Oscar has never cared much for interviews where, as he puts it, “it’s like a bad haircut, sometimes you come out and it’s nothing like you asked for or wanted!”. In this rare opportunity Oscar, 27, invites TLR to his supercool apartment overlooking Bristol Bay in Corralejo, Fuerteventura.

Originally from Zaandam in the Netherlands, Oscar is cool and relaxed, yet focused; self-confident but without a hint of arrogance.

He makes TLR at home by offering beer and putting some of his old vinyls on before we start the interview. One thing that’s apparent from the way he communicates is that for Oscar, surfing is more than catching waves in the ocean; it’s about spirituality, state of mind and the respect he has for the environment and community he lives in. It’s often said that surfing is a way of life, but for Oscar Schenk it’s seems that its the only way of life.

TLR: So, Oscar – how did you get into surfing in the first place?

OS: My first introduction to a board was actually through windsurfing. I used to go with my brother Maurits when I was nine, but the ongoing high cost of equipment made it really difficult to windsurf all year round – which is what you have to do if you want to make it to a professional level. A lot of the guys I knew made it to the top.

I initially got into surfing to improve my windsurfing wave riding techniques. Later on a family holiday to South Africa me and my brother did all the normal tourist attractions to please mum and dad then finally got our own way and spent the last week on a beach near Durban where I met Paul van de Wall, owner of the Aloha Surf Shop – a guy who is still a major influence on me now.

Paul went to great lengths to fix me and my brother up with our own boards, and his passion for surfing was so infectious – from that moment on, I knew that this was something I wanted to pursue.

TLR: Do you compete?

OS: Yeah, at selected competitions. But it’s more important to me to enjoy surfing and the vibe generally. I get my satisfaction from what I achieve on the water myself, through teaching my pupils and my way of life generally.

TLR: Big waves, tricks or cruising?

OS: (smiles broadly) That’s a hard choice but if I had to choose – big waves. It’s great for your mindset and when the opportunity to surf some serious waves presents itself, it’s the most intense thing and you must perform to your absolute maximum and bring all elements of your game together in harmony.

TLR: And what happens if you get it wrong?

OS: (pauses to think) Lots of bad things can happen but basically you fall from a great height, your board could be broken, you’ll be held underwater for what could be a long period of time, battered by waves and currents – or even your board. The key to dealing with this is to prepare for the event; know your territory, use good breathing techniques and if you do get wiped out keep a calm state of mind in order to make a safe exit.

TLR: The mindset is obviously important, but do you have to have a target level of fitness to work towards to?

OS: Confidence in the water, fitness and co-ordination are obviously essential with surfing – as with any sport! Diet, CV levels and body strength have to be developed and sustained, and these are relative to the type of surfing that you do.

For example, if you’re a ‘big wave’ surfer it demands high fitness levels, but it’s just as essential to have the strength of mind to remain calm in critical situations.

TLR: Surf territories and integration – are the rumours true?

OS: The only way I can describe it is like driving a car. The rules are there to benefit everyone – but if someone doesn’t know these rules or chooses to ignore them I personally don’t get too excited about it, or let it affect my surfing – but others do!

As far as surf etiquette goes, I’d recommend checking out the conditions and talking to the locals. It’s all about respecting those around you and keeping a balance, sure there are spots that the locals would prefer to keep to themselves and that’s cool – I wouldn’t take my surf pupils there.

I am very lucky to be based on this island as there loads of great surf spots. I see it as part of my role to find the best conditions to suit my pupils capabilities as well as encourage progression. Most pupils are stoked if they get to surf the reef or remote spots.

TLR: Have you ever got into situations with other surfers?

OS: Yes. (looks TLR in the eye – it’s obvious he doesn’t want to elaborate).

TLR: Know any secret spots?

OS: Yes. (again looks TLR in the eye – it’s obvious he doesn’t want to elaborate on this either).

However, TLR saw some amazing shots on Oscars computer including a widely published image of Os and a surf buddy creating history surfing amongst icebergs in Iceland back in 2003!

The following day Os took TLR to an awesome secret spot to surf glass-like clean waves together. This spot remains technically unnamed to protect the location, however we have seen some internet gossip about the exact same waves.

TLR: Do you prefer to surf or teach?

OS: Surfing will always be number one – though that’s not to say that I don’t like teaching, it’s just that nothing beats being out there catching a big wave.

TLR: Why do some surfers conform to the stereotype, by driving VW campers and having dreadlocks and tattoos?

OS: Well I have the camper van, but not the dreads and tattoos! Surfing is about doing what you want to do, and that can encompasses how you dress, your style and what you drive – it’s personal choice.

TLR: What are your thoughts on the mass popularity of surfing?

OS: The way that surfing is portrayed through films and fashion seems to all be about image, (some nationalities more than others). Whilst I welcome and encourage people to take up surfing, if they’re doing it just to be ‘cool’ then they often miss the best bits in their endeavours to look good.

Advancements in technology mean we can now surf virtually anywhere in the world and some amazing world class surfers are emerging from the unlikeliest countries.

TLR: Have you had many injuries?

OS: Of course! But that’s a price I am willing to pay in order to progress and surf some great spots. Oscar went on to list his injuries, some of which would be very familiar to professional footballers.

TLR: Ever done a ‘real job’?

OS: Only ever part time jobs that allow me to surf – that’s what I do. I did get offered a permanent job once, but I had to turn it down as they wanted me to sign a minimum four-month contract!

TLR: You seem so at peace with the world – what’s your secret?

OS: I lost a close friend suddenly. He was closing up after work one night and died instantly aged only 26. This taught me to make the most out of life and seize every day as it comes.

As the interview ended Oscar offered us a final glimpse into his mindset: “The best thing about surfing for me is that an event happened hundreds, maybe even thousands of miles away creating a wave.

If you choose to take it, it becomes yours for a borrowed moment, then disappears – hopefully leaving you with a smile and perhaps a great memory.”

TLR knows that this sounds a bit romantic, but after spending 8 days with Os, watching this guy surf would make anyone smile.

In the next issue of The Locker Room, Oscar will share his top surfing tips with us.

Photography by kind permission of Arjen Pennekamp.

PS: Gregor – thanks for coming out with us, we DID see the cool tricks at Esquinzo – really! Anna – nice buns!