Ainara Aymat

For those of us that don’t know you - introduce yourself.

I’m Ainara Aymat, 28 years old - born and raised in the Basque Country. I enjoy freesurfing so that’s the direction I’m taking in life at present.

Talk us through your journey in surfing.

I started surfing when I was 5, both my mum and dad got me into it. I started doing pro juniors, then graduated up to the European and International WQS tour, but soon got over it. There’s too much going on there, and I couldn’t really handle it – it’s a really different speed than what I want in life. I decided to make my way into freesurfing and I’m really enjoying the journey.

What have you been up to recently?

I’ve just started surfing again - I broke my knee so I had ACL, meniscus and lemair surgery in January 2024, so I’ve been out of the water for a year. Recovery is going pretty slow, but I really wanted to start working on a project and I’m currently in South Africa with Sophie Bell shooting for a new edit. I’ve also been working on trying to build my own house, but turns out it’s illegal. A story for another time…

Describe your local scene.

It’s a really nice place to grow up. I would say that at my local beach of Zarautz the waves aren’t amazing but there’s always something to surf. However around the region of the Basque country, and even up into France there are so many waves – we are so lucky in that respect. There’s so many good surfers to look up to, Aritz Aramburu, Hodei Collazo, Adur Amatriain, Nadia Erostarbe, also many good freesurfers too. The vibe is nice and calm.

I usually stay a little outside of the scene to be honest, I just like to dip into it and go and surf. To be in my house is to distance myself from humanity. I like the fact that I can be alone with the dogs and cats, but at the same time have Zarautz nearby for when I want to surf or be with people. Sometimes I even forget that I can go down to town, and I stay there doing things in the countryside, studying or taking walks in the mountains.

Do you have any trips planned?

I’ve been in South Africa for two weeks to shoot this new project I’m working on with Sophie. We will be around Europe for the next month; Basque Country, Asturias, Galicia, France, Switzerland, etc. We’ll try to chase the swells with the RV and hopefully we can score some fun waves. I can’t wait to show Sophie our Basque surroundings and culture.

On boards, talk us through the boards you have been riding recently.

I’ve been riding Pukas Surfboards since I was 10. I’m sure I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for them. They’ve been super supportive, and I love how much they’ve improved. I’m loving their Twin Fins 

You’re pretty proactive putting together edits etc - How do you find filming as a creative outlet?

“Sambal” was my very first project and it came out nice, but later I would realize it was way more fun to share the trips with people I love to surf with. So I did “Sambal Sambal” with Lee Ann Curren in the Mentawaiis and then “Tandem” in Sumbawa with Sophie Bell. Now, it’s the first time I’ve directed and edited a project myself. I was just super keen to put more creativity into a project and make it a bit more personal. So hopefully It works out!

Who are your role models in and outside of surfing?

In surfing I love Caty Simmers and Mikey February. Their style is beautiful. Outside, mum and dad. I’ve learned a lot from them, they have always been very supportive in everything I do.

What are your interests outside of surfing?

It’s not that I’m a good player, I just love playing chess because it keeps my mind fully concentrated, it’s like doing a reset after each game. I love solitude but just because I like to be in silence, so I love spending time with anyone that knows how to handle silence.

Also reading has been really present in my day to day, I’m currently enjoying reading Tacy Emin’s “Strangeland” book. Music has also a big space in my life, I’m always down to go and see bands play live. I have this collective called “Lege Berria” with my friends, and we organize concerts in Zarautz.  

I enjoy going to concerts, chilling with my dogs and cats in the mountain, reading, taking photos and of course chess… Too many things, I’m pretty sure I could still enjoy life without surfing…

Any final words? Advice to your former self? A message for the internet?

Listen to your instincts. There’s not just one way to make things work.