Tandem Surfing World Champions

Krystl Apeles Kalani Vierra Tandem Surfing World Champion 2017 interview on Beachcuties Boutique

My FB friend Krystl Apeles is a professional tandem surfer from Kauai and she is also the designer of her own bikini brand, Puka Surf Company. On December 06, 2015 she became the new Tandem Surfing World Champion together with her tandem partner Kalani Vierra. Krystl is an amazing and warm person filled with inspiration and positive attitude. Here are her own words of her success.

(Note: On August 25, 2017 Krystl & Kalani became Tandem Surfing World Champions again at the Duke´s OceanFest)

FIRSTLY, KRYSTL, CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND KALANI FOR YOUR TANDEM WORLD CHAMPION TITLE. CAN YOU DESCRIBE WHAT YOU FEEL RIGHT NOW?

Thank you! It took a while to sink in and I am still not sure it has. I am stoked to have this opportunity to share the dynamics of tandem surfing. I would like to see tandem surfing recognized worldwide and hope to see more exposure of the sport and more financial supporters to fund a tandem surf world tour.

My personal goals are to push the limits of the sport, to promote surfing and tandem surfing worldwide, be involved in the community and non-profit organizations, and definitely to inspire others to reach for their dreams

HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU FIRST GOT INTO TANDEM SURFING AND HOW DOES SURFING INSPIRE YOU?

I started tandem surfing in 2007. Surfing inspires me because it is a direct connection with nature. Sitting on my board and seeing the smiles it brings and being surrounded by the beauty of the islands it reminds me to be grateful for all that life has to offer. I wish only to share this simple joy with others.

HOW MUCH OF YOUR TIME DO YOU HAVE TO DEDICATE TO KEEPING FIT AND WHAT KIND OF EXERCISES WORK BEST FOR YOU?

If I am not tandem surfing I practice healthy eating, surf, and train when I have time between work. My workouts involve trx, calesthenics, power yoga, running, diving, ocean free style swims, and I also like to break out in spontaneous hand balancing poses haha.

As a competitive tandem surf team it is important to make the time to train both individually and as a team. Kalani and I practice together 2-3 times a week to go over routines. Like dancing there is a rhythm and timing that is developed over time. The more time we put into practicing together the more in sync we become. But ultimately I train hard because I find it enjoyable.

YOU ALSO HAVE TIME FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE BRAND, PUKA SURF COMPANY, PROMOTING WATER SPORTS, TRAVEL AND LOVE FOR LIFE. PLEASE TELL US YOUR MISSION & THOUGHTS ABOUT YOUR DESIGNS.

My motto: “Rich is the life you live” My mission is to be mindful about the garment making cycle to leave a softer footprint on our dear mother earth. Although bikinis are made of man-made fibers I choose to reduce waste by simply making a commitment to make a better product. Quality, fit, and construction are my three main focuses to extend the life and wear of bikinis. I use better fabrics and linings, extensive water testing and technical pattern making to making it suitable for the surf.

Puka Surf Company is a lifestyle brand promoting water sports, travel, and love for life. I have a BA in Apparel Product Design & Merchandise. Also as a professional tandem surfer I travel worldwide gaining knowledge, experience, and inspiration for my collections.

 

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TAKING YOUR TIME, KRYSTL, APPRECIATE IT SO MUCH. ANYTHING YOU WOULD LIKE TO SAY TO OUR BEACHCUTIES READERS?

Aloha BEACHCUTIES readers. Thank you for taking the time to get to know a little about me. We only have one life and one earth so let´s choose to make positive choices that make an eternal difference.

Please follow them at www.facebook.com/tandemsurfhawaii/