By Lucy Roberts
Valencian free surfer and photographer Mireia Martinez has recently taken part in Barcelona: Surf Destination which premiered on Rakuten TV.
Mireia Martinez
It follows the first ever Olympic surfing champion Ítalo Ferreira as he visits Barcelona which fellow surfing friends to find the best spots to take on the water.
Martinez spoke to Female First about how she discovered her love for surfing, explained why she wanted to create an ocean-friendly clothing brand and revealed what it was like to be a part of the documentary.
Q) How did you discover your love for surfing?
A) In a trip to Portugal with friends. I stranded up in my fist wave (was the perfect conditions for beginners, small, glassy and sunny) and the feeling I had it’s inexplicable, I understood immediately I did not want to do anything else in my life that was not surfing. So, I left everything behind (I had two jobs to be able to pay my studies) I asked for a scholarship, and I moved to Portugal until today to be able to be everyday doing what I love.
Q) How do you manage your time between your career as a photographer and your love of surfing?
A) I’m my own boss so it's easy; I schedule my time around surfing and forecast.
Q) You founded the Mikai brand, which is inspired by the ocean, so tell me about how that came about and why you wanted to create it?
A) I see how the oceans and beaches are full of plastic and trash, and how animals suffer with it; all the times I go surfing. I love painting and creating so I had the idea of selling my art to be able to have the money to invest on cleaning the oceans. So, I started painting and posting on Instagram and the people started to order a lot of my pieces, I was so happy about it and started crating more things like clothing, jewellery and ponchos all inspired on the ocean to help the ocean.
Q) How did you restaurant Kaikaya come about and why did you want it to be a fusion between Japan and Brazil?
A) Kaikaya it’s my most challenging project. I was really scared because I have crazy ideas. I have a long story with Brazil, and I love sushi, so I said why not? And it’s crazy how if you do things with your heart, people can feel it and works.
Q) Why did you want to be a part of Barcelona: Surf Destination?
A) Alex is an old friend of mine, and he is always inviting me to visit him and surf there and this was the perfect moment to meet a surf with a world champion and Olympian! I could not miss this opportunity is once in a lifetime.
Q) What has it been like to take part in the documentary?
A) I have no words to explain what I felt. It was just incredible and super fun. One one hand getting to know Barcelona with Alex and all the great things we did together, to surf with Ítalo and learn from him, to see him like a human and not like a star. On the other hand geting to know all the incredible team behind this documentary, they are amazing- they became like family. I love them so much, they are just super fun, professional and humble. I can’t be more thankful to share all this experience with them. I hope to keep working with them and live more adventures together. I just have to say … thank you, it was unique!