"Surfing is about connection with nature". Interview with Canadian surfer Mac Pridham

Mac Pridham is a traveling surfer from Toronto, Canada, with an unusual background: he used to be a professional football player.

We had a short interview with Mac and asked him, what’s in common about football and surfing.

How and when did you start surfing? What was your first experience?

I started surfing in 6 grade. My family moved from Canada to Northern California. No one in my family surfed, but after moving to California it was something I had to try. I borrowed a family friends' longboard and paddled out at Capitola in Santa Cruz. The water was cold and I had no idea what I was doing. Lucky enough I caught several waves and loved it. I started going every time my family went to the beach. Soon after I got hooked and had the surf bug. All I wanted to do was surf. I tried to go as much as I could.

Football and surfing both are serious sports, requiring discipline and practice. What is completely different and what is in common about them?

The demand, mental/physical strength, commitment, hard work, fitness, and focus are all relatable to both sports. Football is a team sport and Surfing is an individual sport, which brings different values to the competition. A big part of surfing is the connection with the ocean and nature. That is something that Football doesn't have.

What’s your favorite surfing spot? Why?

I love many surfing spots, so it would be hard to choose just one. My favorite surfing zone is Indonesia. It has so many quality waves.

Mac Pridham surf boards — @indosurfadventures

Give your tips for beginners: dos and don’ts for the first time on surf

I would recommend you understand the wave that you are going to surf. Is it a beginner spot and will it be easy for you to be comfortable, learn, and catch some waves. Learning surfing etiquette is also important and it helps with safety and respect while in the water. Have as much fun as you can, and don't give up.

Learn a lot more about how to read the surf/swell forecast in the special presentation of Windi with examples and tips from professional surfers with many years of experience riding the biggest and best waves.

Check out our Guide on Surfing for beginners to get to know the surfing etiquette, be safe and not to bother other surfers.

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Text: Windy.app team

Cover photo: Unsplash