Slyde Team: Bodysurfing Mexico with Nico

Nicolai Rotter of Mexico has been newly added to the Slyde Handboards team roster & we couldn't be more stoked.

Here's the inside scoop on Nico & the current state of bodysurfing in Mexico.

Can you GIVE US A QUICK BIO? 

My name is Nicolai, born and raised in Puerto Escondido Mexico. Home to one of the best and deadliest waves in the world. Bodysurfing, surfing, bodyboarding are some of the things I enjoy the most in life.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A WATER MAN AND BODYSURFING FOR? 

I believe I was introduced to the ocean from early on, but I think I fell in love with trying to catch waves in any way at like 4-5 years old.

What's the HANDBOARDING & BODYSURFING SCENE LIKE IN Mexico?

Small group that mostly gathers around once a year, on the dates near the bodysurfing competition. There are not enough bodysurfers in the line up though.

WHERE DO YOU SEE THE SPORT GOING?  WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF GOING IN THIS?

I'm hoping bodysurfing is considered in the Olympics. Would be heck of a show to watch or even maybe participate in one. As for me, it stays a very healthy hobby now and competition for the Puerto title. And hopefully give some of the legends a run for their money in a Pipe competition some day, who knows.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR LOCAL BREAK AND YOUR BEST EXPERIENCE THERE

Biggest one is Zicatela. Stretches out 3km and is a full on beachbreak. On big days, waves over 50ft can be seen plowing onto shore, and sometimes even flooding some of the local beach restaurants nearby. It is also known as the “Mexican Pipeline” for its huge barrels and similarity to the Hawaiian dream.

SURFING IS OBVIOUSLY A BIG PASSION FOR YOU BUT WHAT ARE YOUR OTHER HOBBIES AND PASSIONS?

Overall being in the ocean is one of my passions. I also thoroughly enjoy traveling and getting to know foreign places, their culture and delicious food.

WHO INSPIRES YOU IN THE WATER AND WHY ?

In general, I would say my dad. He taught me to enjoy and respect every single being in the ocean. He is the one who carefully lets me push my limits and I know he will be there in case anything would happen to me. (knock on wood)

WHICH IS YOUR FAVORITE SLYDE BOARD AND WHY

Bulaboard for sure. Sick design and shape, perfect for knifing the steep drops and getting some proper speed to slide on a heavy wave. 

SLYDE: HOW DO YOU THINK SURFING HAS influenced OR INSPIRED YOU IN OTHER PARTS OF YOUR LIFE?

I believe it led me to learn to enjoy things a lot more. The ocean I always enjoyed, other things, took me a while to realize.

TOP DREAM BODYSURF DESTINATION AND WHY
Hard one there, ´cause there's 2 The Wedge in Newport Beach and Pipeline Hawaii definitely.

WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE YOU'VE EVER GOTTEN about bodysurfing?

How do a  Frontflip advice from Mr Mark Drewelow.

PICK 5 PEOPLE ON YOUR PARTY WAVE 

My buddy Diego, my cousin Mateo, Kelly Slater, Keanu Reeves and Batman (that one scene)

LEAVE US WITH SOME CLOSING WORDS OF WISDOM for the rest of 2020

Hopefully we can all go back to normal soon and fully enjoy the things we used to. For now, enjoy the people you have at home :)

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Oooo Tubesday @_nvdrr #slydehandboards 🇲🇽

A post shared by Slyde Handboards | Bodysurf (@slydehandboards) on Aug 11, 2020 at 11:57am PDT