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Portugal’s Nic von Rupp was recently in South Africa to compete in the Mr Price Pro Ballito. We got the chance to have a quick chat with the Monster Energy athlete about his thoughts on South Africa, the event and surfing here:
What were your thoughts of being in South Africa for the Mr Price Pro?
I really enjoy South Africa, its really similar to home and its always a nice place to come back to. Great people, great food and that’s what it is all about. Coming here, enjoying yourself and just catching some really nice waves.
How did the Mr Price Pro compare with all other ASP Prime events around the world?
We go all around the world and the waves here in SA are really good compared to the other spots. 3 years ago we had one of the best events ever here in Ballito and there are always high expectations as we all know this place can deliver.
What are some of your favourite locations to compete throughout the tour?
Home. We have 2 Prime’s this year in Europe so home is always my favourite. Home is Lisbon, Portugal. It’s not only about the home crowd and my friends, I just know the waves.
What are your preparations leading up to an event like this?
For me it’s really important being at the event a couple days before the event kicks off. I need time to get over jet lag and to test my boards and just get my head in the right spot. There are daily warm ups and routines before each heat just to get myself in the right frame of mind. It is really important to stay hydrated and to eat lots of fruit because we are exposed to the sun for so many hours of the day and to make sure you are 100% before heading into the water.
Describe your perfect wave and how you would score tops points on it?
I really like the barrels so my ultimate wave would be a long barrel finishing it off with a big turn.
What are your goals in terms of results for the rest of the year?
On a prime event like this finishing anywhere above the round of 24 is good. You obviously have to build yourself to the quarters and semis when you get into an event but sometimes it doesn’t end up like that but as I said anything above the round of 24 is a good finish taking some good points home.
Photos by Alan Van Gysen
