Hi there folks out there in Stats Land. We’re super stoked to be able to share with you today the insights of an elite level surf athlete who has spent a lot of time surfing with – and against – the best surfers in the world. He’s a Euro local and a barrel hunting machine. I’m talking of none other than Mr. Aritz Aranburu of Spain. Ladies and gentlemen, put your hands together… Aritz!

Hi Aritz, thanks for taking the time to share your insights into the upcoming Rip Curl Pro in Portugal. First up, we better explain that you’re not actually on the beach at Peniche…where abouts are you?

Well, I’m around the area…but the forecast is looking pretty good for Peniche so I might be there trying to score some decent waves. If not there I will be hunting somewhere nearby for sure.

Spain/France/Portugal are kinda your home turf aren’t they? Must be lost of fun when the ‘CT and ‘QS tours come through, how has your season played out this year?

I have been competing in those countries since my junior career. Surfing-wise they all feel pretty much like home. I’ve been competing a lot in the ‘QS this year. Traveling has always been my favourite thing to do. When I feel competitive I do it for trying to win comps, and if my explorer sense comes alive I do it for the love of scoring great waves.

Do you play any Fantasy Surfing leagues? Care to share what your team looks like?

Yes I do, and no I can’t! My team looks solid man. I always have the feeling that I gonna win, but then it all comes down to the quality of the waves they will have this year.

You get to surf against a lot of the WCT guys and get a good idea of who is in form and who is just going through the motions. Who have you seen that’s looking the goods to take out Portugal this year?

If the conditions are solid John John will win. If not Filipe or Medina are my picks for punchy onshore conditions.

The title race is well and truly in full swing at the moment. In your mind who is going to be crowned champion?

Whoever is in front in the rankings after Portugal will be the world champ, that’s my guess. Its great to see a race like this between them.

If there were one particular attribute that you would look for in a surfer at Portugal, what would it be?

Adaptation to different conditions. They have a lot of different locations to run the event. Even if they stay at Supertubos the tides can cause a lot of positioning mistakes. You have to adapt yourself to anything that could happen!

Do you think riding the beach breaks of Europe played a big part in your success as a surfer?

Of course. I live an hour away from Mundaka and another hour from Hossegor. Is the perfect combination.

You are a bit of a barrel-master yourself, tell us about the most mind-blowing tube you’ve ever ridden (and there’s no need to be modest here…)

Africa. Desert. More than a minute. Happy days :))))))))))

Wow, that’s sounds dreamy. So what next for Aritz Aranburu?

I wanna give a big go to the WQS next year and try to qualify again. I wanna surf better waves while I’m competing and the dream tour has the ingredients I’m looking for!

Is this where Aritz has found his perfect barrel…??

#goaritz