This promising young Spanish surfer is riding the crest of the wave
Despite his youth, the 14-year-old surfer from Lanzarote has already achieved outstanding national victories, triumphs that have led him to be included in the Spanish National Surfing Team.
Alejo Valido started surfing in Famara at a very early age, encouraged by his father. At the age of 5, he began training more formally under the tutelage of Franito Saenz, a renowned local surfer who runs a school on the island for young surfing talent. Today, at the age of 14, Alejo continues to enjoy surfing on a daily basis and has accumulated several national titles, as well as making the National Surfing Team.
When I was five years old I started to train with Franito here in Famara, and that’s when I started to get the idea…. what would happen if I dedicated myself to this?
For example, when I get up on the podium in a final, I always say that I am from Lanzarote and I feel so proud to be from this island.
His comeback was spectacular, winning both the Spanish Community Championship and another prestigious competition in Gijón, in the U16 category. These successes have positioned him to represent Spain at the 2024 World Surfing Championships, to be held in May in El Salvador.
There he will compete alongside other outstanding surfers from the island, such as Dylan Donegan, Sol Boreli and Carla Morera. For Alejo, being part of the Spanish National Team is a dream come true, and he is eager to demonstrate his talent and enjoy the experience.
Valido is proud of his origins, emphasising that he lives in a place that allows him to practice his favourite sport 365 days a year. “I always feel incredibly proud to say that I am from Lanzarote when I am on the podium of any competition.”
