Surfing
Surfing
Check out highlights of Conor Maguire’s Under My Wiiings mentor session
The mentor programme focussed on talent development through first-hand expertise from pro athletes was conducted in India for the first time.
Conor Maguire was in India recently to spend a week on the east coast, surfing and mentoring local aspirants.
Primarily here to impart his knowledge through the Under My Wiiings initiative, Conor took to the shores of Kovalam to empower the next generation of Indian surfers.
Conor Maguire with young Indian surfers
© Focus Sports
Having visited India for other projects previously, Conor was eager to rub shoulders with young Indian surfers.
“I come from Ireland, which is like the other side of the world. Very opposite climate and completely different waves. It’s really nice to see the potential and talent in India,” says Conor.
“I was really looking forward to discovering more about the Indian surf scene; learn how people started surfing, what drives them, and what they love the most about surfing.”
While he was excited about taking his surfboard out on Indian waves, Conor was happy to play the role of mentor as part of the Under My Wiiings programme, helmed by Red Bull.
Conor Maguire conducting an Under My Wiiings session
© Focus Sports
Under My Wiiings – which was conducted in India for the first time, hosted as part of surfing festival Big Air Flo 2024 – is a programme that has been designed to nurture talent in different sports through hands-on tutelage and expert advice, to help them develop technical skills and mental fortitude.
“Going into the Under My Wiings mentor sessions, the most important priority or focus was for me to create enjoyable sessions so everyone can have fun and leave everyone with one important take away – learn what surfing is all about,” Conor says.
“My belief about any mentor session is that if people enjoy it, they are going to progress and get better at the sport.”
Conor with the participants of Under My Wiiings
© Focus Sports
Conor was able to give detailed advice to Indian surfers on how to read the waves and the correct body positions to take on different conditions.
A few of the young Indian surfers expressed interest in wanting to pursue a career in the sport, just like Conor.
“If you are serious about going professional, you need to take definite steps towards it. I think the most important thing is to set goals for your surfing career and for your life,” Conor advised.
“Getting to surf as much as you can in your life is the most enjoyable thing, and in my opinion, it lets you have a nice, fun life. That’s what it’s all about anyway,” he added.
Conor Maguire in Kovalam
© Focus Sports
As a final word of advice, Conor also stressed the importance of sustainability.
“Taking care of your beaches is probably the most important thing you could do as a surfer. Once we realise the beauty of what we have, we learn to take care of it and accept the gifts that it gives us naturally.”
While at Kovalam, Conor also participated in a night surfing session, which was done for the first time in India as part of the Big Air Flo festival.
Night surfing at Big Air Flo 2024 festival in Kovalam
© Focus Sports
