In this exclusive interview, Björn Dunkerbeck shares his love for SUP and highlights why Las Palmas is a unique hub for the sport, offering some of Europe’s best waves and perfect conditions for beginners and professionals alike. Björn discusses the positive impact of the APP Gran Canaria Pro/Am on the local community, with over 12 SUP schools now thriving on the island. He also previews the event kicking off on December 3rd, promising great waves, thrilling action, and live streaming to ensure fans worldwide can join in. With champions like Luis Diniz and Iballa Moreno defending their titles, and young talent from across the globe, it’s set to be an unmissable spectacle.
Aloha Björn! It’s always inspiring to hear from a legend who has been pivotal in putting Las Palmas de Gran Canaria on the map as a premier destination for SUP surfing. With the APP Gran Canaria Pro/Am just around the corner lets bring our readers up to speed on what we can expect next week.
Stand Up Paddle is the easiest way to do any water sport anywhere there is water, and Las Palmas de Gran Canaria not only has some of the BEST waves in Europe, but it is also the only CAPITAL with this kind of conditions. It also has a 4 km long sandy beach with a rock barrier, which makes a big lagoon for anyone to learn SUP. The APP Gran Canaria Pro/Am is here to show the world and the local population the sport and the amazing conditions we have right here!
No need to travel to Hawaii or Australia at all!
You have been providing a great platform for the SUP surfing community, not only worldwide but also for your local SUP community. Can you tell us what positive impact an event like this has on the local community and economy?
Really, it is one of the best ways to promote not only the sport of SUP but also the great climate we have here on Gran Canaria, part of the Canaries – 8 islands in total! We now have more than 12 different schools and centers that offer SUP on Gran Canaria!
The kickoff to the event is on December 3rd. What can athletes and spectators expect?
We will count on great waves and great action. Also, we do a welcome for everyone. Don’t miss it!
We 6 days of great SUP surf action out in the waves. Judging by the pictures from last year, we can expect a similar spectacle. As a surfer myself, I am wondering: how reliable are the winter swells at this time of year?
We have great waves from September to April, but also swells in summer from the south and east. And yes, we can have similar waves like last year, and also better ones with some luck!
In terms of participation, we have Luis Diniz from Brazil and local girl Iballa Moreno defending their titles. Who are the names to look out for that could challenge these two?
We count on all champions and hopefully some new young talent as well from all over the world. Follow us on our social media – all LIKES and followers count and will help us to keep going in the years to come. It’s the 5th edition this year!
To make sure the fans won’t miss out on the action, can you run us through the live cast and the event program?
Yes, we have LIVE STREAMING, so please share this INFO with all your contacts, since we do this for everyone that can’t make it to Gran Canaria (;-)))
What are the highlights viewers can’t miss out on?
Tune in and you will see!
Thank you very much, Björn, for your time. We are looking forward to being part of the event as a media partner and can’t wait to see how the waves will be that week.