The organization of The North Canyon Show by Garrett McNamara decided to interview some sponsors and some surfers, big wave's supporters, to know what they think about Praia do Norte and specifically about this project.
Today: Ruben Gonzalez (surfer)
Today: Ruben Gonzalez (surfer)
What’s your opinion about Praia do Norte, in Nazaré?
The Praia do Norte, in Nazaré, is one of the most solid areas of the Portuguese continent. We can consider that it has one of the most powerful and frightening waves of the world. The sea enters with an indescribable strength due to a failure in the continental plate, which causes waves that sometimes can reach over ten meters. It’s, no doubt, an area with a great potential for the big waves, perfect and tubular.
We know that you make part of a group of an enthusiastic supporters of tow-in and the Portuguese big waves. What’s your opinion about this Nazaré’s City Hall idea of bringing Garrett McNamara to Portugal?
I think it makes perfect sense for Praia do Norte to be connected to this kind of actions. We’re in the presence of a very powerful wave and an experienced tow-in and in extreme conditions surfer. In Portugal, the big waves of Praia do Norte are the perfect destination for those who want to challenge the big waves. There’s nothing better than to call an internationally respected surfer like Garrett McNamara to enjoy those powerful waves of Nazaré. So it makes perfect sense for Nazaré’s City Hall to invest, promote and market Nazaré as the big wave international destination.
If you had to give an advice to Garrett about how to face the big waves of Praia do Norte, what would it be?
The advice I would give him would be to always be aware to the set’s arrival. Sometimes the waves come from all directions. Ah! And that he trains well the apnea because there’s not a certain channel.
Tow-in or paddle?
It depends on the sea conditions. But he’s going to have the chance to do both things. It’s a good place for both sports.
Last comments?
I think we have a coastline with a great potential. Actions like this have to be made obligatorily. We have to make use of this natural resource so important as the “sea” to boost the surf and the economy of our country.
