Gone in 20 Years

Michael has realized his dream. He has become a pro surfer, something you wouldn’t probably expect to find in a country where most parts are below sea level. However, Michael shows that you don’t have to live on the shores of California to be successful in this sport. Starting surfing at the age of 13 he got his first national Dutch title two years later and joined the Pro Tour. Almost 15 years later he currently holds nine national titles and is the number 32 in the world of long-board surfing. For now Michael takes a break from competing and focuses on supporting his local surf community by hosting the 'Surf-Benelux' Championships, a local surf event in his hometown The Hague. His aim is to put Holland on the international map of the sport and help the up-coming generation to compete on a higher level.

'The Zandmotor' is a building project to protect the land from the water. This “constructional master-piece” is truly unique as it has never been built in the world before. It takes the form of a hook-shaped peninsula, a gigantic island of sand. It protects the beaches in a sustainable and natural way. The currents and winds gradually spread the sand of the artificial island along the coast where it reinforces the dunes.
The Zandmotor however has another interesting effect that gains more and more attention in the surf community. It creates a point break that normally shouldn’t exist in Holland. This point break creates a strong hollow wave that can be up to 500 feet long making the Zandmotor the absolute best surf spot in Holland and probably one of the most unique places in Europe. -Then again, this spot will be gone in 20 years.

Production Christophe Maurice / Filming, Photos & Editing Jens Schwengel / Music BUNNYSTRIPES