SRFACE Diaries

Ties Heetvelt

Written by Augustus

SRFACE Diaries gives you a peek into the lives of our ambassadors. Because we all surf but have so much more that makes us interesting human beings. This week: Surfer, online marketing student and DJ Ties Heetvelt from Haarlem, the Netherlands. Lifestyle images by Jan Bijl. Surf images by Ruben Snitslaar.

How and when did you start surfing?

I grew up in Haarlem, a city near the coast in The Netherlands. I started surfing after some friends of my older brother started a surf school at our local beach. I was nine years old when I first picked up a surfboard and I was hooked straight away. We get decent conditions in Zandvoort, close to where I grew up, especially in winter with big North swells and freezing winds blowing from the East.

Why do you surf?

I just love being surrounded by the ocean and not having anything on my mind. It makes me feel free and blessed.

What does a typical day in your life look like?

The first thing I do every day after I wake up, is putting on some vinyl tunes with a cup of coffee to start the day off right. If there are waves, you will probably find me at the beach surfing at first light ;). If not I’ll either be at work or studying at home… Or you’ll find me around the campfire with a couple of cold ones.

What is your favorite surf destination?

I’d have to say Morocco. Last winter I spent 5 months surfing and traveling in the South. The spots and coastline you find there are truly like nowhere else.

What is your favorite surf movie?

Snapt 1,2,3 – The way they create concepts for their movies is unmatched. You better stay tuned for Snapt 4! Follow Logan Dulien and check out his work if you don’t already.

The best session you’ve caught on camera?

Storm session Wijk aan Zee 2019 for sure. The picture below was made by Ruben Snitslaar. We don’t get days like this often… so when they come I appreciate them even more. The surf might be far from perfect, but that’s part of ‘scoring’ in The Netherlands :-).

Who is your favorite surfer?

Mason Ho for sure! Good vibes, real surfing and no bullshit, unlike many pro surfers at the moment. And Bobby Martinez – of course – remember his interview at the Quiksilver pro New York on the ASP tour of 2011? Hahaha that’s why.

Name one thing you would give up surfing for?

Next question please.

Anything you want to share with our readers and followers?

Yes, get off your phone and go outside :D. It’s where the magic happens.

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