Alejo Valido: Spain’s under-16 surfing champion

At first sight Alejo Valido is a normal Lanzarote 14-year-old, friendly and open with that tanned look that comes from hours on the beach. But Alejo’s sun and salt-bleached hair is also evidence of something a lot more serious. That’s because Alejo is Spain’s under-16 surfing champion, and one of the island’s greatest hopes for the future. We chatted to him last month.

How old were you when you first started surfing, Alejo?

I was two. My dad’s an amateur surfer and I started at Famara. We live in Costa Teguise but go up there all the time.

When did you start surfing seriously?

I was six when I took part in my first competition in the Basque Country, in the under-10s category.

When did you catch your first tube?

That would have been at Famara when I was eight. The conditions have to be right before tubes form, with big enough swells and an offshore wind to make them stand up.

What does it feel like?

The first time I was just “WOW!”, but I was so nervous and excited that the first few times I surfed tubes I kept my eyes closed. Then I decided to open them, and it’s like being on another planet.

It’s not just big wave surfing, though, is it?

No. Most competitions take place on smaller waves where manoeuvres can be judged. And it’s the manoeuvres that win prizes. I’m currently being trained by Franito Sáenz, who every surfer on Lanzarote knows.

What are your favourite manoeuvres?

Off-the -lips, laybacks – you need to practice a lot to get them right. During the pandemic the beaches were closed, and I did a lot of practicing at the local skatepark

How do you fit your surfing in with school?

I’m at the British School in Tahiche, and I don’t find any conflict. I study, do my homework and I surf. They all require concentration.

Would you like to be a professional surfer?

Of course, but I’m not counting on it. I’d also like to have a career, maybe as an economist or in physiotherapy.

So, what’s next for the Spanish champ?

First, I’m heading to Casablanca in Morocco for the Junior Pro in May. Later, I’ll be taking part in the World Championship in El Salvador, Central America, in the under-16s category

There’s a lot of travel involved. Do you get sponsorship?

Not yet, but I’m supported by Lanzarote European Sports Destination, the Cabildo and Billabong. I really enjoy the travel – I’ve surfed in France, all over Spain and even visited the Alaia Bay wave pool in the Swiss Alps. I loved that! I was on it for hours.

Do you have any secret spots?

There are some half-secret spots. Most surfing happens on the north coast, but when the conditions are right you can surf and body-board at Puerto del Carmen and Costa Teguise, too. It’s good fun when that happens.

I’ve heard that there’s a problem with localism on Lanzarote – in other words, local surfers being unwelcoming to visitors. Is that the case?

I think it’s necessary in many cases. The waves at La Santa aren’t for everyone – they can be dangerous, and overcrowding makes it worse. And if a newcomer gets into trouble, we all have to help. The Canaries has a good surfing scene, and we’d like to keep it that way and develop.

Is it a boys-only game?

That’s not really a thing for my generation. There are a couple of great girl surfers I know, Sole and Carla.

Are there any places you have ambitions to visit; waves you’d like to ride?

Obviously, Hawaii, which is the world capital of surfing. I’d love to surf at Pipeline. I’m also fascinated by Kandui in Indonesia – it looks like a perfect wave. I’ve heard good things about Ireland, too.