We are proud to inaugurate this section called Beyond the Waves with our beloved surfer from a small Basque town called Deba, Bitor Garitaonandia.
Today's guest joined the KGUARD team in January 2024. Apart from his passion for surfing and life, we were struck by his discipline, his hard work and his great ability to take care of his family and those closest to him with all his heart. If you want to know more about today's guest, Bitor, I invite you to continue reading.
Q1. How and when did you discover your passion for surfing?
"My first images of surfing (with the boogie board) were when I was 3 years old. I have loved this sport since I was a child, but it was when I was 7 years old that I got my first surfboard."
Q2. What experience would you highlight from your sports career?
"Without a doubt, one of the highlights of my career was when I managed to become the WSL Junior European Champion in the Azores in October 2022."
Q3. What is your next challenge? What motivates you most about this new challenge?
"Without a doubt, my number one short-term goal is to qualify for the Challenger Series."
Q4. Who have been your biggest influences or mentors throughout your career?
"My father has been my biggest influence throughout my life. However, I have been fortunate to train with coaches and surfers such as Lulen Elkoro, Jatyr Berasaluce or Filipe Anjos from whom I have learned a lot."
Q5. What habits have helped you stay at the top level in your sport?
"A good sleep routine, physical training, good nutrition, mobility and flexibility work and of course many hours at the sea."
Q6. How do you handle the pressure when you are facing an important competition?
"I think that pressure is a positive thing if you know how to handle it in the right way. Therefore, I try to think that I am prepared for the moment, that my mind and body are ready for whatever comes and that my work, with a bit of luck, will be rewarded."
Q7. What advice would you give to someone who is starting out in the world of surfing?
"Try to enjoy everything that surrounds surfing: a sunrise, paddling, connecting with nature, sunsets, peace of mind... I often see people focused only on catching waves and surfing them well and if they don't achieve this, they get frustrated. I think they should expand their mind and enjoy the whole process, not just the result."
Q8. What are the essential items that are never missing from your equipment when you train or compete?
"In addition to my wetsuit and surfboard, the SoftCube, the VanityCase and the KGUARD Brush."
Q9. What do you think of KGUARD Premium Waterproof Designs products and brand?
"I really like KGUARD products because of the order they bring to my daily life. They are products made with detail, which I love since I also try to take care of every detail of myself and that is why I feel aligned with the brand and its products."
Q10. What is your favorite KGUARD product? Why?
"I would highlight their star product: the KGUARD waterproof bag. This helps me to carry my vehicle's electronic key into the water without it getting wet or damaged, I love it. Another product that I use and like a lot is the brush, as it helps me to remove the sand from both my feet and my new car, which I like to keep clean, hehe."
Work, discipline, ambitious challenges, a small dose of pressure... and knowing how to surround yourself with people who support you and enjoy the journey in all its phases. Eskerrik asko, Bitor.