For a big wave surfer, known for conquering some of the most extreme seas on the planet, with nerves of steel that border on the superhuman, Nic von Rupp’s career in the water got off to an inauspicious start.
“I used to be afraid of rocks,” the Lisbon-born, two-time Big Wave Award Performer of the Year finalist says. “When I was six years old, that was my biggest fear — walking on rocks in the water.”
His surf coach came to his rescue.
“He walked me through the process of getting familiar with rocks and overcoming my fear. I guess stepping outside my comfort zone and daring to walk on top of those rocks was my earliest memory of facing my fears. And I’ve taken on that lesson for the rest of my life — to dare, to move forward and not to be intimidated by anything ahead.”
It’s a message that has continued to serve von Rupp throughout his career. Today he spends his time travelling the world in pursuit of riding giant swells, from Portugal to Ireland; California to Hawaii. But it’s also a message that we can all learn something from, wherever our day-to-day takes us.
Throughout it all, von Rupp’s companion has been his trusty TUDOR watch. Today the iconic brand is almost a century old. Created in 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf as a sibling brand to the pioneering watchmaker’s other brand, Rolex, it was intended to develop more affordable watches that were just as robust, durable and precise — and able to withstand the most extreme conditions.
For this reason, TUDOR watches (stocked at the illustrious Goldsmiths, the UK’s largest purveyor of luxury watches) has spent nigh on 100 years adorning the wrists of some of the most daring, outgoing and brave adventurers on the planet. They have lived through the coldest days ever recorded, as part of the British North Greenland Expedition, a scientific mission led by Commander James Simpson, which lasted from July 1952 to August 1954. They have flown on the wrists of the pararescue teams of the US Air Force. They have accompanied land races through punishing alpine roads. And they been put through their paces on the wrists of frogmen in the French and US Navies. In all circumstances, they have perpetuated a spirit of supreme dependability, going above and beyond industry standards.
For von Rupp doing a sport in which timing is crucial, there could only ever have been one choice.
“Being a big wave surfer is about being in the right place at the right time,” he says. “Therefore, having a watch on my wrist is essential for me. My favourite model is the TUDOR Pelagos. I love the balance between fanciness and youth, and the fact that it is versatile enough to use on any occasion — it can be worn surfing the biggest waves in the world or at a fancy awards ceremony. I have worn my Pelagos during many surf sessions and it is a reliable companion — it has never failed me. For out of the water, I like the TUDOR Black Bay in Burgundy as it’s so iconic and the rich colour stands out. I also really like the uniqueness and the aesthetic of the Black Bay Fifty-Eight 925 — a watch made of silver that is not only beautiful but also incredibly robust.”
Born in 1990 to a German-American father and a Swiss mother, and raised in Portugal, von Rupp’s international background gave him an early curiosity for travel and adventure. At just nine years old, he began surfing and his hunger to win would lead him to a successful career as a junior, winning national and international titles. When he turned professional, he began travelling globally on the World Qualifying Series, where he truly excelled, leading him to being named European Surfer of the Year in 2013.
“The analogy I like to make is that a big wave is an expression of nature,” von Rupp explains. “It’s incredible to witness the power of the ocean crashing onto the shore. Being out there with on a big wave is like being chased by a moving mountain... and that mountain can hurt you.”
Few of us get to experience what von Rupp does. But he is eloquent enough to give us some idea of what it feels like.
“There is a very thin line between success and failure when you’re surfing big waves,” he explains. “When you’re surfing well, it fills up your soul, your ego, and your confidence. But as soon as you get overconfident, the ocean will teach you a lesson. It happens like that. You need to bear in mind that nature always has the upper hand.”
But much like the rocks that proved initially distracting for the future superstar, mastery is more easily within our reach than we may imagine. The key is being prepared to be just a bit more daring.
“Being born to dare is being born to be ready to face the challenges of your life,” says von Rupp. “Whether that is in sports, in your daily challenges or in business.
“Being born to dare is to step outside your comfort zone,” he says. “Drive for more and dare to be greater.”
Shop the TUDOR watches collection at goldsmiths.co.uk, part of the Watches of Switzerland group, the UK’s largest luxury watch retailer. Shop in its showrooms, online or in a selection of Tudor mono-brand boutiques
