Fun fact about you: I always order a Lipton ice after a Sup or Surf sesh. No matter what time.
Guilty pleasure: Listening to Bløf, Imagine Dragons or Big Time Rush before surfing.
Bucket list wave: Skeleton bay.
Favorite trick: Cutbacks.
Hidden dream: Land a full rotation once.
Person who inspire you: Gabriel Medina.
Hey my name is Koen Proost, and proost stands for cheers. I’m 21 years old and have been surfing for 14 year and supping for 7 years. I got introduced by my dad to supping, and later to wave supping. He started a Sup School in our hometown. And that’s where the supping came from. A couple of years later I tried it in the waves, and then I saw the potential in the sport. Because the sport is not so big, I had a chance to grow a lot more than with surfing.
This day was so amazing! The year before, I ended up getting the second place with 1 point difference. So in 2021 I had to get the tittle. And before every heat on that day I was not stressed but very relaxed. I just had fun being in the water and competing against others that are also enjoying the sport as well. And with that vibe, I ended up first in every heat. Then at the end of the day was the final. And exactly at the moment the final was held, there were the best waves of the day. So game on! I caught every good set wave and stuck almost every turn or trick I did. And that is how I became the Dutch champion that day ;).
I am very honored to representing the Netherlands at the World and European championships! For the European championship, I am setting the goal to become the top 5 of Europe. And With the World championship, I will see how it goes. Because it’s the first time for the Dutch team to be there, and I think the competitors will be better than we think. So I’m very excited to see where it ends!
Physically I train almost every day, is it not in the waves then I will be at the gym. The workouts I do are focussed on balance, coordination, core stability and endurance. Therefore, when there are waves, I’m heading straight to the beach to practice. Because you learn the most when you are in the water.
Mentally, I am trying not to focus too much on the other people that are against me in the heat. I am going to give my best every time I am out there. And there is nothing more I can do. Just don’t let it get to your head when you see someone ripping. Keep focussed!
Like I said, I am doing some balance, coordination, core stability and endurance training. But this is also mixed with strength. I do a lot of things with bosubals, the balance boards and somebody weight movements. The exercises are directly behind each other, so you have to continue. Not a lot of rest is how I see myself working to get a wave and then doing the turns on the wave as well.
For me is this not quite difficult. I have the blessing that I’m very flexible from a young age already, and that is not gone yet. Besides that I love working out, it doesn’t matter if I am: running, bench pressing, doing a circuit or doing a lot of burpees. I enjoy every training and feel good if I do train. So, rest days for me are quite frustrating.
I work at the gym of my parents, so I lost no travel time. I can combine work and training. :)
I’m now focussing on the upcoming events. And after that I will be going to train more with body weight (calisthenics) but also as much surfing if the waves allow it to. My goal is tho be competing at the top of Europe for next season! And practice with surf/supping in Bali.
Once we were with the SurfTopsportCentrum (STC) team in Portugal. And I remember that I saw one of my teammates about to catch a wave, but at the moment he saw me he holds back. Then I got very slammed by that wave and got very washed under the water. I did not expect to be so long under, so I needed some air… Then I was just in time above to breathe again. That was maybe the closest wipe out to passing out in the water. So it taught me a lesson to learn to control my breath even more when I’m out there.
They support me in everything I do with the water sport. They love the seaside so much that they are coming with me a lot. And my mom the most because she loves to capture good pictures that we both can share with everyone. For the rest is my dad kind of my coach when it comes to training in the gym. And he is also very busy for the Sup community.
Catching the barrel of my life at Mundaka. We went there also with the STC crew and only the juniors were allowed to go to Mundaka. Then we saw some real pro’s going out there and the waves were pretty on fireee! We decided to wait a little and prepare ourselves to get out there. Then, when we went, it was very crowded and a lot of locals were out there. So we did not catch many waves, but when we did, it was the little one, or we dropped in on the shoulder of the wave. Then later on the tide changed, and the waves become more friendly for us. I caught one that was very long, I did some cutbacks, and then I came at a point where the wave had a reform. And that reform created a nice barrel which I stayed in for like a couple seconds and I still can see the whole view in front of me!
I am very aware about the climate change. But I am not really busy with trying to do everything so good as possible. I do throw all my trash in the correct trashcans, and keep up with the nature in our garden, and when I see some trash lying around somewhere I throw that away. I always use my dopper for drinking water.
Otherwise, me as fitness instructor, I try to help people and try to help them become the best version of themselves.
I really love the cooperation of Suay about supporting an association that cares about the coral planting. Because it is so beautiful and should not be gone in the next years. When it comes about plastic in the water or reef brakes getting damaged, I really want to do something about it. That is why we sometimes do a beach clean up. Or pick some trash out of the water when you see it, a sup cleanup. And I think more surfers need to understand that as well. That we need to threaten the ocean as good as possible.
