The Nalu Boys Surf School

The wave whisperers of Messakti Beach  

We are in Messakti beach, still in Ikaria island; Time seems to have stop as we hang out at one of the coolest beach bars of the Aegean; Listening to reggae and blues, drinking local refreshments, gazing at the sea… Okay, correction, gazing at the groups of surfers that are gathered like bees at the Nalu Boys Surf School, looking very bohemian and very, very fit.

That makes me think the “a healthy mind in a healthy body” Greek proverb, and how well, my friend Isidoros Plytas, owner of The Nalu Boys Surf School embodies this principal. Isidoros loves to surf; surfing helped him develop an understanding and respect for the environment, a sense of responsibility to offer a healthy lifestyle option to the young people of his island and a positive consideration for a physical and mental life.

So, I was happy to get to spend a day at the beach with him and ask all sorts of things around surf!

 

What does Nalu mean?

Nalu is a Hawaiian word for wave and therefore, surf.

Who are The Nalu Boys?

George Karastamatis, me, and our partner Vasilis Missas.

But The Nalu Boys is also an idea and a cultural association in progress. We want our team to be a reference point and to be able to provide support and healthy options to the people of the island and to those that come from abroad to surf at Messakti and experience the Greek waves.

When did you start surfing?

Started ten years ago.

Did it change your lifestyle?

I don’t stay up late, I eat healthy food… start the day with a big breakfast of tahini and delicious Ikarian honey (all surfers here are crazy about it)… take with me to the beach fresh local fruits and vegetables… But most of all, surf gave me the possibility to work at the island that I love so much, and to travel in Greece and abroad to catch waves of better quality.

Which people inspire you? Are they surfers?

No, -he smiles- my parents are my inspiration.

What is the philosophy of this sport?

To become one with the waves, one with the nature, to protect the environment and the sea. To learn to respect, to discipline, to rescue.

Where are you heading?

I discovered that surf helped me to put my life in order; it makes me calm and I also have fun with it. It’s all about where you want to reach and how hard are you willing to work for something that inspires you, not about who you want to become.

How is the Greek surfing reality?

It is something new for our country; our aim is to make surfing a part of the Greek reality. To become a positive example, so that authorities will support Greek surfers.

Can anyone become a surfer?

You need to be in a good physical condition, a background in sports always helps. During the winter I run, ride a bike, play football and swim to keep the muscles that I use for surfing working. But this sport is 80% technique and 20% physical condition…

How many lessons does someone need to take to be able to surf?

We want our students from their first lesson to be able to stand on the surfboard, catch a wave and move straight, then, experience will help them choose right, learn how to turn and catch bigger waves.

Can children get involved with the sport? 

Yes, children after the age of 6-7 years old can develop a safe and beneficial contact with the water. Of course we are very strict concerning security into the water; the teachers and me are accredited ISA and BSA surf instructors, accredited surflifesavingGB and Greek lifeguard school lifeguards, Greek gymnastics university graduates with canoe-kayak and snowboard instructor expertise.

What about girls? Do they surf here in Ikaria?

Yes, they do surf and they are really effective. They can balance very well on the surfboard, especially those who have had ballet or dancing lessons…

Are surfers fashion victims?

They are, so much that they would get stuck to an image and lose the purpose of the whole thing.

How many bathing suits do you have?

I have two at the moment; I tend to give them as gifts to my friends…

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As my conversation with Isidoros came to an end, I walked for a while on the beach with him and with his friends. I could smell the sun cream, the salt and the pine trees that surround the beautiful beach of Messakti. A warm summer day with The Nalu Boys.

words by maria alipranti

photos by christos drazos