GALEN LICHT - ENGLISH VERSION
GALEN LICHT - KAYAKSURF FROM CALIFORNIA
Name: Galen Licht
Age: 19 years old
Nationality: USA
Occupation: Student/Kayaker
Competition records:
7th men's HP World Cup Championship 2006,
1st juniors HP Santa Cruz Surf Kayak Festival 2006,
3rd Juniors HP World Cup Championship 2006,
2nd juniors HP World Surf Kayak Championships 2005,
2nd men's HP San Simeon Classic 2006,
1st IC San Simeon Classic 2006,
2nd men's HP US National Kayak Championships 2004,
1st men's expert at American River Festival 2005,
2nd men's expert at Kern River Festival 2005,
5th overall at Brush Creek Extreme Down River Race 2005,
2nd juniors at American River Festival 2004.
Sponsors: Mega Surf Kayaks, Kokatat Water Wear, WRSI helmets, AT Paddles,
Wave Sport Whitewater Kayaks
Sponsors: Mega Surf Kayaks, Kokatat Water Wear, WRSI helmets, AT Paddles,
Wave Sport Whitewater Kayaks
Hi Galen. 19 years old but already a very good experience in kayaksurf. You were ranked in 3 rd place juniors at the World Cup in Portugal. Did you enjoy Portugal to surf?
Portugal was sweet and short. I would have loved to stayed longer and enjoy
more of Portugal's breaks, but school was waiting back in Santa Cruz. The first day I arrived in Portugal the waves were macking, big line heavy lip, and old friends. I really enjoyed my stay and looking forward to returning.
Portugal was sweet and short. I would have loved to stayed longer and enjoy
more of Portugal's breaks, but school was waiting back in Santa Cruz. The first day I arrived in Portugal the waves were macking, big line heavy lip, and old friends. I really enjoyed my stay and looking forward to returning.
And your experience in Costa Rica (2nd place junior). Tell us how it was for you…
I was ready to go in Costa Rica. I wanted to win really badly, but when it came down to it, it was not my day. I spent two months traveling in Costa Rica and was able to enjoy its beauty. The competition was high in Costa
Rica. Returning, I felt like I had taken my paddling to the next level. When I came back to the States I was very motivated to get training for Portugal and I think it paid off, taking 7th in the Mens HP.
Which class do you enjoy the most to surf?
I most enjoy surfing the Mens HP, it is a challenge and competing against the best in the world always improves yours skills.
You're a now a member of the Mega Flying Squad (together with other great surfkayakers). Do you feel you have more "work" on your shoulders because of that?
I feel that it is important not to get caught up with sponsors. When I put that pressure on myself I trip up. I like to stay relaxed and remember that I surf for myself because I love it. My sponsors have always been their for
me and I like to promote them because it is the gear that I believe is the best.
You started kayaking very young. Nowadays, what do you do more… white water or kayaksurf?
Yeah, I started Sea kayaking when I was 3 years old. That is a tough question. "I suppose the answer depends on the season. Right now, is creeking season, but in the fall and winter when swells pick up you will see me in the surf.
Your favorite surfing spots…
My favorite surf spot is Ocean Beach in San Francisco, CA
How do you manage your studies with all the surfkayak trips and contests?
Its really hard actually. When I left for Portugal I brought a lot of work with me that I did on the plan. I also warned my teacher far in advance and they gave me some extensions. Lately, I spend all my free time leading adventure trips for UC Santa Cruz, which puts a lot of stress on my studies.
What other sports do you practice?
I like to Snowboard, Rock climbing, Mountain Bike, play ultimate Frisbee and every kind of kayaking sub-sport.
Rica. Returning, I felt like I had taken my paddling to the next level. When I came back to the States I was very motivated to get training for Portugal and I think it paid off, taking 7th in the Mens HP.
Which class do you enjoy the most to surf?
I most enjoy surfing the Mens HP, it is a challenge and competing against the best in the world always improves yours skills.
You're a now a member of the Mega Flying Squad (together with other great surfkayakers). Do you feel you have more "work" on your shoulders because of that?