At first, I didn’t know Suay Hype until you guys liked some photos and followed me. Then I checked it out, the socials and the website. I really liked the vibe of the T-shirts and everything Suay Hype has. It is based in Utrecht and that is very close by for me. I met Louis a couple of weeks ago, and I saw how every shirt is hand printed and what he is working on. It is really impressive how the business is growing and how many people are sharing the Suay Hype vibes. I am very excited about the future of Suay Hype, and I am looking forward to our new adventures together.
Thanks Koen, we wish you all the best for the future events. You can follow his adventures on IG: @proostkoen
]]>One of the top reasons to visit Portugal for surfing this winter is the consistent surf. The winter months bring swells from the northwest, which provide excellent conditions for surfing along the coast of Portugal. If you want a realy surfer style, you should have a look at our clothing brand!
Located on the Atlantic coast, Peniche is known for its consistent surf and has a reputation for having some of the best waves in Europe. The town is charming and has a mix of old world charm and modern amenities. There are a number of surf schools and rental shops in town where you can get your surf gear (like this surf shop) In terms of food and drink, Peniche is known for its excellent seafood. Try one of the many seafood restaurants in town for a delicious lunch or dinner, or grab a fresh seafood sandwich at a local café. For a post-surf beer, there are several bars and pubs in town where you can relax and unwind.
Located near Peniche, Supertubos is known for its powerful beach break and is a popular destination for experienced surfers. The wave is known for its long, hollow tubes and is considered one of the best waves in Europe. There are several surf schools and rental shops in the area where you can get your surf gear. In terms of food and drink, there are several restaurants and cafes in the area where you can grab a pastry to eat or a coffee. For a more unique dining experience, try one of the local churrasqueiras (grill restaurants) for a delicious grilled meal.
Located in the northwest of Portugal, Viana do Castelo is known for its long, powerful waves and is a popular destination for experienced surfers. The town is located in a beautiful area and is a great place to relax after a day on the water. There are several surf schools and rental shops in the area where you can get your surf gear such as this surf shop. In terms of food and drink, Viana do Castelo is known for its excellent seafood and grilled meats. Try one of the local seafood restaurants or churrasqueiras for a delicious meal.
Located on the Atlantic coast, Ericeira is a charming town known for its long, hollow tubes and is a popular destination for surfers of all levels. The town has a mix of old world charm and modern amenities, and there are several surf schools and rental shops in the area where you can get your surf gear. In terms of food and drink, Ericeira has a number of excellent restaurants and cafes where you can grab a bite to eat or a coffee. The town is also known for its excellent seafood, so be sure to try some of the local specialties. For a post-surf beer, there is a crazy choice of nice bars and restaurants in town. There is alo a large choice of hoste; with a surfer vibe.
Located in the far west of the Algarve region, Sagres is known for its powerful waves and is a popular destination for experienced surfers. The town is laid-back and has a number of surf schools and rental shops to grab good quality boards. What about food and drink? Sagres has a number of excellent restaurants and cafes where you can grab a speciality to eat or a delicious coffee. The town is known for its grilled seafood, so be sure to try some of the local specialties. For a beer, lunch or dinner, make sure not to miss the little bird, the best place in Sagres.
Located near Lisbon, Carcavelos is a popular surf spot with consistent waves and is suitable for surfers of all levels. The town has a number of surf schools and rental shops where you can get your surf gear.
Arrifana is a popular surf spot known for its consistent waves and is suitable for surfers of all levels. The town is charming and has a mix of old world charm and modern amenities. There are a number of surf schools and rental shops in the area where you can get your surf gear.
In addition to these spots, another must-see surf destination in Portugal is Nazare. Located on the Atlantic coast, Nazare is known for its massive waves and has become a hot spot for big wave surfing. Each year, the world's best surfers flock to Nazare to ride the giant waves, which can reach heights of up to 30 meters. Even if you're not a surfer, it's worth a visit to Nazare just to see the impressive surf in action. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn or an experienced surfer looking to ride some challenging waves, you'll find great surf in Portugal during the winter months.
While the water temperatures may be cooler in the winter months, the air temperatures in Portugal are generally mild, making it a pleasant place to visit during the winter. The average temperature in the winter months is around 15-20°C during the day, with nighttime temperatures dropping to around 10°C. This means that you'll be able to enjoy the outdoors and the surf without being too cold. Plus, the mild temperatures make it a great destination for those looking to escape the colder weather of other parts of Europe.
