Kepa Acero’s Bittersweet Board Swap

Kepa Acero’s surfboards have gotten him through tubes and tough times. The Basque explorer takes a minimalist’s approach to his sojourns, traveling with just the bare necessities, and because of that, the boards he arms himself with take on more meaning. Like the volleyball, Wilson, in the Tom Hanks movie “Castaway,” they transcend occupying space as an inanimate object, instead offering comfort and even guidance. 

In his latest YouTube drop, Kepa rolls into the Pukas factory with a rig load of old faithfuls. Admittedly pained by the fact that, despite the beautiful new quiver waiting for him, he has to say good bye to some favs. From Indo, to Namibia, to Mundaka, the boards are a connection to places, moments and some of his fondest wave-riding experiences.

Of course, cleaning out the board rack is also a not-too-welcome reminder of where we’re at in life…always moving forward. Yesterday’s length and volume, like that high school photo of you with six-pack abs, somehow becomes a thing of the past. 

“These are a bit too thin for me…or am I getting old?” Kepa ponders. 

Either way, it’s out with the old and in with the new, and that’s a struggle any surfer can identify with.