Name - Alastair Menniefs
Age - 27
Website - www.almennie.com
Q.1 What inspired you to start surfing?
I learned to swim at 6 and then started waterskiing with my Dad, then when we went to the coast I just wanted to be in the sea. I started surfing aged 9 because the sea was right there. I remember the first day I went surfing, my Mum made me wear a life jacket and I couldn't get my arm round my board so my Dad had to carry it for me. When I started there was hardly anyone doing it at my local beach except a couple of local guys from time to time.
Q.2 What is your current training schedule like? Do you do a lot of cardio and strength training?
Training for big wave surfing in particular is something that I have kind of developed myself to suit the specific requirements for the environment here. I have always done a lot of weight training because I enjoy it but in the past five years I have adapted it to suit big wave surfing. I focus mainly on my shoulders, chest, back and a little work on my legs. I find, that the stronger I feel, the more confident I am in surfing. I tend to lift heavy weights with low reps. I spend around half hour on heavy, intense weights three nights a week. On one of the in between nights I swim about 1km in the sea or paddle my surfboard for 2km. On the other in between night I cycle for about 3miles. It is difficult at times to get a full 5 days training in, especially in winter as there are often big swells that I need to be out surfing and therefore I sacrifice time before a swell is due and time after recovering. Some of the exercises I do with weights, cycling and swimming involve me doing them while holding my breath for short periods of time. The idea is that I replicate the stress I am under whilst being pummelled by a big wave.
I also spend a lot of time simply visualising surfing big waves. As with any sport the ability to visualise doing something within your activity is key to doing it safely and successfully.
Q.3 How long have you been big wave surfing and what inspired you to try the tow in approach?
I have been progressively surfing bigger waves for as long as I can remember. I travelled a lot to other destinations around the globe and then realised the potential for huge surf right here. I realised after some time that the possibility of being able to surf waves bigger than are physically catchable by human paddle power alone, existed here, and I then got hold of a jet ski. My friend Andrew cotton shared a similar passion and we teamed up to ride the biggest waves the Atlantic could throw at us. We use the jet ski to tow each other into waves which are moving too fast to catch by ourselves. The ski is also there as a safety boat if anything goes wrong. We are both highly trained and experienced in the operation of jet skis in large surf and also in the rescue of fallen surfers.
Q.6 Are there specific big wave contests and if so where in the world are these held?
Yes there are specific big wave events. They have always been invite only due to the danger involved. The organisers hand pick people they feel are capable. This year we have been invited as alternates to compete in a pro event in Chile this year. We are the first European team to ever be invited. I have also been selected to take part in a demonstration in the Canaries this year. Other big wave events take place in Hawaii, California, Oregon, South Africa etc. so maybe we will get an opportunity to compete in those events at some time in the future.
Q.7 How would you advise someone who likes the look of what you do to start and where in the UK could they get the correct tuition?
If someone wants to learn how to stand up on a surf board, there are numerous places where you can get accredited lessons from Newquay to Portrush. In fact a few of my friends are instructors. If you want to ride big waves, I'm afraid you're on your own. It is something that can only really be done through experience in the ocean and understanding your own limits and boundaries and being willing and able to push them. You can do K38 jet ski courses with Ben Granata which is also a good start.
Q.8 What supplements do you use?
In the past I didn't really rely on supplements because I was always a good eater. In the last few years I have found it difficult to take in the amount of food I need to sustain my energy and develop muscle growth as I am so active. When I'm training I use Extreme Performance Whey before bed and after a weight session. Before I surf or train I use Extreme Carbs so I don't have to use up any stored energy. After a weights session or a surf session I use Extreme Build and Recover. If I have just had a weights session I add Extreme Performance Whey to it. I also use Extreme Performance Meal Replacement if I don't have time to get a proper meal into me.
Q.10 How much do you feel supplements and sports nutrition help you?
I think they are brilliant. I wouldn't be able to take everything in that I need on a daily basis with out using Extreme Nutrition products. They are a cost effective and easy way of consuming exactly what I need on top of normal meals. People around me used to laugh because I would be so active one minute then it was like someone had turned a switch off the next. This was because I was doing so much and not taking in enough to keep me going. Now with Dougie Black helping me I have lots of energy for everything I do.
Q.11 What is it that motivates you to keep getting suited up and getting in the water on a typical cold, grey, wet Northern Irish day?
I think it is like anything in life. If you feel good when doing something, it doesn't matter what is thrown in your way, you will continue to do what you love regardless. I love the isolation of being out on a big stormy day. Not even perfect conditions, just being out amidst the chaos of a storm is very satisfying and humbling.
