Taking the conversation beyond the lineup, My Surf Rituals is an article series of casual, sit-down chats with our everyday surf friends from various surf spots–wherever, whenever. Stay tuned as we talk about our surf philosophies, anything under the sun, shared moments in the ocean, and life on land.

How long have you been surfing?

I started surfing nung 10 years old palang ako. 23 na ako ngayon, so I’ve been surfing for 13 years.

What’s your pre-surf routine or surf ritual like?

Pag-gising ko, I drink coffee muna and mag-wavecheck. Kung may time, I exercise and practice sa BALBO.

Can you share your unforgettable surf memories?

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A post shared by Jhenard Fernandez (@narddez)

Marami akong unforgettable memories sa surfing. Siyempre, hindi ko makakalimutan yung mga surf competitions na nasalihan ko. Yung iba dun, nakapagtravel pa ako. Pero ang pinaka hindi ko makakalimutan yung ma-wipeout ng malalaking alon. Ang humbling ng experiences na mga tulad nun.

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We notice that you’re a very stylish surfer. Sino mga style inspirations mo?

Inspiration sakin si pro-surfer Kelly Slater, pro-surf and skate champion John John Florence, and si Bethany Hamilton. Of course, I look up din sa papa ko na isang goofy classic longboarder.

What board are you currently using?

Actually ngayon, may bago akong board—log na specialty ni James ng KM69. Sobrang saya gamitin.

If you’re not in the water, where would you be? May iba ka pa bang hobbies and interests?

Important sakin yung magkaroon ng fitness routine. So kapag walang surf, nagiging active pa rin ako sa gym or sa skateboarding. Hindi excuse ang flat days. Mahilig din ako magluto. And ngayon may bago akong puppy, si Neo, na chocolate Labrador.

Kung may surf “motto” or advice ka sa sarili mo, ano yun?

Lagi ko sinsabi sa sarili ko, “don’t wish it, work for it.” Kailangan talaga mag-try hanggang sa makuha mo yung gusto mo. Walang madali lalo na sa umpisa–lahat pinaghihirapan muna.

What’s your surf philosophy?

Naniniwala talaga ako na “surfing is therapy.” The ocean inspires your imagination, fills the heart, and brings eternal joy to the soul.

Jhenard Fernandez is a competitive longboard surfer from La Union, Philippines. When he’s off-duty as a surf instructor at San Juan Surf Resort, he occasionally vlogs over at his YouTube channel. You can find him on instagram at @narddez.