Zainal Abidin

Zainal has loved surfing since he first came to Bali and he wants to be a pro surfer. Check out our interview with him…

Hello, how are you?
Good, just finished surfing at Maharani.

Tell us about how you started surfing. Who taught you?
When I finished primary school my mother brought me to Bali. I went to Kuta and I learned to surf with Soleh and some of the other beach guys. Soleh lent me a board and I have been surfing since then.

Where do you usually surf and who with?
At Maharani (in front of McD). My best spot.

If you weren’t surfing what sport would you do?
Volleyball and soccer.

Where did you get your first board from?
My first board was given to me by a tourist named Matty. I had been surfing one day and the waves were big. Matty asked me if I had a board and I said I didn’t and he gave me his board. It was a Tokoro, 5’9.

Who is your surfing idol?
Kelly Slater

Have you ever wiped out? Tell us about it.
Sure, but not really bad.

Have you been in any contests? How did you go?
I have been in a few contests. I got 1st place in the MSC Series 4 times and 3rd in the Rip Curl Grom Search 2007.

What do you think of surfers with dark skin and red hair ?
Cool. Cause I’m a surfer too. hahahahaha

If a surfer girl with dark skin liked you, would you go out with her ?
Of course. We both love surfing, why not ?

Where have you been on surfing trips?
To Lombok, Sumba and Sumbawa. I went on a boat trip there.

What do you do when you’re not surfing?
Help my mum, play volleyball and soccer.

Do you like clubbing? Where do you go?
No, I don’t like to go out!

What did you think of the MSC contest at Puger – Jember recently?
Cool, I was really happy because my home beach was used for surfing and surfing contests  hehehehe ….I also got a good result in the contest. hahahaha

Your hopes for 2009?
Keep improving my surfing and win some contests and help my mum more….just  Go with The Flow

Last shout for Magic Wave?
Keep surfing, keep the beach clean so more tourists will come and thanks to Magic Wave who have really supported me.  Cheers

Name                           : Zainal Abidin
DOB                           : Jember 8, 1992
Board                          : 5’9
Local                           : Maharani
Sponsor                       : None