Amaya Mellado

AMAIA MELLADO

Up Suping Amaia Mellado. Up Suping

Hi Amaia! You started this 2022 with a lot of energy, right?

I finished the season later than usual. At the beginning of December, I went to Paris to compete in the Seine river. Then came the break and now I usually go surfing, now is when there are more waves. This year I am really looking forward to starting the season and training to achieve my goals.

Surely last year has left a good taste in your mouth with your great participation in different Stand Up Paddle events...

Last year I started training quite late since I had the selectivity. With the sun, summer arrived and, although it was quite calm, there was a shower of competitions every weekend where the effort he had made was finally reflected. Thus, I had the opportunity to compete with different athletes that I already knew and with many others that I was able to meet.

The level in your category is very high and all the competitors offer us a lot of action in each event. Do you learn a lot paddling with the great riders of Spain and Europe?

I think that competing with the biggest ones is how you learn most. Although I can get nervous at first, later on, it is the best time for me since it means a greater personal effort and at the same time, I have extra motivation.

How was your experience paddling with hundreds of riders in Paris?

Paddling on the Seine river alongside the best riders was a unique experience that made it one of my favorite competitions. The entire team went to close the season and enjoy the experience with which we left with a good taste in our mouths. In addition, I had the opportunity to meet people that I will surely meet in future competitions.

Tell us about your training and where you usually paddle. I’m sure that together with the Kairoskore team everything will be much easier!

I am lucky that Jurgi can direct my SUP training, both in the sea and on land and, of course, together with the team it is much more fun to paddle around the Bahía de la Concha, where we normally train. We also usually visit Zurriola beach and the Urumea river starting from La Concha. Also, before traveling to Paris, for example, we went to the La Nivelle river in Saint Jean de Lu

What other sports do you doing? Do they complement each other physically when it comes to paddling?

In addition to SUP, I play handball since I was 12 years old. In this sport, although the “battlefield” is much smaller than the river or the sea, it requires a lot of resistance. Likewise, it is a sport in which the whole body is involved, which makes it complimented on a physical level with SUP. However, they are not the only sports that I enjoy, since I love the mountains and skiing.

Do you usually manage your nerves well before the competition? How do you prepare for those seconds before the start?

I always carry nerves deep inside of me. Minutes before I get into the starting position, I usually review the route and try to concentrate on it. The last seconds are eternal and I usually try to visualize a good start, because I think that making a good start is essential to continue well for the rest of the race.

What do you think about the evolution of SUP? Does it give you great moments on a personal level?

SUP is making its way among other sports, people have more and more fun with its practice and I see more and more women motivated to compete, which makes me especially excited. Also, I don’t just like it at a competitive level, because in the summer I transfer my experience to other people by giving them short courses and, of course, learning from each of the students.

We see you in a great moment. What goals do you have for this year and in the long term?

This year I want to train hard to be able to do a Waterman test, go to the Spanish championships, the EuroTour circuit, and the World Cup in Poland. Taking into account that what I like the most is traveling, in the long term my dream would be to be able to see places while I compete and I would also love to be able to attend the ISA World Cup.

Thanks to…

Thanks to my family for accompanying me to all the competition venues and making it possible for me to enjoy this sport. Thank Jurgi for his unconditional presence when it comes to preparing the training sessions, always keeping an eye on the team, and going out rowing with us whenever she can. Without forgetting Ane since without them it would not have been possible to live this wonderful experience. Thanks to the Kairoscore club for supporting us in everything we need. Finally, thanks to you for reflecting on everything we do with the photos and live shows of Up Suping.