*This interview was originally published in August 2017

Fifteen years ago, seeing a Latin American country in the top 100 of the QS and the top 10 of the ISA was an exception. Leaving aside what the Peruvian Sofía Mulanovich did, which was from another planet, surfing gradually grew in that region until it created a new rule… Peru, Costa Rica, Panama, Puerto Rico, Argentina, Chile, Mexico and Venezuela, among other countries in the region, began to have a presence on the podiums around the world.

English-speaking webcasters had to learn surnames that were difficult for them to pronounce (they are still learning) and the world had to accept the reality that there is a new hotbed of talent called Latin America.

The nest of that nest, which gave rise to what is happening now, is not only well portrayed in the documentary Cuentos del Mar, but it is the first time in history that the surfer movement mentioned above appears as one, as a common force of countries that share passions and sacrifices.

Despite the challenges that its director, Jose Madalengoitia, faced, he created an audiovisual work of art of fundamental historical importance. The film is achieved with impeccable photography, a soundtrack full of identity and a vibe that exudes Latin America wherever you watch it.

We set out to rescue Tales of the Sea, which was presented in cinemas and then on DVD in 2006, and to re-release it. We also interviewed Madalengoitia himself, who at just over 40 years old has become a major audiovisual producer in the advertising and documentary world outside of surfing, but who admits that he is eager to film his first passion again.

What led you to make Cuentos del Mar more than 10 years ago?
At that point in my life I was totally dedicated to surfing. I had surfing for breakfast, lunch and dinner. If I wasn't filming in the water, I was surfing or filming from the beach. I followed the ALAS Latin tour to cover the different tour dates and that meant traveling a lot around Latin America. But I also traveled for long periods to Hawaii and California on my own.

All of this made me appreciate the huge difference that existed between being a professional surfer in the United States or Europe and being one in Latin America.

The effort that a Latin surfer had to make to pursue his dream was immense. Small budget, “survival mode”… But with all that there was a very strong, real and united movement.

And that, for me, was worth portraying.

Appreciating the motivation that existed from a kid who only had a piece of wood to the most pro of Latinos; the same desire… Obviously I include myself, because to dedicate yourself to being a surf filmmaker and be able to make a one-hour surf documentary at that time was crazy.

How would you describe that film to readers?
To start off, I would say that if you want to see it, you have to keep in mind that it is a documentary set in the context of surfing in Latin America in 2005. There are five stories with characters that portray what it meant to be a Latin surfer. Friends on a surf trip in Peru, a low-budget trip for team riders to Mexico, an intense championship in El Salvador, the relationship of a surfer father from Puerto Rico with his daughter, and his memories as a champion at the HIC Pipe Pro. In addition to interview inserts with the “characters” of that time, from pros to a poet sailor in Colombia. Lots of color, essence, good waves, and 100% Latin music.

What elements indicated to you that a new identity of surfing was being born, Hispanic American surfing?
Definitely the desire and the sacrifice that we all made. It was clear that it was not a passing fad. A boom of the moment. We all wanted it so much that there was no way that this would not transcend to something bigger.

In fact, it was a turning point to get to where we are now.

I feel that another revolution like that should come soon to take the next step, which for me is already needed.

Review some fragments of the film that you would like to highlight.
The story in Peru, of three friends, who are now all fathers but still linked to surfing, surfing waves in the desert. When Lobitos was still desolate. The trip to Puerto Escondido on a low budget, making magic so we could stay until the day of the giant swell. The poem to the sea recited by a man I met on the beach in Barranquilla, Colombia. The heroic championship of “Policia”, the Punta Roca venue in El Salvador.

What is your favorite part of the movie?
My favorite part is the one from Puerto Rico with Carlos Cabrero and his story of how he beat Andy Irons and other greats of the time in the Pipeline championship. Without a doubt, the most human part.

Twelve years later, what progress and setbacks do you see in surfing in the region?
As I said, I feel that we need another great revolution. We need the next step. To consolidate ourselves with Latin surfers on the WSL tour. For important organizers to appear in the area. For good work to be done not only on social media like you do but also on news and sports programs on mass media, to “teach” the masses to understand a surfing competition. This generates more empathy with the sport and the pie grows for those who make a living from this.

Surfing in the Olympics could help a lot if it is used well.

What has become of your life? Why did you decide to move away from surfing?
I continue filming. I love filming. And because I am so passionate about it, I also seek to learn and grow in that sense. Filming surf has given me a very solid foundation that is evident in my style, but I also had to draw on the world of advertising films, documentaries, and big productions to learn more.

Now I have two children and surfing still doesn't pay the bills for a life like the one I want to give them.

Although I confess that I am at that point in my life where I am beginning to look for ways to sustain my business by doing what I did before (living in surfing)… I think I am close and that has me motivated.