His passion for big waves has taken him all over the world, but he always comes back home: La Misteriosa, his most extraordinary wave
At the age of 35, Manuel Lezcano is living his dream every day, gliding over the waves that have marked his life even when he could barely walk. Lanzarote is his home and the ocean, his corner of peace. Encouraged by his father, also a surfer, he started bodyboarding when he was only three years old, and it wasn’t long before he swapped the short board for a surfboard. What started as a way of having fun ended up becoming his way of life.
First of all, I surf because I love the sport. Every year I like it more and more because I feel more comfortable in the water and I enjoy it more. So it’s something I do simply because I love it. I like it.
At the age of 13, he was already competing in regional competitions, and it was at the age of 20 that he made a key decision: to give up conventional surfing and dedicate himself exclusively to big waves. Since then, his life has revolved around a single quest: the extreme thrill that only big waves can bring.
It’s 7:30 in the morning. Manu is already on the beach, board under his arm, waiting for sunrise to dive into the water. Although there is no forecast of big swells, he’s clear: “There are always waves to enjoy and to train with, and I live in a privileged place that allows me to do that.“
Over the years, he has travelled halfway around the world chasing the most legendary breaks: Hawaii, Tahiti, Mexico, Ireland and even Nazaré. However, his most memorable wave was close to home, in La Santa. “We called it the Misteriosa (Mysterious), and it was around 15 metres high. It was an unforgettable experience.”
His connection with the sea has also been marked by difficult moments. Like that day when a series of waves over 9 metres high surprised him and his team with hardly any preparation. “That day marked a before and after. We understood then that it isn’t enough to be willing; you need serious organisation and a well-prepared team.” Since then, he and his group of companions have developed a more professional structure, covering all safety aspects between them.
Being a coach at Famara Beach, a trainer, is a very important part, especially the part where we work with the youngest members of the youth team. Above all, I try to make them enjoy the water, enjoy the sea, enjoy every day, enjoy the conditions they encounter, and learn to be comfortable and happy in the sea. That’s the most important thing.
Thanks to this constant work, last February he was proclaimed Spanish big wave surfing champion at the Vaca Gigante, one of the most prestigious competitions in the country. His next challenge: the big wave world championships in Chile, where he could be called up with only two days to prepare. The wait is between May and October, and Manu will make sure he’s ready when the signal comes.
After his morning sessions, Manuel goes to JMC Surf Training, where he is a beginners’ instructor. “I enjoy teaching the little ones. I love their enthusiasm. They want to go for more complicated wave straight away, but it’s essential to respect the process.”
And after an intense day surfing, he returns home to his family. Although his children are still young, they’ve already got on the board, and they share that connection with the sea with him. “I live on an incredible island. I have great waves close by, I can train, work and be with my family. It’s a total gift.”
