He makes TLR at home by offering beer and putting some of his old vinyls on before we start the interview. One thing that's apparent from the way he communicates is that for Oscar, surfing is more than catching waves in the ocean; it's about spirituality, state of mind and the respect he has for the environment and community he lives in. It's often said that surfing is a way of life, but for Oscar Schenk it's seems that its the only way of life.
TLR: So, Oscar - how did you get into surfing in the first place?
OS: My first introduction to a board was actually through windsurfing. I used to go with my brother Maurits when I was nine, but the ongoing high cost of equipment made it really difficult to windsurf all year round - which is what you have to do if you want to make it to a professional level. A lot of the guys I knew made it to the top.
I initially got into surfing to improve my windsurfing wave riding techniques. Later on a family holiday to South Africa me and my brother did all the normal tourist attractions to please mum and dad then finally got our own way and spent the last week on a beach near Durban where I met Paul van de Wall, owner of the Aloha Surf Shop - a guy who is still a major influence on me now.
Paul went to great lengths to fix me and my brother up with our own boards, and his passion for surfing was so infectious - from that moment on, I knew that this was something I wanted to pursue.
TLR: Do you compete?
OS: Yeah, at selected competitions. But it's more important to me to enjoy surfing and the vibe generally. I get my satisfaction from what I achieve on the water myself, through teaching my pupils and my way of life generally.
TLR: Big waves, tricks or cruising?
OS: (smiles broadly) That's a hard choice but if I had to choose - big waves. It's great for your mindset and when the opportunity to surf some serious waves presents itself, it's the most intense thing and you must perform to your absolute maximum and bring all elements of your game together in harmony.
