Page 40 - Demo

40 | Gazette Life | February 2026averiding BrothersThe Donegan Dos Santos brothers, from Famara, are two of Lanzarote%u2019s brightest young surfing hopes, with Dylan winning the World Under-18 championship in Peru at the end of last year and Conor also picking up important titles. We spoke to the Irish- Brazilian brothers last month.Tell us a little about yourselves.Conor: I'm 20 years old. I was born in Cork, Ireland, and when I was six weeks old, I was brought to Lanzarote. I arrived, was taken straight to Famara, and I wouldn't trade my hometown for anything. I studied at the high school in Villa de Teguise. Dylan: I'm 17 years old, born in the hospital in Arrecife. I grew up and have always lived in Famara. Do you feel more Irish, Brazilian, or Canarian?Conor: I say I'm Canarian.Dylan: I'm from Lanzarote, and when we compete, we represent the Canary Islands, Spain.How did you get started in surfing?Conor: My dad had been teaching surfing here for years when he met my mom as a student. When I was born, my dad would pick me up in diapers and put me on the board. For as long as I can remember, I've always been at the beach.Dylan: I've always surfed. I watched my brother when he started surfing, and I wanted to do the same.Is surfing just talent, or is it also about a lot of physical training and discipline?Conor: We might have some talent, but we've spent so many hours in the water not because we had to, but because we loved it. I think the effort and many hours in the water are what have gotten me to where I am now.How many hours do you dedicate to training?Conor: We train three times a day, an hour and fifteen minutes per session%u2026Dylan:%u2026And if the sea conditions aren't right for catching waves, then we do gym and cycling.WDylan and Conor in the surf at Famara.