FIS, Proud of This Young and Rising Surfer

Mahohi Nguyen Tang is a young student in the French section at FIS. It is his unwavering passion for surfing and his recent accomplishments in this field that have caught our attention. Indeed, at the age of 10, with determination and perseverance, he has succeeded in joining the Junior National Surf Team of Switzerland, the country from which his parents come. This is an achievement that marks the beginning of an exciting adventure with already two major competitions in the coming months.

• On 2-3 November at Tai Long Wan, Hong Kong : Men’s Rising Star Competition Hong Kong Free Surfer Festival 2024

• On 4-8 December at La Playa de las Americas, Tenerife, Espagne : Tenerife Eurokids (Category Under 10 years old), organised by the European Surfing Federation

Accompanied closely by his parents, Mahohi has a schedule that resembles that of a high-level athlete. He goes to school and does his homework every day, often waking up earlier than others to pursue his passion. FIS is proud to have students like Mahohi among its ranks: multicultural, multidisciplinary, and above all, proving to us that where there is a will, there is a way.

Let's discover together his inspiring journey and his dreams for the future in this interview.

Can you introduce yourself please?

My name is Mahohi NGUYEN TANG. I am 10 years old. I was born in Hong Kong. Both my parents are Swiss, but my father is of Vietnamese origin and my mother is Franco-Argentine. I am in CM2A at Jardines.

What do you love about surfing ? Since when have you been practicing this sport and how often do you engage in it? 

I love the water and the ocean. I adore the waves and the fact that each one is different. I particularly enjoy the sensation of gliding on a wave. I started surfing since i was 6 and I currently surf 6 days a week as it's the surfing season, and I'm preparing for my first competitions.

You are now part of the Swiss national surf team! Congratulations! It's a remarkable achievement! Tell us how you accomplished this.

Every summer, I return to Switzerland with my family. We spend a lot of time surfing at Alaia Bay, the wave pool in Sion, Switzerland. This is also where the Swiss team trains, and where we met the national selector. We had met him last year (summer 2023), and since I wanted to be part of the national team, I trained regularly throughout the year. In August (2024), after seeing me surf, he offered me a spot in the junior team.

You will soon be participating in 2 important competitions. How are you preparing? How do you feel? 

I feel good! I have at least 5 surf lessons per week, with 2 different coaches. On weekends, I surf with my father. When there are no waves, I do "ocean training" with my coaches: swimming, free diving, reading currents, etc. I also do surf skateboarding and boxing every week with my older brother and mother. I also play the drums. All of this helps me train my balance, coordination, surfing skills, and focus. But I also need to rest to arrive in good shape for training and competitions. I will soon be heading to Switzerland for my first training sessions with the Swiss team at the wave pool in Sion. I also have to follow a diet tailored to my needs.

You surf a lot and engage in many activities outside of school. That's impressive! Describe a typical busy day and tell us how you manage everything.

I wake up at 5:30 AM, and my dad and I head to the beach because my surf lesson starts at 6 AM. I surf until 7 AM, then we quickly head back to get ready. We leave at 7:40 AM for school. I have my breakfast in the car. At the end of the day, I come home, do my homework, then have dinner with my family. After that, I read with my dad and go to bed early. I have a very specific schedule every day, and my parents help me manage my time. They remind me of what I need to do.

Where/how do you see yourself as a surfer in a few years? Would you like to make it your profession one day?

I would like to be a professional surfer if I can make a living from it, but I know it's tough. In any case, I would like to continue living near the ocean and waves, so I can surf as much as possible.