We caught up with one of our ambassadors, Steffi, who shared her journey in the world of surf with us.
If you’re not already, it’s well worth giving Steffi a follow over on Instagram (@breakfast_at_stefanies_).. But for now, here’s a little insight into her journey so far…
What first sparked your interest in surfing, and what drives you to continue progressing?
"I grew up skateboarding and snowboarding, so surfing felt like a natural next step. It's this feeling of freedom that I get from nothing else, but at the same time you’re always adapting to what the ocean throws at you. Like a constant challenge, and addictive in the best possible way."
How do you balance surfing with other parts of your life, such as work, friends, or hobbies?
"I’ve been lucky to build a life where I can work remotely and follow the waves. That being said, it’s all about compromise: I’ve got friends all over the world, which is amazing, but it also means I miss out on a lot: important life moments, spontaneous meetups,… You can’t be everywhere at once, so it's a trade-off, but I'm very grateful to have this choice.
What are some qualities you look for in surfing gear, and how does Nyord meet those needs?
"For me, gear needs to be functional, reliable, and comfortable. Nyord nails it with their wetsuits - like the way they seal around the wrists, ankles, and neck, keeping you warm without restricting movement, and they're really so easy to put on and off, even the 5/4! I also appreciate their focus on sustainability."
Where are you based, and what do you love most about living there?
"I split my time between Portugal and Indo. In Portugal, I’m living walking distance to the nearest break and there's surf in almost every swell and wind direction, and down-to-earth people. In Indo, it's a completely different lifestyle, and of course amazing waves. What I love most is how both places complement each other - wave- and culture-wise. I wouldn’t want to miss out on either."
Can you share a surfing experience that had a lasting impact on you, either in terms of personal growth or skill development?
"I like to think that every session teaches you something, even the bad ones. Sometimes it's just about patience. For me surfing is like meditation, especially when I’m stressed or need to clear my head, it calms me down and gives me perspective."
Can you tell us about a surf session where the gear you used really made a difference?
"In those chilly early mornings in Portuguese winters you don’t want to miss a thick, flexible wetsuit and snuggle into a fluffy (Nyord Sherpa) robe after. Oh and recently I sunburned my hands so badly that I had to surf in gloves on a 28°C summer day, haha. Saved my day!
What’s the best surf advice you’ve ever received, and who gave it to you?
"don't take it too seriously" - kidding, unfortunately no surfer said that ever.
What led you to become involved with Nyord, and what aspects of the brand’s ethos or products resonate with you?
"It started with my surf buddy and fellow team rider Tino. He made your suits look so good that I had to try one out. What I like is that Nyord combines quality with responsibility. It's cool to see a brand that’s moving away from oil reliance! And the prices are more than fair!"
Any upcoming adventures or trips you're looking forward to?
"With Portuguese surf season about to kick off, I’m excited to stick around and catch as many swells as possible. I’ll be surfing in the backyard or doing weekend trips up and down the coast for the next few months, before I head back to Indo for another few months.
If you could design your dream wetsuit or surfing gear with Nyord, what features would it have?
"I’m on the taller, leaner side, so a women’s "tall range" would be a great addition!
And I’m still waiting for a reasonably sized snack pocket."