Watermana 2018 Athlete Profile: Jurgi Zulaika

Expect Nothing, be ready for EVERYTHING! The Watermana is fast approaching! 14 athletes were chosen and awarded tickets for the Watermana event in December by TotalSUP, in partnership with Air Tahiti Nui and Tahiti Tourisme. Based around individual endurance and team events including disciplines such as SUP, prone paddleboard, open water swimming (and many other which will be a surprise), it is a true waterman’s event. Basque native and athlete Jurgi Zulaika was awarded a ticket for the event.  TotalSUP talks to Jurgi Zulaika about his water sports journey, and the excitement surrounding being awarded a ticket for the Watermana!

Hi Jurgi, Can you tell us about your water sports journey?

When I was young I used to be a keen swimmer, but had to stop when I started university.  I am new to prone boarding, I came into the sport after learning about an endurance prone paddleboard race from San Sebastian to Capbreton which is 35 miles and I always told my dad I wanted to test myself in that race on  prone board. For SUP I started 4 years ago, when I was 21. I got into SUP racing after racing in a beautiful SUP-bike-trail triathlon.

How has your season been?

What did it feel like to be awarded a Watermana ticket?

Have you started training for the Watermana?

What do you expect from the Watermana?

Are you going to win?

Winning is a dream that every athlete has, but I think this race is about living an adventure, suffering with the other athletes, and pushing ones limits. My goal is to give all I can in every race and start and finish every day with the stoke that I will have as soon as I land in Tahiti! Finishing the race in a good position so to allow me to return next year will be a great result!

Are you excited about visiting French Polynesia?