Arvis Iljins
/
Latvia
FOLLOW ME
Date of birth:
1991.03.07
Hometown:
Durban, South Africa
Sponsors:
Thiel Boards,
Just Bodyboarding,
Sun Zapper South Africa,
Red Bull South Africa,
Reflex Wetsuits,
Hobbies:
Spearfishing, fishing
Favourite athletes:
Jeff Hubbard, Ben Player
BIO
I am an aspiring professional bodyboarder looking to live a dream of bodyboarding and getting paid to do something that I love. I have grown up in Durban, South Africa with a love for the ocean, no matter what I have done in it. I was a former lifeguard competitor and played water polo in my school years.
I have been competitive in all forms of sports since I was at a young age. I have been South African Bodyboard Champion in the u15 Division twice as well as runner up in the Open Division in 2014. I traveled to Hawaii in 2010/2011 and 2011/2012 where I got the front cover of the Movement Magazine issue #36 in my first year.
I have completed my studies as a Bachelor of Social Science in Housing and achieved a career World Games 1st in Drop knee in 2012. In the same year I managed to achieve a first in the South African Pro Tour. In December of 2012 I traveled to the Canary Islands to experience another country and compete there. I have been on the World Tour chasing the dream of World Champ since 2013. I have had a best finish of tie 5th place in Brazil in 2013 as well as a 3rd in the drop knee in Portugal.
Last year I was able to compete in Brazil, Chile and went back to Hawaii for my third time. 2015 is the year when I will head up the ladder to get to top spot by attending all the possible events I can on the Association of Professional Bodyboarding Tour. This year I plan on traveling to Chile, Brazil, Portugal, Puerto Rico and Hawaii.
INTERVIEW
What are you looking for to accomplish?
I want to be a professional athlete at the peak of my abilities and chase a dream of becoming a World Champion. I have been on the way to do so with obstacles that have stood in my way. But I am going to keep training and get to where I want to be.
What would be your greatest achievement?
World Champion will be my greatest achievement.
What kind of difficulties does your sport’s performance involve?
It involves all kinds of difficulties. None of the waves are the same and all the conditions change. This is without the physical ability to do moves, keep at a constant good level and keep super fit always while eating healthy.
What makes you feel satisfied when performing your sport?
Consistency is the key to performing and keeping me feeling satisfied in my sport. When my levels of fitness are up, my maneuvers are up and my wave choice is good, then I am satisfied and feel good when performing in my sport.
Where do you practice your techniques when being alone?
I practice my techniques when I am in the water and in the gym. I have to constantly practice moves and keep strong in order to keep myself at a good level. I have practiced moves every time I am in the water.
What do you do during your training, which is key to your success?
In the gym I do a lot of all over body training allowing me to always be strong. I do some swimming and underwater work to keep my breath hold up as well as training in the waves practicing moves and working on technique.
What are you most nervous about when competing?
I try to keep a level head when I am competing. I am most nervous about the waves I choose and what I am going to do on the waves. This gets put aside when I get in the water and I focus on competing at the highest level possible.
Who would you say is your biggest fan and why?
I would say my family is my biggest fan. As a whole they are the ones who stand behind me and are able to always lift me up when I am down. They are the people that will always be by my side.
What is the best piece of advice you have been ever given?
The best piece of advice would have to be that I must always follow my dreams and always stay fit and eat healthy. It has always been something that I have tried to do and followed and you feel much better because of it.
What are your future plans?
My future plans are to keep doing what I love to do and that is bodyboard at a high level. I am passionate about what I do and I want to keep my dream alive. I have plans to travel abroad this year to Brazil, Chile, Portugal, Puerto Rico and Hawaii.
What are your tips for those who begin now?
I would say to people starting now that they need to always follow their dreams, be healthy and bodyboard every spare second that they can. If you want to get in the industry and be known you need to be in the water and around the beach to be noticed.
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