Ainara Aymat
If Ainara Aymat weren’t traveling the world as one of Basque, Spain’s favourite surfing representatives, she’d probably spend her days beating you at chess.
She’s a bit brilliant in that way. A bright and talented player and a naturally gifted, stylish surfer, which is why she is delightfully featured in this year’s Bright Young Things. How does that brilliance translate to surfing? We can’t be sure, but it appears to come across in strong-yet-precise FS snaps and a specific manner of approaching the pocket that we just can’t get enough of. A joy to watch and a joy to speak to and a joy to lose to, welcome to 2023’s BYT, Ainara Aymat.
Who are you?
I’m Ainara Aymat and I’m from the Basque Country (Spain).
What do you do?
I mostly free surf.
How long have you been doing that?
About five years now.
What is your favourite song right now and why?
‘Blue Train Lines’ - King Krule and Mount Kimbie. The whole song itself, it’s just so good. The rhythm changes and the lyrics.
If you weren’t surfing, what would you be doing?
Maybe I would have stuck to rhythmic gymnastics. Working in an animal shelter has always been on my mind. But anyways, I think everything that comes to my mind I can pretty much do it while also free surfing.
Some slang you catch yourself saying? (Ie. That slaps)
‘Fua que bueno’ when something’s good or funny.
What do you do outside of surfing and how does that thing influence or affect your craft?
I’m slowly building my own house in the mountains. My dogs, cats and reading are what I enjoy the most. Playing chess. Taking analog photos. Also going out to concerts with my friends. I would actually say that surfing affects them and that I have to sadly put them aside so many times.
The best/worst thing about the surfing industry?
It’s super overcrowded and I guess I’m part of that.
Something you’re most proud of?
Having good friends.
Biggest lesson learned about your craft so far?
Need to enjoy it to make it work.
Something anyone can do today to make the world a better place?
Go vegan.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve overcome so far in your industry?
Survive with the money I earn and keep travelling for surfing projects.
What was surprisingly easy to do?
Finding good, kind and funny people in the surfing world.
What advice might you give to you from five years ago? Ten years ago?
Try to enjoy it a bit more and don’t be so hard on myself.
What is your hidden talent or thing you are good at that is completely unrelated to the thing we are interviewing you about?
Being silent and alone.
“I’m slowly building my own house in the mountains.”
Who do you think is doing it the best/coolest in your industry right now?
Young girls.
How many languages do you speak?
Basque, Spanish and English. French is still a tricky one for the speaking but I manage to understand it.
Have you got a favourite tattoo?
The ones in my hands I think.
What’s something special about the Basque Country some people might not know?
Weather is crazy.
What board are you surfing the most lately?
The Pukas Tasty. 5`7. Haven’t changed it in two years now.
