Meet the young surfer Anna Kapps

We met Anna at the 2020 Rapid Surf German Championships and were really impressed by the passion and power she puts into surfing.

Anna, tell us a bit about your background — where are you from? And where's your home spot?

I'm from Berlin and my home spot is the artificial wave at Wellenwerk.

How did you first hear about Oy?

I'd taken part in the Paddle Battle in Berlin. The winner got a bikini from Oy. I won and got my first Oy bikini.

What do you love about Oy?

I love the fact that the products are made from recycled polyamide or recycled polyester and that they're sustainable, which is perfect for our environment. Plus they're made for surfing (by surfers), so everything stays put no matter what happens (-;

Which is your favourite piece from Oy?

Oh, I really like the mare/frost bikinis. The colour combination is so beautiful! In terms of cut and colour I also love the Santi - Misty top, because blue is my favourite colour. The Flores - square dots swimsuit looks so cool too.

Do you surf (real waves) as well? And what does the ocean mean to you?

Yes, I actually started out in the ocean. That was at a surf school in Fuerteventura. After I stood up on my first wave, I wanted more and more! The ocean is very important to me. Out there you have a really special connection with nature and can recharge your energy. It's simply a special and beautiful place.

Which boards do you ride?

Right now I ride a 5'0 performance/custom board by Lacrau. It's perfect for slicing through the wave. (Sometimes I also use a board by Kanoa.) In the ocean I ride a 5'8 board by Lacrau.

We followed your heats at the German Rapid Surfing Championships — how does competing feel for you?

Oh, it was my very first surf competition ever. I realised how much fun it is to compete with other girls. In the future I'd love to keep taking part in contests. And thanks for your support (-;

What do you think about women's rapid surfing?

In my opinion, way more girls should definitely try this new sport!!!

What advice would you give someone who wants to start rapid surfing?

Your stance in rapid surfing is very important, because on the Citywave you have to place your feet very far back on the board. That's a big difference from surfing in the ocean. Your arm and body movements also help you make better lines and turns. And of course nothing works without a bit of balance (-;

Which activity other than surfing gives you strength and energy?

Besides surfing, one of my favourite sporting activities is surf-skating in a skate park. It lets me improve my movements for surfing and, of course, it's also a lot of fun. My swim training (I've been a competitive swimmer since I was 6) also gives me the paddling power for surfing in the ocean. But the person who gives me the most energy is my boyfriend, who is a fantastic surfer too!

What do you like to eat when you're hungry after a surf session?

I'm often hungry after a surf session, so I don't have anything in particular. But my favourite is spaghetti (because it gives you lots of energy) and salad.

Instagram: @anna_js.k