Off the radar in Spain.
Over in Spain, Chus Fiochi loves juicy Atlantic swells, top to bottom barrels, and solitude. He wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong idea: he's no misanthrope, but he loves surfing uncrowded waves. So much so, in fact, that when there's swell you'll more often than not find him surfing some closeout beachbreak rather than one of the more obvious sheltered point options. When the stars align and everything comes together, this crowd avoidance tactic can give Chus his choice of whichever waves he wants at his chosen spot. Making the effort to get off the radar has the added benefit of ensuring that when he does share the lineup it's usually with someone of a similar mind-set. Chus reckons the interactions he has with others on the same programme as him can be as rewarding as the waves he scores.
For example ... these few photos were shot during a couple of sessions Chus surfed solo. On both occasions a photographer turned up to shoot another guy who had yet to appear. Chus, being not only the gentleman that he is, but also the only other person in sight, had a little post-surf chat with the lensman, and hey presto: Spanish barrelism on your screen. Worth the effort? Of course!
Images by Rafael Riancho
Words by Rob Harwood