I feel that it is important not to get caught up with sponsors. When I put that pressure on myself I trip up. I like to stay relaxed and remember that I surf for myself because I love it. My sponsors have always been their for
me and I like to promote them because it is the gear that I believe is the best.
You started kayaking very young. Nowadays, what do you do more… white water or kayaksurf?
Yeah, I started Sea kayaking when I was 3 years old. That is a tough question. "I suppose the answer depends on the season. Right now, is creeking season, but in the fall and winter when swells pick up you will see me in the surf.
Your favorite surfing spots…
My favorite surf spot is Ocean Beach in San Francisco, CA
How do you manage your studies with all the surfkayak trips and contests?
Its really hard actually. When I left for Portugal I brought a lot of work with me that I did on the plan. I also warned my teacher far in advance and they gave me some extensions. Lately, I spend all my free time leading adventure trips for UC Santa Cruz, which puts a lot of stress on my studies.
What other sports do you practice?
I like to Snowboard, Rock climbing, Mountain Bike, play ultimate Frisbee and every kind of kayaking sub-sport.
And the kayaks... what are your favourites to surf?
My favorite surf kayak is the Mega NEUTRON and creeking is the Wave Sport HABITAT.
What was the biggest scare that you've had in the sea?
One day, my friend and I went out by ourselves at Davenport. It was at least head and half on the sets, but the part that was really scary was that the fog was so thick, you couldn't see the sets forming on the outside. We both got caught on the inside of a big set. We tried to paddle out but the last big one clobbered me and it took me over the reef on the inside. I went in after that.
Do you some surfkayaker in special you admire most for his skills and technique?
Dave "the wave" Johnston taught me the tricks of surf kayaking and he beats me every time in competition, because of his skill and more so his knowledge of the waves, which is a necessity to be the world champion.
What is your favourite move?
Off the lip air roll.
What are you listening on your Ipod?
The funky stuff. Santana lately
Did you knew this site - www.kayaksurf.net - what do you think about it?
Yeah, of course all surf kayakers should know about it. It is a good place to check out international kayak news.
Can we expect you again in Portugal?
Oh for sure, but probably not until I get out of college.
You said that one of your aims is " become the world champion"… when it will be?
When the time is right. I know that I will need to train and practice more than I have in the past and it will take time. But I will be ready to come back into the international spot light at the next worlds in two years or at the next World Cup.
My favorite surf kayak is the Mega NEUTRON and creeking is the Wave Sport HABITAT.
What was the biggest scare that you've had in the sea?
One day, my friend and I went out by ourselves at Davenport. It was at least head and half on the sets, but the part that was really scary was that the fog was so thick, you couldn't see the sets forming on the outside. We both got caught on the inside of a big set. We tried to paddle out but the last big one clobbered me and it took me over the reef on the inside. I went in after that.
Do you some surfkayaker in special you admire most for his skills and technique?
Dave "the wave" Johnston taught me the tricks of surf kayaking and he beats me every time in competition, because of his skill and more so his knowledge of the waves, which is a necessity to be the world champion.
What is your favourite move?
Off the lip air roll.
What are you listening on your Ipod?
The funky stuff. Santana lately
Did you knew this site - www.kayaksurf.net - what do you think about it?
Yeah, of course all surf kayakers should know about it. It is a good place to check out international kayak news.
Can we expect you again in Portugal?
Oh for sure, but probably not until I get out of college.
You said that one of your aims is " become the world champion"… when it will be?
When the time is right. I know that I will need to train and practice more than I have in the past and it will take time. But I will be ready to come back into the international spot light at the next worlds in two years or at the next World Cup.
Thanks Galen. Keep riding!
luis pedro
ALL THE PHOTOS - ORIGINAL PT VERSION HERE
Published: 10/07/2007
Text - Luis Pedro Abreu
Photos - Jared Noceti (river) + FOTOREPORTAGEM.COm + Sean Morley
posted by kayaksurf.net at 1:19 da tarde
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