Catching Big Waves and Sharing Passion for Giving Back with Coco Nogales

Catching Big Waves and Sharing Passion for Giving Back with Coco Nogales

We chatted with our friend and fellow kind human, Coco Nogales. He shares about his program, the Ahava Project, and how kindness inspires him in his career as a professional surfer and in his life outside of that. We’re stoked on his dedication to helping others achieve their goals, keeping our planet clean, and supporting those in need. – KH

Who is Coco Nogales?
I am a Mexican big wave surfer, and I rose to fame as one of the first Mexican big wave pro surfers. I am living my dream by catching waves on the most amazing points in the world. I love to share my passion through the Ahava Project.

Where do you live/where are you from?
I was born in the North of Mexico City, but since I was 11 years old, I’ve lived in Puerto Escondido.

What are your passions/what led you to be here?
I left the region I knew to find the surfing paradise, Puerto Escondido. When I got there, surfing became a huge part of my life, and that’s how I started down my path to become a pro surfer.

What led you to professional surfing?
I never really had anybody who was leading me to professional surfing, but I did look up to other surfers. I just did what I could to follow my passion and my dream, which always kept me inspired.

You’ve had a unique path to becoming a professional surfer and the man you are today, what has motivated you to achieve so much?
I was motivated by the waves and my addiction to being in the ocean. I would challenge myself by pushing myself to the limit. I always wanted to be “somebody” because of my background, which motivated me to achieve this goal of being a pro surfer. Additionally, seeing other guys surfing these big waves was something I always looked up to and focused on to reach my goal.

Can you tell us a little about Ahava Project and the work you do?
Ahava Project is a very special project that I founded in 2010. Since then, we’ve hosted several different kinds of events with kids. Our goal is to motivate kids in need to believe in themselves and teach them to fight for their dreams. Through the sport of surfing, we hope to spark inspiration. Another aspect of the program is teaching kids the importance of taking care of our environment. We want to spread unconditional love to everybody. I want to instill hope in kids with difficult backgrounds similar to what I experienced as a kid, so this project is very personal for me.

What does kindness mean to you?
Kindness is something that comes from the inside of a human. True kindness is not possible to fake; it’s something you are willing to show because you feel it.

 

“Kindness can be shown in different ways and that’s the special thing about it; everybody has their own way to show kindness to another person.”

 

Name three kind humans in your life that have positively affected you and why?
My girlfriend, because she is always caring about others and is always kind no matter what. She always spreads positivity with her energy.
My friend, Sean West – a Californian who’s now living in Puerto Escondido – because he is a kind and humble human who always offers his help if somebody is in need.
And Bob Hurley, because he inspired me and believed in me and my career. He was there from the beginning and has motivated me since then.

Is there an experience or event in your life that has helped shape the person you are today?
Of course. I had a difficult childhood where I needed to take care of myself from a young age. I needed to grow up fast, so there was no time to be a normal kid. Throughout my lifetime, I was also shaped by amazing people who I could learn from or who were big parts of my life. There is not just one event; I think it’s my whole life and periods of time I went through that made me who I am today. Every experience – good or bad – shapes you and brings you forward.

Can you describe a moment or project that you’re most proud of in your work with Ahava Project?
For me, every single project has been special and unique. Working with kids with cancer, kids with Autism, and visiting the orphanage home in Playas de Tijuana or the homes for Surfers Not Street Children in Durban impacted me greatly. Learn more HERE.

What are your passions besides surfing?
I’m very passionate about anything involving sports because I love to take care of my body and stay in movement. Meditation and yoga as a counterpart are also important. Overall, to be connected with nature is very important to me, no matter where I am or what I’m doing. Combing sports with nature is the best!

               

What are some of the things that inspire you most?
I get inspired by the energy and power of nature, especially when I’m in the ocean. The feeling and the connection is hard to describe. It’s a unique, happy place in the world. It gives me peace and harmony.

Humble people with an impressive life stories also inspire me. People who give back love and kindness to the people around them are always an inspiration, as well!

What is a message you want to spread and leave with the Kindhumans community?
In difficult situations, be kind to each other and never lose your focus, appreciate what you have, and don’t always postpone things to the next day – live your days like it could be your last one!