Another reason to visit Portugal for a surfing trip this winter is the charming towns that dot the coast. Places like Peniche, Ericeira, and Sagres are charming towns with a mix of old world charm and modern amenities. Each town has a unique character and offers a variety of activities and attractions beyond surfing. You'll find excellent restaurants, cozy cafes, and charming shops to explore in each of these towns. Whether you're looking to relax after a day on the water or experience the local culture, these towns have something for everyone.
Portugal is an affordable destination. Accommodation, food, and activities tend to be less expensive in Portugal compared to other popular European destinations. This can be particularly appealing during the winter months when travel prices tend to be lower. By visiting Portugal in the winter, you'll be able to stretch your budget further and enjoy all that the country has to offer without breaking the bank.
Beyond the excellent surf and charming towns, another reason to visit Portugal for a surfing trip this winter is the rich culture and delicious cuisine. Portugal has a long history and a unique culture that is reflected in the country's food, wine, and other aspects of daily life. From the fresh seafood caught daily along the coast to the famous Portuguese pastries, there is no shortage of delicious food to try. The country is also known for its excellent wine, with a variety of red, white, and fortified wines to choose from. By visiting Portugal in the winter, you'll be able to experience all that the country has to offer while avoiding the crowds of the peak tourist season.
In conclusion, Portugal is a great destination for surfing during the winter months. With consistent surf, charming towns, warm temperatures, affordability, and rich culture and cuisine, there are plenty of reasons to plan a trip to Portugal this winter. Whether you're a beginner looking to learn or an experienced surfer looking for challenging waves, you'll find what you're looking for in Portugal. So why wait? Start planning your surfing trip to Portugal today and experience all that the country has to offer!
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The results came in, score 34,6 mtr. according to WOO just 20 cm shy of the world record.
We should focus more on sustainability and not produce disposable but reusable quality products that are meant to last and not to break down after a certain period.
Screen-printing is a method of printing graphics on a fabric by pressing ink on top of a shirt in stead of soaking the shirt in the ink. It is the most popular method in the clothing industry due to its good washing resistance. The design of a screen-printed shirt will stay intact for years. Back in the day, it was the only way to produce bulk shirts.
Screen-printing is a time-consuming and complicated process, which requires patience and precisions. Do you want to know more about it? Then continue reading but don't say I didn't warn you...
There are screens of different sizes ranging from A1 to A6. It consist of a steel or wooden frame that spans thousands of small horizontal and vertical silk strings to create a permeable membrane. Depending on the fabric of the shirt you want to print on, you should choose a membrane with bigger or smaller holes. This will also impact the amount of detail your design can have, similar to the pixel-resolution of a computer-screen.
To apply your design to the screen you first need to coat the membrane with an UV-reactive emulsion. It is super important to work in a dark room without UV light when preparing the screen.
Secondly, you need to print your design on a transparent paper and place it on top of your emulsion.
Thirdly, exposing the emulsion to UV-light in a controlled environment will start a chemical process causing the emulsion to harden and become ink-proof at the transparent spot. The rest of the emulsion can be washed off afterwards leaving you with a screen that allows ink to be pressed through only at the spots that have not been exposed to UV light, ergo the design printed on the transparent paper.
The press consists of three parts: the board, a lever with the attached screen
and a rubber squeegee. You firmly attach your prepared screen to the lever of the press, making sure your design is straight.
Then you stretch the shirt to be printed over the board, making sure there are no wrinkles in the fabric especially where the design will be printed.
To print the design on the shirt you lower the screen on top of the shirt. You pour the desired color of ink on the top of the screen and use the rubber squeegee to quickly and firmly move the ink from one end of the screen to the other. As the ink gets moved over the permeable parts of the screen, the ink seeps through onto the shirt and the design starts to appear.
For the ink you can create your own color by mixing different ink together or simply use primary colors.
Because sustainability is one of our core values, we are using ink that is non-toxic, vegan and adheres to the OEKO-TEX 100 standards.
One last but crucial step and the shirt is ready to wear...
To properly attach the ink to the shirt and prevent it from coming off during the first wash-cycles, the shirts need to be dried at a high temperature (180℃). We use a hand-dryer that can been set to an exact temperature to ensure the colors don't bleed.
Once the ink is dry, we inspect it and let it air-dry for another 24 hours.
The process of screen-printing requires a lot of time, endurance and precision, We have improve our process step by step in order to provide the high quality of our products.
We are proud to be one of the few companies to do all parts of our production cycle (except for producing the base-shirts) ourselves instead of delegating the printing and sewing to subcontract parties in remote parts of the world.
That's why we are making our products by sewing our Suay label on each one of our shirts, sweaters and beanies. It is really important for us to provide you the best quality product.
You can also check out our Instagram page for more pictures, videos and information about our printing and sewing-process.
Article written by Lois.
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