The following days were filled with intense training with the American team. I have to admit – their level and ambition exceeded my expectations.
Training with the American team meant pure passion and determination. We had full support from a coach with Olympic experience. We trained every single day, regardless of the conditions. If it was windy – we went wingfoiling. If it wasn’t – we surfed on the reef. There was always something to do, and every day was used to the fullest. We didn’t just ride – we also did physical and endurance tests on the Concept 2 ergometer.
Together, we developed a set of exercises I suggested – we focused on starting techniques, foil balance, route optimization, and race tactics. We did mock starts, analyzed mistakes, and drew conclusions.
Their isolation from the mainland means they have fewer opportunities to compete, so my experience as a world vice-champion gave them valuable perspective. Over those few days, I showed them where the bar is currently set in international WingFoil Racing. You could feel their hunger for competition – I hope to see them at international events soon, where they’ll have the chance to test their skills at the highest level.
Surfing the North Shore
And it was the ocean that brought me the strongest emotions. Surfing the North Shore, right by Pipeline, was one of the best experiences ever. The waves were so powerful that at times I felt like I was on the edge of survival.
Seeing surfers like Koa Rothman, Jamie O’Brien, or Kai Lenny at the spot is an everyday thing for locals, but for me, it felt absolutely surreal. Watching them effortlessly catch waves that, for me, were right on the edge of control – that’s a moment I’ll remember forever. At one point, Nathan Florence, the brother of John John Florence, passed right by me on a surf foil. I was fighting through the whitewater, and he was just hovering above the surface, playing with the waves like it was his playground. People I used to know only from videos and the internet were suddenly around me, sharing the same space, the same waves.
I remember this one duck dive just before a massive wave – eyes open – watching it pass over me. Every movement had to be precise, so I wouldn’t get too close to the reef. That view of the wave rolling overhead in silence before the impact – it was magical. Of course, I also managed to catch a few waves, and each one felt like a dream come true.
Whales, dolphins, and unforgettable moments on the water
Hawaii is not just about waves and surfing – it’s also one of the most vibrant places on Earth. On the way to Molokai, we saw plenty of whales, but what happened next will stay with me forever.
During one of the WingFoil sessions, two whales breached right in front of me. I was so close I could see every detail of their skin – every wrinkle and spot. For a moment I froze – the ocean suddenly felt very small, and I screamed from excitement. I didn’t mean to, but adrenaline took over. I managed to record the last part – the moment when the second whale slowly slipped back into the water.
And around me? Dolphins. Hundreds of dolphins. It was incredible – the ocean teeming with life.
The next few days were filled with jungle exploration, climbing razor-sharp green mountain ridges – like straight out of an adventure movie.
The last day – a dreamlike surfing session
On the second-to-last day, I realized that most of my experiences in Hawaii were far from typical tourist activities. Everything I did revolved around local, hard-to-reach spots, intense emotions, and an athletic lifestyle. It was incredible – but I was missing one thing: that feeling of being a tourist.
So to end the trip, I decided to do something truly touristy. I spent the whole day surfing – but this time, not on the powerful waves of the North Shore where I felt on the edge of survival. This time, I chose Waikiki, where the waves were much gentler, perfect for fun and relaxation.
I surfed from morning till night. First at classic Waikiki – long, clean waves you could ride alongside dozens of other surfers at the same time – the so-called party wave. And turtles, which not only didn’t swim away but approached people on their own.
During the break – a quick lunch at Foodland. Poke bowl for 7–8 dollars – a local favorite. Along with that, purple sweet potato – Hawaii’s version of tapioca, soft, sweet, and melting in your mouth. After a short rest, it was time for one last session at Diamond Head. Bigger waves, more challenging – but I wanted to squeeze everything out of that day!
Six hours in the water, sunburned skin, exhausted body, but a heart full of joy. In that moment, I felt fulfilled. This is how a journey ends – one I’ll never forget.