Episode #98 - Alex Mertens
June 11, 202500:55:34

Episode #98 - Alex Mertens

On this episode, we sit down with Alex Mertens, a windsurfing and wing foiling enthusiast from the San Francisco Bay Area, to dive into his journey from elite soccer to mastering wind sports. From his early days hating windsurfing to competing on the European Freestyle Pro Tour and creating the YouTube series Secrets of the Send, Alex shares his passion for foiling, safety tips, and the vibrant Bay Area wind scene. This episode uncovers the grit, creativity, and community fueling his water sports evolution.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
- Origin Story: A soccer injury led Alex to windsurfing as physical therapy, sparking a lifelong passion.
- Learning Process: How video analysis and gymnastics training helped Alex master freestyle moves like Spocks and backflips.
- Safety Tips: The critical omega-shaped foot strap setup to prevent injuries like Lisfranc fractures while foiling or windsurfing.
- Bay Area Scene: Why Sherman Island’s tidal river and Chrissy Field’s boat wakes make the Bay a wind sports mecca.
- European Edge: The accessibility of windsurfing centers in Europe compared to North America’s smaller scene.
- Creative Ventures: Alex’s custom Duotone board design and plans for a video exploring the artist-athlete connection.
- Dream Project: A wild idea for a wing foil “Escape from Alcatraz” film, Clint Eastwood style.

Chapters

00:00 Unexpected Adventures in Travel
02:54 Exploring the Wonders of Bonaire
05:55 Windsurfing and Water Sports in Bonaire
08:59 The Journey into Windsurfing
12:08 The Role of Video in Learning
14:56 Competing on the European Freestyle Pro Tour
18:00 The Thrill of Windsurfing Events
20:56 The Windsurfing Scene in North America
23:54 Inspiration from Older Windsurfers
26:53 Safety and Communication in Water Sports
28:52 Viral Moments in Windsurfing
31:02 Commercial Shoots and Tech Innovations
32:15 The Magic of Sherman Island
35:27 Transitioning to Wing Foiling
38:37 YouTube Journey and Learning to Foil
42:35 Safety in Foot Strap Setup
51:29 Creative Projects and Future Plans