chile and the mythical Punta de Lobos wave? How has your experience been in the Chilean sea?
A: The Chilean sea is very cold but it always has waves, and many incredible lefts with epic landscapes out of the water. What I like most about Punta de Lobos is that every day you have the option to surf because there are always waves.
What are you looking for in the longboard, the classic or a mix?
A: Since I started surfing with a short board, I think a mix will always suit me better. But I am very motivated to learn more about the classics.
What sports do you practice to stay in shape and compete on longboard? Do you train or are you trained?
A: I train physically 3 times a week with Kinesurf and I also like to complement it with Yoga.
What future do you see for national surfing and especially for longboarding?
A: There is a lack of support for riders in general, but Chile has very good waves and surfers and it is seen that longboarding is growing very quickly in recent years.
What do you expect from the new board of directors of the Surf Federation?
A: Honestly nothing haha. But it would be a dream if one day the Federation works well.
A few weeks ago you were in El Salvador, gaining experience in your first international competition in Alasprotour. What can you tell us about that?
A: It was a very nice and challenging experience for me, the waves were luxurious. I surfed the best rights of my life in that Championship. I had to see and face the high level that men have, which left me very motivated to continue training and learning new things.
How complicated is it for a Latin American surfer – longboarder to follow the tour and what obstacles do you encounter?
A: The most complicated thing for me since I am not 100% dedicated to surfing is having the time and money, since there are several dates and in many different places.
Who is your reference in the world of surfing? And in the world in general?
A: In the world of surfing I have many references, I don't know if I could choose any. I grew up surrounded by many good surfers here in Pichilemu, especially big waves, and just like in the world in general, I like to rescue the good things from each person who crosses my path.
There are more and more women who dare to surf. ¿Why the change?
A: It may be because women are increasingly empowered and no longer uncomfortable with entering an environment of hostile conditions such as the Chilean sea, where men also predominate.
In your opinion, what is the best country to surf?
A: Of the ones I have known so far in relation to water temperature and wave quality, it would be El Salvador.
A trick to improve longboarding?
A: I continue practicing my Hang five which is not yet solid.
What do you think we can do as surfers to care for and respect the environment?
A: As we are the ones who spend the most time on the beach, we can always be encouraging tourists to take their trash and the most important thing we should do is set an example.
What actions do you think every surfer can carry out in their daily lives that contribute to keeping our oceans and beaches free of plastics?
A: The simplest thing that many surfers do is to collect as much trash as possible every time we don't come across it and deposit it in a trash can.
Would you dare to give us honest feedback about the Patience Fins material and its brand identity?
A: I think the material is great and the designs are very cute, original and stylish. I would just like them to incorporate new models of fins that I have seen used quite a bit internationally.
What do you think of this year's Patience Fins collection?
A: I find it very complete with fins for different styles of surfing and also designs for all tastes.
What has been the most memorable moment, the most beautiful image, that you have had surfing this 2022?
A: Any sunset with the moon appearing and surfing pink waves reflected in the sky.
The maneuver that makes you happy?
A: When I am happiest is when I manage to do hang five in a solid wave.
Nothing more Javi. Thank you for trusting us and our products and, above all, for sharing with us and learning more about yourself.