Freddy
Olander
Berlin-born. Nazaré-based. Over 20 years in the water, from city kid to one of the few German athletes surfing the biggest waves on the planet.
From Berlin to the Biggest Waves in the World
Freddy Olander grew up in Berlin, far from any ocean, far from any wave. What started as an escape from the concrete of the city became a lifelong pursuit of the most powerful forces nature has to offer. After more than two decades of surfing, Freddy is now based in Nazaré, Portugal, one of the most iconic big wave locations on the planet.
“For a city child like me, surfing was like liberation, I could finally escape from the confines of the concrete desert and into the vastness of nature and waves. When I ride, it is just me and the sea. You could compare it to a meditative state. That is the reason why I have been a passionate surfer for more than 20 years.”
Freddy specialises in three categories of big wave surfing: paddle-in, tow-in and driving the jet ski, making him one of the few athletes operating across all disciplines of the sport at the highest level. He is one of an exceptionally small group of German surfers to have reached this level on the world stage.
Beyond surfing, Freddy works as a keynote speaker, breathwork and performance coach, and runs the Big Wave Experience, a series of on-water experiences, workshops and events based at the Nazaré harbour. His work connects the lessons of big wave surfing to performance, resilience and leadership.
Areas of Work
What Is Big Wave Surfing?
Big wave surfing is a discipline of surfing in which athletes ride waves of at least 6 metres (20 feet) in height, with the most extreme sessions at locations like Nazare producing waves exceeding 20 to 30 metres. It is widely considered the most dangerous and physically demanding form of surfing in the world.
Unlike standard surfing, big wave surfing demands not only technical skill on the board but also extreme physical conditioning, breath-hold training, ocean knowledge and the ability to make split-second decisions under life-threatening pressure. A single wipeout in big wave surfing can result in being held underwater through multiple waves, with hold-downs lasting 10 to 30 seconds or more.
Nazare, on the west coast of Portugal, has become the world capital of big wave surfing. The underwater Nazare Canyon, one of the largest submarine canyons in Europe, focuses and amplifies Atlantic swell energy to produce the biggest waves ever recorded. It is here that multiple world records have been set and where Freddy Olander is based and operates.
Current Partners
Freddy’s current active partners in big wave surfing, competition and lifestyle.
Partners & Media
Freddy has worked with leading brands, media outlets and organisations across Europe and internationally, from national broadcasters and global brands to surf media and corporate partners.
Collaborations & Brand Partnerships
Big wave surfing is capturing significant global media attention. The images coming out of Nazaré, surfers on 20-metre walls of water, reach audiences worldwide. With Freddy Olander, brands gain access to one of the few German athletes operating at this level of the sport.
What a partnership with Freddy can include:
Freddy Olander, Nazaré, Portugal