Michi: It depends on the waves. I love it paddling into really big waves ´cause there is the kick at the drop. But some waves you can´t paddle in, ´cause there is so much water moving, the wave brake square or too far away from shore. Then tow surfing is the right thing, it brings your shortboard into positions that you´d never reach with a gun. And you can catch the wave long before it starts breaking , can watch what is going on, can position yourself perfectly.

But despite that, I prefer paddle surfing.

datrip: As Eisbach surfer, who regularly sets an air into the sweet river, you pretty well know how to „performance“ – surf. What is – once you ignore the fear factor – more difficult to learn: surfing big waves or performance surfing in small to medium sized waves?

Michi: Hard to say. For me with my 190cm and 90 kilo surfing in small waves is definitely more difficult. I like to train and try all kind of tricks at the Eisbach and in small ocean waves, but I realize that smaller, lighter surfers have it much easier in these conditions. I guess it´s more difficult to become a constant good surfer in the smallest, at contests often really bad mushy waves than to surf bigger waves. In good sized conditions the wave does a lot of work for you, at least you don’t have to bother about generating speed.

datrip: How do you stay fit for big wave surfing (you´re living most of the time in Munich, don´t you)?

Michi: Yes, I´m living in MUC, but I have spend some time of my life at different corners of the world, closer to the sea. In my youth I was a competitive swimmer, so nowadays I do my program of swimming in preparation for my surf trips. It´s not really exciting counting the rounds in a swimming pool but it gives me a basic fitness and paddle power. In addition I dive a lot, something I find really important for learning how to stay calm under water and to train the lungs and breathing. In summer I do paddling on a lake with my girlfriend and the dog..

datrip: Who´s your tow partner and where and how do you train the team work necessary for survival in big waves?

Michi: Up to now I only did tow surfing in Australia. Over there my partner is Wes. He taught me everything once he realized my passion for big waves. I had some incredible sessions with him and we developed up a lot of confidence into each other. It´s a pity I only get there once a year. Now I have bought a jet ski in Europe and will probably go tow surfing with Seabastian Steudtner once he´s back from Maui. He lives on Hawaii during winter and tow surfs Jaws so he´s probably the right guy :=)

datrip: Madeira seems to attract you a lot. What is it that makes you go there again and again?

Michi: I love Madeira ´cause it gave me the best surf sessions of my life and I go there at least once every winter since many years….

The island is incredibly beautiful, with class waves that have enormous power and hold every size. The island catches so much swell in winter that it only depends on yourself or what you dare to paddle in to score remarkable sessions. Too bad that they have been building that much and some spots have changed but it still is overwhelming when the points are pumping.

Michi disappeared to Madeira for a few days. After his return we continued the interview.

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