Sliding Into What Can Kill You With Nic Von Rupp

“This is my edit. I put everything had into it,” says Nic Von Rupp. 

Nic, the handsome Portuguese charger, was working like a dog last winter. Basing himself around Nazaré, he made sprints to Maverick’s and Jaws whenever the buoys called.  

“I really want to make a statement that I’m not just a slab surfer, but have really been trying to step it up on the big-wave scene with big boards. I want to qualify for the Big Wave World Tour and bring my slab approach into the big waves,” he continues.

He describes wanting to take-off underneath the lip and barreled on giant waves. 

“I feel like guys like Chumbo, Kai Lenny, Nathan Florence, Albee Layer, that’s my generation and what they’re doing inspires me to be better every day. That’s why I’m so committed to the big-wave scene right now. I want to be right there with them pulling in at Maverick’s on the left or getting barrel at Jaws, trying to push the big-wave limit in that sense. Hopefully, I’ll get a spot next year. It’s up to the big dogs to decide if I make the cut for one of the five wildcard spots next year.”

Consider this his audition tape for the big dance. He’s always been a hyper-talented surfer, and one of Europe’s best. He’s dead serious about stepping up his game. Stab got the full download from Nic, a longform interview on what it takes to go for big wave glory in 2019 is coming soon.