Marente first joined our surf coaching week with De Surfclub en Wibi Surf in Andalusia, After this coaching week, she decided to stay longer and booked a few extra surf coaching sessions with me. We also added some surf-skating to the mix, which proved to be helpful. Surf-skating allowed us to work on balance, surf stance, and making calm, controlled maneuvers. It is amazing to see how movements that we practice on a surf-skate translates to surfing!

Overcoming the Fear of the Drop-In
One of the biggest challenge Marente shared with me was making the drop-in on a green wave. She admitted that this moment, in particular, felt especially scary. I know that surfing can be intimidating at times, and I truly admire your courage, resilience, and determination. There were moments during the coaching when things didn’t seem to be working (mental state, difficult waves and currents), but we took it step by step. With mental coaching, practical tips, and your consistent hard work, the progress was undeniable. Marente’s commitment to moving forward, even when things weren’t perfect, showed just how dedicated she is to improving.I’m so proud of you, Marente! You truly challenged yourself, faced your fears of the ocean, and surfed waves that sometimes pushed you far out of your comfort zone. Your courage is incredibly inspiring!

Taking Risks and Building Confidence
Surfing is all about making calculated risks. Whether it’s deciding whether to paddle out on a bigger day or choosing whether to go for a wave or let it pass, every decision matters. One of the things I admire about Marente is how she set boundaries, listened to her fears, and tuned into her body and mind. Throughout our sessions, we worked on breathing techniques, shifting perspectives, and understanding the importance of where to focus when paddling for a wave. We even discussed a mantra: “This is my wave”—a powerful tool to help overcome fear and stay focused.

This approach is something all surfers can benefit from. Marente knew when to push herself and when to take a step back and rest. It’s this balance that allowed her to grow, not just as a surfer, but as a person in the water.

Seeing Growth in the Free Surfs
What truly made me so happy was to see Marente’s growth even though during during our coaching sessions it did not always work, during her free surfs she saw the benifits of what she learned. It was in these moments where the stoke and progress were most visible. Even when things didn’t always click during our sessions, she continued to push forward, and that perseverance is what really counts.
Being part of your journey, Marente, has been an honor. Watching you grow—both mentally and on the board—has been such a rewarding experience. I can’t wait for our next session or surf trip!

Wishing you many fun, mellow waves ahead!